Last month, Smart Business, the Greater Akron Chamber and NEOSA’s Business and Technology Group at Canal Place honored a group of Northeast Ohio business leaders for their commitment to unique business concepts.
Twenty-two companies were honored and shared their stories at the event. Five were honored with top awards for their ability to increase profits, reduce costs, better serve customers and expand globally. Seventeen others were invited to discuss their success. They are:
5iTech. A Cleveland-based tech firm that partners with former Soviet scientists to commercialize new technology.
Bright.net Internet Providers. Internet Service Provider focused on new product development in Internet security realm.
Brulant. Information technology firm that re-engineered itself in 2002 and 2003 to spark growth.
DecisionPoint Marketing & Research. Marketing and research company that brought costs in line to improve cash flow and profitability.
FLX Micro. Microsystems technology firm that developed new process for product commercialization.
Foundation Software Inc. Brunswick-based software company that developed accounting software.
Gateway Title. Developed the for-sale-by-owner market in Northeast Ohio.
ICBS Inc. (Holisticonline.com) Comprehensive health Web site with 4 million hits per month, recognized as one of the top five health sites.
MrExcel.com. Created Excel-based wizard program for the automotive dealer market.
Mustard Seed Market. Innovative retailer of natural and organic products.
Neighborhood Manufacturing, Div. Of Superior Tool Co. Converted traditional manufacturing operations to lean manufacturing incentive compensation plan using cells in place of assembly line.
Professional Travel Inc. Weathered a difficult economy for travel agencies through creative employee compensation and scheduling initiatives while maintaining employee trust and not laying off staff.
Radcom Inc. Implemented aggressive sales software initiative to spark revenue and better organize business.
Tell Companies Ltd. Rehabbed old BFGoodrich building in Akron to develop new business complex.
TimeWare Inc. Invented BioScreen, computerized machine that acts as HR self-service terminal.
Unicall International. Direct marketing and call center that leveraged the Internet to expand its customer base.
Wizard of Ah’s. Uses advanced entertainment technology to electrify ground-breaking ceremonies with fireworks and unique lighting.
