Fastest-Growing Companies Program Evolves with Economy

COLUMBIA, SC – July 15, 2009 – The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a new beginning for the Top 25 South Carolina Fastest-Growing Companies program. The South Carolina Chamber is co-sponsoring the 2009 Fastest-Growing program with The Capital Corporation, a middle market investment banking firm that’s been helping companies achieve their financial goals for almost two decades. 

“The Chamber is thrilled to have one of our top financial-industry members take over the Fastest-Growing program,” said Otis B. Rawl, Jr., president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “Elliott Davis set a great foundation in the seven years it produced the Fastest-Growing list.  Now, the baton has been passed, and we look forward to working with The Capital Corporation in continuing this program as it honors the achievements of South Carolina businesses.”

“The Capital Corporation is delighted to have the opportunity to continue to bring the South Carolina Fastest-Growing Companies competition to the businesses of our great state,” said Dan Adams, president and CEO of The Capital Corporation. “We will build on the outstanding job Elliott Davis has done, and we look forward to continuing to recognize the achievements of top-performing private and publicly-owned companies that have contributed to South Carolina’s economy.  I encourage all South Carolina business owners and entrepreneurs to be a part of this great event by sending in a nomination.”

Nominations are now open for the Fastest Growing. As investment bankers, The Capital Corporation brings to the selection process objectivity and 18 years of experience in assisting middle market companies. The ranking system tabulates results based on a combination of increases in gross revenue (or assets) and increases in full-time employment in South Carolina in the two most recently completed fiscal years.

“We know our businesses have had a tough year with the economy, but we want to encourage them to complete a nomination form anyway.  The fact that many of our companies have survived the economic ups and downs is a testament to how strong they really are,” said Rawl.  

There are no fees for entering, but there are numerous benefits. If your company is ranked as a Top 25 winner of the South Carolina Fastest-Growing Competition, they will receive:

• Networking Opportunities: The executives of Top 25 ranking companies will be guests at the Chamber’s prestigious Annual Summit in November, where they will network with representatives from other top-performing companies and key business leaders.
• Recognition: During the Annual Summit, the Top 25 ranking companies will be honored at the South Carolina Fastest Growing awards luncheon. The top executive of each company will be presented with a handsome award plaque for display in their place of business.
• Media Coverage and Publicity: The Capital Corporation implements its extensive statewide public relations and marketing program to generate high-profile recognition for the Top 25 winners.

 Deadline for entries is August 17, 2009. Interested parties will find instructions and entry forms at http://www.thecapitalcorp.com/. Participants can enter online, or download the nomination form and send to South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies, c/o The Capital Corporation, by fax at (864) 542-1661, or mail it to The Capital Corporation, 84 Villa Road, Greenville, SC 29615.  E-mail questions to [email protected]. For more information, contact Cristina Schleifer at 864-672-8400 or e-mail [email protected].

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s first state chamber Accredited with Distinction by the U.S. Chamber, is the state’s largest statewide broad-based business and industry trade association representing more than 6,500 member companies and more than 600,000 member employees, with 90 percent of membership comprised of small businesses. As the unified voice for business and industry, the Chamber is a catalyst for increasing per capita income and enhancing the state’s global competitiveness in order to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians.

The Capital Corporation

The Capital Corporation, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, has been helping lower middle market companies achieve their financial objectives since 1991. With over $3.5 billon in closed transactions, The Capital Corporation is one of the most successful middle market investment banking firms in the country.