Page 44 - BizVoice September/October 2012

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Indiana Companies to Watch
44
BizVoice
/Indiana Chamber –
September/October 2012
Beyond the Numbers: The Broad Impact
of Indiana’s Companies to Watch
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ongratulations to the 2012 Indiana Companies to Watch honorees! These second-stage companies
expect to generate $292 million in annual revenue and create more than 170 new jobs this year.
And while it’s important to recognize awardees’ economic performance, their contributions
extend far beyond job creation. Companies to Watch honorees also stand out because they are:
Clever competitors.
They’re agile at adapting to industry trends and changing regulations. They’ve
established national – and even global – markets that bring outside dollars into their local communities.
Many are also attracting venture capital dollars, which can raise investor awareness for other companies in their region.
Outstanding employers.
These companies practice diversity and have established strong corporate cultures and creative
human resource policies. The result is an inspired workplace where employees think and behave like owners.
Good citizens.
Honorees are also committed to their communities. Some have revitalized blighted areas by building new
facilities or renovating existing ones. Others have a strong track record of philanthropy; by supporting social and
environmental causes, they are determined to make a difference.
Although Ed Lowe fell into all of these categories, it was this last one he was most passionate about. He used to say, “All
roads lead to Cassopolis,” his hometown in Michigan, where his business headquarters was also located. He supported the
community not only by donating money but also by giving his time and taking leadership roles in civic groups. Ed also felt
strongly about another important community – his fellow entrepreneurs – and in 1985 he created the foundation to build
support and raise awareness for second-stage companies.
Among the foundation’s many programs, Companies to Watch celebrates growth-oriented second-stagers and recognizes
the important impact they have. From adding new jobs and strengthening the economy to transforming communities into
more vibrant places to live, Indiana Companies to Watch honorees play a critical – and multi-faceted – role in the destiny of
the Hoosier state.
Congratulations, class of 2012! We salute your current accomplishments and look forward to your future ones!
Darlene Lowe, Chairman, Edward Lowe Foundation
Photo by John Reilly Photography
A Message From the Governor
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ongratulations on your acceptance to Indiana’s fifth class of Companies to Watch!
Your vision and commitment to creating innovative products and services has earned
you a place among some of the best and brightest in our state. Making the most of this
opportunity is not only paramount to the success of your company, but for the future prosperity of
Hoosiers to grow our economy and create new jobs in Indiana.
When others would shy away from opportunities during challenging economic conditions, you
have gathered the courage and strength to face those challenges head-on with solutions that will improve
our quality of life and further our legacy as one of the most prosperous states for business in the country.
All of us have a vested stake in seeing your ideas materialize, and on behalf of the state of Indiana and its citizens, we thank you
for embodying the true Hoosier spirit of innovation, opportunity and hard work. You are in very good company, with the
support of an administration committed to optimizing economic and regulatory conditions for your continued success.
We look forward to charting your progress and have full confidence that great things will result from your efforts. You
have our continued gratitude and respect for your personal commitment to helping us grow our economy and to improving
the quality of life for generations of Hoosiers to come.
Sincerely,
Mitch Daniels, Governor, State of Indiana