Winner – Silicon Forest Electronics, Inc.
Faced with declining orders from clients looking to cut their inventories, Vancouver-based Silicon Forest Electronics' winning 2009 growth strategy relied on three areas:
First, the firm sought to continue to solidify its client base in the healthcare, aerospace and instrumentation fields. Second, Silicon Forest looked over the treetops to expand into markets in the Midwest and East Coast. And last but not least, the company looked to provide new services and capabilities for both existing and new customers.
The result was a 21 percent increase in net income for Silicon Forest in 2009, buoyed by a 17 percent jump in revenue and a reduced payroll of 85 employees, down from 123 in 2008.
"We really tried to improve on the variety of markets we serve," said Jay Schmidt, vice president of business development. "So when the markets do rebound, we'll be in a very good position."
Finalist – Bader Beer & Wine Supply
Like many other BGA finalists, today's tough economy has actually created growth opportunities at Bader Beer & Wine Supply, owned by Steve Bader and located on Grand Boulevard in Vancouver
"2009 wasn't a bad year for us," said store assistant manager Louie Chewning. "Businesses selling beer and liquor usually do a little bit better in recessions."
A retailer specializing in sales of home brewery and wine-making equipment, much of Bader's 8 percent growth in 2009 sales was due to tightening household budgets, according to Chewning. And with an additional state tax on barrels of mass-produced beer set to raise six-pack prices at least 25 cents, Chewning predicts Bader's sales of items like its beer-making starter kits will likely get another boost.
"If anything, this new tax on beer will convince even more people to start making their own," he said.
Finalist – Creative Computer Solutions, Inc.
Like many other companies operating in an unparalleled economic recession, Vancouver-based Creative Computer Solutions, Inc. had to change the way it does business.
For CCSI, a provider of technology services to small and medium-size businesses, gone were the days of clients flush with capital. With cash a valuable commodity at most firms, CCSI saw the number of leveraged transactions multiply last year, according to then vice president of operations Sean Guerrero.
"Companies are using their credit to update their network infrastructure to increase efficiency," Guerrero said.
Started in CCSI president Scott Huotari's Vancouver basement in 1998, the company has experienced steady growth in past years, with 2009 revenue up 7.1 percent to just over $1.2 million.
"We are ready to engage our small business clients, those with five to 25 users, to maximize the benefits of new technology," Huotari said.
