Register for the Upcoming Companies to Watch Program

The Indiana Companies to Watch event has proven to be a wonderful showcase of Indiana’s best small businesses. The Aug. 23 program will surely illuminate the work of many dutiful and passionate entrepreneurs, and you can be part of the action. The Indiana Small Business Development Center reports:

“Because of our steadfast commitment to creating the best business climate possible, it is no surprise that Indiana has become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurism,” said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “We are thrilled to honor this year’s class of ‘Companies to Watch’ as they exemplify the spirit of ingenuity. Indiana is filled with highly skilled, dynamic small businesses like these that are taking risks and working hard every day to create their own homegrown Hoosier success stories.”

The accolade, presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Center network and the Edward Lowe Foundation, recognizes the state’s privately held businesses that employ six to 150 full-time employees and have between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or capital.

The 25 ‘Companies to Watch’ will be honored at an Aug. 23 ceremony at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. Tickets for the ceremony and dinner are still available and may be purchased online at www.ctw2012.eventbrite.com or by calling (888) 472-3244.

Complete List of Companies to Watch Honorees:

  • Advanced Technologies in Electrical and Communications, Inc. (Lebanon)
  • Agdia, Inc. (Elkhart)
  • Anthony Travel, Inc. (Notre Dame)
  • Apex Benefits (Indianapolis)
  • Boice.net (New Albany) 
  • BriMar Wood Innovations Inc. (Goshen) 
  • Catheter Research, Inc. (Indianapolis) 
  • Courseload (Indianapolis)
  • ENS Group, Inc. (Fort Wayne) 
  • FDC Graphic Films, Inc. (South Bend) 
  • Hanapin Marketing (Bloomington)
  • Indiana Reline, Inc. (Sulphur Springs) 
  • LeadJen (Indianapolis)
  • Nolan Security & Investigations, LLC (Avon)
  • Oak Street Funding (Carmel)
  • OurHealth (Indianapolis) 
  • PullRite (Mishawaka)
  • Raidious (Indianapolis)
  • Sailrite Enterprises, Inc. (Columbia City) 
  • Smarter Remarketer, LLC (Indianapolis)
  • Spencer Machine & Tool Co. Inc. (Jeffersonville)
  • Treadstone, LLC (South Bend) 
  • TrendyMinds (Indianapolis)
  • Windstream Technologies, Inc. (New Albany)
  • Wolfe Diversified Industries (Anderson)

IEDC: Nominations, Applications Open for Business Awards

The following is a release from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation about the 2011 Companies to Watch nominations. (Our own BizVoice magazine is a partner of the program, and will publish stories and profiles about the winners for the third consecutive year.):

Nominations and applications for the fourth annual Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, highlighting some of the state’s top second-stage companies opens today.

Presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Center network (ISBDC), Purdue University and the Edward Lowe Foundation, Indiana Companies to Watch recognizes privately held Indiana businesses that employ six to 150 full-time employees and have between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or capital.

"Companies to Watch is a great way to recognize businesses in our state that are continuing to grow and create new opportunities across Indiana," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "This program provides entrepreneurs with well-deserved recognition for their efforts, but also a chance to network with past and fellow recipients, which encourages further growth in our state." 

Anyone may nominate an eligible business or apply for the awards by completing the online application form at www.Indiana.companiestowatch.org. A panel of judges will review the applications and select the top companies to receive the awards based on past growth, projected success, innovation, technology application and community involvement. Nominations will be accepted through March 25. Companies may submit applications on their own behalf through April 15.

"This annual event has grown to be a preeminent awards program that shines the spotlight on Indiana’s entrepreneurial companies," said Marcus B. Chandler, chair of flagship sponsor Barnes & Thornburg LLP’s Entrepreneurial Services Group. "As an advocate for several Indiana entrepreneurial companies of all sizes and types, we are always excited to see and learn more about the progress of these businesses."

Winners of the awards will be recognized Aug. 25 during an awards dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

Companies to Watch was developed by the Cassopolis, Mich. – based Edward Lowe Foundation.  The foundation hosts similar programs in Michigan, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

"Companies to Watch is proof that second-stage companies have become the major employment drivers in our economy. Over the last few years when stories about our economy dealt with infamous blows to larger corporations, the second-stage companies in our communities were quietly adding jobs, creating new products and entering national and international markets," said Penny Lewandowski, director of entrepreneurship development at the Edward Lowe Foundation. "For the past three years, Indiana Companies to Watch has identified 141 outstanding second-stagers that have employed more than 7,900 full-time equivalent workers. These companies represent 32 counties from across the state and industries as diverse as biotechnology, manufacturing, retail and health care."

Nominations/Applications Being Accepted for Business Awards

The IEDC and SBDC are now accepting nominations for the popular Indiana Companies to Watch program. Once again, BizVoice magazine will include information about the winners and will be presented the night of the awards dinner:

Nominations and applications for the third annual Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, highlighting some of the state’s top privately held companies opens today.

Presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Center network (SBDC), Purdue University and the Edward Lowe Foundation, Indiana Companies to Watch recognizes privately held Indiana businesses that employ between six and 150 full-time employees and have between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or working capital.

"This program spotlights Indiana companies in various industries who have demonstrated growth and the intent to keep growing," said Jeff Heinzmann, IEDC’s state SBDC director. "We are also succeeding in bringing these entrepreneurs together as a community to learn how to grow from each other."

Anyone may nominate an eligible business or apply for the awards by completing the online application form at www.Indiana.companiestowatch.org. A panel of judges will review the applications and select the top companies to receive the awards based on past growth, projected success, innovation, technology application and community involvement. Nominations will be accepted through March 29.

"Premier Capital Corporation is honored to again participate in an awards program that recognizes growing Indiana companies," said David W. Amick, executive director of Premier Capital Corporation, the program’s flagship sponsor.  "As a provider of growth capital to Indiana businesses for the past 25 years, the Indiana Companies to Watch program is a great opportunity to recognize Indiana success stories, many of whom are Premier Capital clients."

Winners of the awards will be recognized Aug. 26 during an awards dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

"The Indiana Companies to Watch awards program honors some of our state’s greatest assets – successful entrepreneurs who are creating companies and jobs for Hoosiers," said Alan H. Rebar, executive director of Purdue’s Discovery Park. "It is important that we recognize these future economic leaders and give them a strong support base for their continued success."

Companies to Watch was developed by the Cassopolis, Mich. – based Edward Lowe Foundation.  The foundation hosts similar programs in Michigan, Arizona, Colorado and Mississippi.

"Since its inception in 2008, Companies to Watch in Indiana has clearly demonstrated that second-stage companies power the state’s economy," said Penny Lewandowski, director of entrepreneurship at the Edward Lowe Foundation. "At the time they were selected, 2008 and 2009 honorees employed more than 5,771 workers. Representing regions statewide, these companies are impressive for their industry diversity, as well as their compelling stories of entrepreneurial leadership and tremendous potential for developing the latest and greatest innovations."