Celebrating Growth

In today’s volatile economy, growth isn’t a word frequently touted throughout the business community. Yet despite the economic ups and downs, many companies in Utah are growing—and they’re growing at phenomenal rates.

In this issue of Utah Business, we celebrate 50 of the state’s fastest-growing companies. Each company on the 2011 Fast 50 list, which was determined by five years of compound annual revenue growth, has proven that success is possible in any economy.

In addition to the Fast 50, we honor eight of the state’s fastest-growing companies that have been in business less than five years. The Emerging 8 companies prove that Utah’s business environment is rich for entrepreneurs readying to launch a new venture.

While we congratulate the successful growth that the Fast 50 and Emerging 8 companies have experienced, we also applaud their contribution to Utah’s overall economy. These 58 companies are economic engines for the state, collectively employing nearly 25,000 Utahns. Though diverse in industry and size, each company on the Fast 50 and Emerging 8 lists shares common business principles such as adapting and innovating to stay ahead, committing to customers and employees, and taking strategic risks that aren’t always a sure bet. Hear from a selection of Fast 50 and Emerging 8 executives as they discuss what factors have led to their success beginning on page 46. We hope that their insights and experiences will give you ideas that you can put to work in your company.

On another note, we are also excited to present a special publication for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah. This publication, which is found inside this issue of Utah Business, highlights the noble efforts the nonprofit organization puts forth to help brighten the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Among the pages, you’ll find stories of how Make-A-Wish has enhanced the lives of thousands of children, their families, and the companies, individuals and communities that support the foundation’s efforts. We are proud to support Make-A-Wish in their great cause and we encourage you to become involved too. Read about the organization and discover ways that you can help brighten a child’s life in this special section. I believe you’ll agree that the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah is an organization that deserves applauding.

From the Editor
Sarah Ryther Francom