LookInTheAttic & Company Wins 2009 Michigan50 Award

LookInTheAttic & Company Wins 2009 Michigan50 Award

(For Immediate Release April 2009) LookInTheAttic & Company has been recognized as one of the 2009 “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch,” an awards program sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation and presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. LookInTheAttic & Company was honored at an awards ceremony during the fifth annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, April 30 in Lansing, Michigan and received an award from Govenor Jennifer Granholm.

“In today’s economy, Companies to Watch has become a real game changer,” says Penny Lewandowski, director of entrepreneurship development at the Edward Lowe Foundation, a nonprofit operating foundation based in Michigan. “It changes the conversation from slow-growth, layoffs and closings, to companies that are expanding, hiring, and moving beyond traditional markets.”

“Presenters of the Michigan program recognized this potential since its inaugural year, five years ago,” Lewandowski says. “With a vow to find 50 new companies to celebrate each year, Michigan 50 Companies to Watch is now 250 strong. These are the companies that sustain Michigan through tough times and are transforming how the rest of the nation views the state.”

“We are honored to be part of the Michigan50. We want to be more than a simple manufacturer of home goods; we strive to educate people on choosing the right authentic reproductions for their historic buildings” said John W. Coleman, President of LookInTheAttic & Company. “From Governors mansions to historical Main Street to individual homes, we bring back architectural elements for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.”

Companies nominated for the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list must be second-stage companies generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. In addition, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan. Winners were selected by judges from the banking, economic development, entrepreneurship development and venture capital communities. Judges evaluated the nominees’ demonstrated intent and capacity to grow based on employee or sales growth, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage and other notable factors that showcase the company's success.

Michigan 50 Companies to Watch is presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, the State of Michigan and the Edward Lowe Foundation.