WWU's Center for Economic Vitality to Present Washington Companies to Watch Recognition Program

Contact: Tom Dorr, Center for Economic Vitality, Director, (360) 733-4014, Tom.Dorr@wwu.edu

BELLINGHAM - Western Washington University’s Center for Economic Vitality (CEV), in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation, will host the first Washington Companies to Watch recognition program next October.

The awards will be presented at a dinner reception on Oct. 25, 2012 in Seattle.

Companies to Watch honors second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace, exhibit innovative products or processes, and are worth watching for their growth, entrepreneurship and contribution to Washington state.

 “We are excited to launch a program highlighting the significant contributions second-stage companies are making to our economy, our communities and our state. Second-stage companies are a key contributor to Washington’s economy, representing less than 9 percent of the total businesses but employing more than 37 percent of our workforce,” said Tom Dorr, director of the CEV. “Second-stage companies are also one of the primary drivers of job creation.  These companies are in every community in our state but often fall under the radar. ”

Eligible second-stage companies must have between 6 and 99 employees, with annual revenues between $750,000 and $50 million. The business must also be privately held and headquartered in Washington state.

The CEV is currently seeking nominations of second-stage businesses across Washington state for these awards. A simple online nomination form, list of sponsorship benefits and more information can be located at: www.washington.companiestowatch.org. 

For more than 20 years, the Center for Economic Vitality (CEV) has enabled Western Washington University's College of Business and Economics to give back to the business community and has helped to shape the economic future of our region one business at a time. The CEV provides free, confidential counseling and technical assistance combined with competitive intelligence research/economic gardening services to business owners and managers throughout Washington state.  The CEV also provides export assistance to businesses throughout Washington state. For more information, go to http://www.cevforbusiness.com or call 360-733-4014.

The Edward Lowe Foundation created the Companies to Watch recognition program to celebrate second-stage entrepreneurs and their companies. Established in 1985, the foundation is a Michigan-based nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurship through recognition, education and research with a focus on second-stage companies—those that have moved beyond the startup phase and seek significant, steady growth. The foundation also encourages economic gardening, an entrepreneur-centered strategy providing balance to the traditional approach of business recruitment. For more information, visit edwardlowe.org. 

For more information about the awards, contact the CEV’s Tom Dorr at (360) 733-4014 or Tom.Dorr@wwu.edu.