Michigan 50 Companies to Watch is an awards program that celebrates second-stage companies throughout the state of Michigan. Known for their performance in the marketplace, innovation, philanthropy and empowered employees, these companies come from a wide range of industries across the state.

Why support second-stage companies? These companies are powerhouses for job creation. During 2005-2007, Michigan's resident companies averaged more than 57,000 second-stage establishments, according to YourEconomy.org, an online resource of the Edward Lowe Foundation. Those second-stage companies employed more than 1.3 million workers (that's 35 percent of the jobs created by companies headquartered in the state).

Why should you apply? This award puts companies on an entirely different playing field. Read what resulted for a past winner:

"Being an honoree has definitely helped increase our visibility. We’ve won industry awards for certain projects and a local award for fast-growing businesses, which gave us some recognition in the community. Companies to Watch has helped our visibility at the state level. The awards ceremony itself was quite moving. When you’re in business, there aren’t many moments like that when you’re recognized for just doing what you do."
—Nawal Motawi, president and co-owner of Motawi Tileworks Inc. in Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan 50, 2008)

Why nominate a company? If you serve second-stage companies, what better way to remind your clients that you applaud their achievements — and that you want others to take notice as well. Attorneys, accountants, bankers, public relations representatives and economic development professionals are ideal nominators.