Allen says he hopes the online application will compel more privately held businesses and their advisers to participate in the awards. AGH typically receives between 100 and 150 nominations each year, Allen says. Once the nomination deadline has been reached, organizers collect nominations, gather revenue and sales figures for companies they see are having significant growth, and verify that information. In addition to AGH, the Metro Awards are sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneur-ship at Wichita State University and the Wichita Business Journal. Credibility Organizers say the Metro Awards are a way to bring attention to area businesses that might otherwise not get recognition.
Past winners say their businesses have benefited from participating in the Metro Awards.
Randy Rosiere is president and founder of SecureNet Alarm Systems Inc., which earned the 2000 Metro Awards No. 1 spot for posting three-year growth of 446 percent. The award helped SecureNet develop new business, he says. HireWichita Fill an opening, find a job Merchant Services Start accepting credit cards online. Office Products Special deals on equipment, supplies.