• Develop valuable products and services
• Create quality jobs
• Enrich the community
• Create new industries in the state 

Over four hundred companies were nominated for this prestigious award, but only fifty will be able to call themselves finalists, one being Country Creations. Organizations categorized as second-stage companies are responsible for much of Colorado's economic growth. To qualify, companies must be growth-drive, headquartered in Coloradoa and privately-held with 6-99 full-time employees and annual sales/working capital between $750,000 and $5 million dollars.

 
Mark and Mindy Kiefer, Owners of Country Creations, have been in business for seven years.  Country Creations produces gourmet braided bread and related baked goods. The company distributes its products through community fundraisers, retail stores and foodservice businesses. The company recently introduced a new product line and obtained a first phase contract with Wal-Mart. 
 
This award program, developed by Edward Lowe Foundation, is presented by M3 Insurance. CapitalValue, Faegre & Benson, LLP, The Mead Consulting Group and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade sponsor this program. Nominations can be submitted by the company itself or an outside source. Benefits of participating as a nominated company include statewide recognition, media coverage, high-level networking at the awards event and opportunity to share a company's story with thousands. 

 

The Kiefers will be honored at the June 18, 2010 award ceremony in Denver, Colorado. Tickets may be purchased online at http://companiestowatch.org.  Visit the website for more program information or to nominate a company for next year's award.