Growth leaders

In a down economy, it’s never easy to grow your business by increasing revenue, adding employees or expanding your space.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. In fact, there are dozens, if not hundreds of businesses across Northeast Ohio whose leaders understand how to run successful endeavors under the most difficult of circumstances.

Sometimes, a business owner can take advantage of tough times to enhance a relationship with an existing client, driving deeper and expanding sales. Other times, they can build up cash reserves and use that money to construct a building or expand operations. Or, it could be as simple as seizing an opportunity to fill a gap in the marketplace caused by a competitor going out of business.

This year, Smart Business is proud to team with Cascade Capital Corp. to present the 2003 Business Growth Awards, honoring companies in Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, Holmes and Wayne counties that have experienced significant sales or employment growth.

Honorees have achieved an increase of at least 100 percent in sales growth, or of $5 million in total sales; or increased employment by at least 50 percent, or 25 employees, over the past five years.

More than 40 companies have reached this impressive milestone and are being honored Oct. 9 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. Here are a few examples of why these companies are so outstanding, and the full roster of this year’s honorees.