Star firms to be recognized

A collection of agencies for business growth in Florida is organizing a “Florida Companies to Watch” awards event for early 2011.

The Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida (GrowFL) and the Florida chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth will work with the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and the Florida Business Incubation Association to recognize growing companies based in the Sunshine State.

The event will differ from many other award programs by recognizing “second-stage” companies, which have already shown some significant growth.

“Many second-stage businesses fly under the radar screen of typical awards programs,” argues Tom O'Neal, executive director of the UCF Florida Economic Gardening Institute. “These companies are quietly, yet steadily, creating jobs and improving the quality of life in their communities.”

Florida-based companies are encouraged to visit http://companiestowatch.org/ and apply to be a part of the program. Applications are due by Oct. 13.