Media 1: One of “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch”
<p><strong>Grand Haven, Mich. — March 9</strong><br />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.</p><p>Media 1 will be honored at an awards ceremony during the third-annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event April 12 in East Lansing.</p><p>"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<br />based in Michigan. </p><p>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.</p><p>"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<br />yet, they’re not often recognized or appreciated for the impact they have on the economy or the community."</p><p>Chris F. Willis, Media 1 CEO and founder, agrees. </p><p>“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.”</p><p>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. </p><p>In addition, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.</p><p>Winners were selected by the Michigan Certified Development Corp., Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, the Small<br />Business Association of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the U.S. Small Business Administration-Michigan and the Edward Lowe Foundation. </p><p>Judges evaluated the nominees’ demonstrated intent and<br />capacity to grow based on one or more of the following:</p><ul><li>Employee or sales growth.</li><li>Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership.</li><li>Sustainable competitive advantage.</li><li>Other notable factors that showcase the company's success.</li></ul><p> </p>
