Media 1, a training and performance consultancy, has been recognized as one of the "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch," an awards program sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation.
by Site Staff
March 9, 2007
Grand Haven, Mich. — March 9
Media 1, a training and performance consultancy, has been recognized as one of the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch,” an awards program sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation.
Media 1 will be honored at an awards ceremony during the third-annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event April 12 in East Lansing.
“Michigan 50 Companies to Watch is a unique awards program designed to shine the spotlight on second-stage companies,” said Mark Lange, executive director of the Edward Lowe Foundation, a nonprofit operating foundation
based in Michigan.
The foundation’s mission is to “champion the entrepreneurial spirit” by encouraging entrepreneurial cultures in communities throughout the country and helping second-stage companies learn from one another.
“When it comes to a robust economy, second-stage entrepreneurs play a critical role because they generate new jobs and sustainable growth,” Lange said. “And
yet, they’re not often recognized or appreciated for the impact they have on the economy or the community.”
Chris F. Willis, Media 1 CEO and founder, agrees.
“While some areas of the Michigan economy have taken major hits, small services and technology companies like Media 1 continue to thrive and contribute to the economic recovery of our state,” Willis said. “These entrepreneurial companies are and will continue to be the lifeblood of the growth of Michigan. I am proud to list our company among them.”
Companies nominated for the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list must be second-stage companies, defined as having six to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants.
In addition, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.
Winners were selected by the Michigan Certified Development Corp., Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, the Small
Business Association of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the U.S. Small Business Administration-Michigan and the Edward Lowe Foundation.
Judges evaluated the nominees’ demonstrated intent and
capacity to grow based on one or more of the following:
- Employee or sales growth.
- Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership.
- Sustainable competitive advantage.
- Other notable factors that showcase the company’s success.