Joining as co-sponsors are Dixon Hughes, PLLC, the largest accounting firm based in the Southern U.S. and ranked among the nation’s top 20 accounting and advisory organizations, and SC Biz News, LLC, a leading publisher of print and electronic news serving businesses and their leadership across the Palmetto State. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce continues in an associate sponsor role as they have since the program’s inception in 2002.

Now in its ninth year, the exclusive ranking honors the achievements of the fastest-growing companies across the state for their numerous contributions to South Carolina's economy. 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 most recently completed fiscal year as compared to prior years. As always, the Top 25 highest-ranking companies will be honored at South Carolina’s Chamber of Commerce Annual Summit event on Nov. 11, 2010 at the Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, S.C.

In addition to new sponsors joining the program, event organizers cited the addition of a planned brand awareness campaign to encourage even greater participation from across the state, as well as the addition of semi-annual Chief Executive events. The events, limited to management team members of past honoree organizations, are “designed to encourage cross- pollination of ideas and best practices to better benefit job growth and investment in every corner of the Palmetto State,” and will debut in late summer 2010, noted Dan Adams, chairman of The Capital Corporation.

“We see the addition of Dixon Hughes and SC Biz News as important steps in taking the South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies program to the next level, and we welcome them as our partners in this important program,” said Adams. “With their recognized leadership positions in our state – Dixon Hughes as a preeminent accounting firm and SC Biz News as a recognized media innovator with statewide reach and a commitment to economic growth – we believe that this program will continue the rapid trajectory of success it has realized since its inception in 2002, and continue to honor this state’s best and brightest companies.”

South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies annually recognizes an exceptional and diverse assembly of businesses from across the state among its Top 25 winners, with 2009 winners representing a broad cross section of industries and business categories, including advertising, construction, financial services/insurance, industrial services, information technology, manufacturing and distribution, professional services, retail, staffing and transportation.

Direct Source Imports, LLC of Mount Pleasant was honored as the state’s fastest-growing company in 2009.

“Celebrating the rich tapestry of talents, companies and accomplishments that combine to represent the economy of the Palmetto State has always been a point of emphasis and celebration for Dixon Hughes, noted Michael Crawford, managing member of Dixon Hughes Western Carolinas offices in explaining the firm’s decision to sponsor South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies program. Tricia Wilson, Charleston’s managing member commented, “This commitment reflects our dedication to South Carolina businesses and their leaders as an integral part of our practice and our firm’s future.”

SC Biz News is the owner and publisher of SCBIZ magazine, Charleston Regional Business Journal, Columbia Regional Business Report and GSA Business, along with numerous associated media outlets, web channels and a custom publishing division. CEO and group publisher Grady Johnson attributed his organization’s interest in sponsoring the program as “a natural evolution of our organization.”

“SC Biz News and our roster of media outlets exist to serve senior level decision-makers across the entire state by providing a thoughtful, analytical look at complex issues, opportunities and challenges facing state business leaders and serving as a media catalyst for economic growth here,” added Johnson. “The South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies program is a logical extension of our commitment to serving and informing business, and we are pleased to become a full partner in this critical initiative to advance our home state.”

As part of plans to encourage even more businesses to participate in the program, a broad-based branding and awareness campaign will be underway shortly in media markets across the state and via Internet channels, viral marketing and grassroots public relations efforts, added South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies program director Cristina Schleifer of The Capital Corporation. “Our goal is to reach out to as many eligible businesses as possible to encourage them to consider nominating their organization, or even a vendor or affiliate, for consideration in this important honors program. By doing so, they will benefit from expanded awareness of their products and services, networking with other successful business leaders, increased employee morale and regional/national recognition. It’s truly a win-win for everyone.”

The 2010 South Carolina’s Fastest-Growing Companies call for nominations will kick off in May and continue throughout June, Schleifer added. To be eligible for consideration, all nominees must complete a nomination form, available at www.thecapitalcorp.com, including three years of revenue/asset and employment information along with basic company information. Nominations may be submitted by companies directly or by third parties.

Submittals will be compiled, evaluated for completeness and ranked by a review panel from The Capital Corporation based solely on responses received.

The Top 25 highest-ranking companies will be recognized through a regional print and broadcast publicity campaign including a feature in South Carolina Business 2010 magazine, debuting at the South Carolina Chamber’s Annual Summit in November 2010, and through interviews on ETV Radio’s South Carolina Business Review, among other media outlets.

“The Fastest-Growing Companies program always attracts a diverse group of honorees from across the state,” said Otis Rawl, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “These successful companies greatly enhance South Carolina’s economic development by inspiring other business from around the world to invest in the Palmetto State.”