We’ve got good news and bad news, and we doubt if the bad news will surprise anyone: Our 2009 Top Companies list of businesses that gross at least $20 million annually and are headquartered in Sarasota and Manatee features 73 companies—down from 89 in January 2008 and 97 in January 2007. The economy has taken its toll.

Construction companies have been facing the collapse of the housing market for nearly two years now, averaging a 12 percent revenue decrease in 2008 alone. And that’s not counting the handful of construction and real estate businesses that slipped below the $20 million mark. In January 2008, the number of construction, contracting and real estate companies made up 34 percent of our list; this year, they account for 27 percent. Nonetheless, builder Kellogg and Kimsey, which serves hospitality and retail clients across the country, posted one of the biggest gains on this year’s list, increasing revenues 24 percent from $93 million to $115 million.

The effects of the international economic crisis have spread to other local industries, as well. Retail, food/beverage and business services all averaged decreases in revenue. But even in this niche, some businesses prospered, including restaurant chain First Watch, which was singled out by Consumer Reports as best family chain restaurant in the country.

Any other good news? Manufacturing, the second largest industry on our list, after construction, continued to hold strong. Manufacturers averaged 8 percent gains, led by perennial Top Company Sun Hydraulics, which reached nearly $179 million in 2008 after grossing $167.4 million the previous year.

We’ve seen new Top Companies emerge this year, too, including PPi Technologies, Cyberwize.com and physicians supply distributor Mercedes Medical, which rode the rising tide of local healthcare companies (up an average of nearly 12 percent). Breaking onto our list with $21 million, Global Organics is taking advantage of a growing market for healthy and natural food.

While most economic forecasters are predicting that the recession will be over in 2009, they are also saying that recovery in Florida, especially in our region, will be slow. Many of the Top Company CEOs we spoke to shake off the doom-and-gloom attitude. As First Watch’s Ken Pendery told us: “I don’t have a lot of patience for negativity. I believe we can accomplish great things—that we can choose to be successful. I insist on that same optimism in the people around me."

1 Vengroff Williams & Associates Inc.

(Sarasota) Credit and collections, subrogation claims, medical accounts payable, management of rental units in Sarasota and New York.

Chief executive: Mark Vengroff

2008 revenues: $2.4 billion (represents actual revenues after collections of $34.5 billion)

2007 revenues: $2.4 billion

Total employees: 1,100 worldwide; 306 locally

Founded: 1963

www.vwainc.com

2 Roper

(Sarasota) Manufactures energy systems and controls, scientific and industrial imaging products and software, industrial technology products, radio frequency products and others.

Chief executive: Brian D. Jellison

2008 revenues: Estimated, $2.1 billion

2007 revenues: $1.7 billion

Total employees: Estimated, 7,900; 15 locally

Founded: 1981

Stock symbol: NYSE: ROP

3  Beall’s

(Manatee) Retailer of family apparel, footwear, gifts and home items.

Chief executive: Stephen M. Knopik

2008 revenues: $1.2 billion

2007 revenues: $1.2 billion

Total employees: 11,628

Founded: 1915

www.beallsinc.com

Beall’s operates a mix of department and outlet stores in Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, California, Tennessee, Missouri, New Mexico and Arkansas.

4 Boar’s Head

Provisions Co. Inc.

(Sarasota) Manufactures premium delicatessen meats and cheeses.

Chief executive: Robert S. Martin

2008 revenues: $813 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $813 million

Total employees: 129 locally; 2,215 companywide

Founded: 1905

www.boarshead.com

5 Intertape Polymer Group

(Manatee) Develops and manufactures specialized plastic and paper products and complementary packaging systems for industrial and retail use.

Chief executive: Melbourne Yull

2008 revenues: $802 million

2007 revenues: $802 million

Total employees: 2,600

Founded: 1981

Stock symbol: NYSE and TSE: ITP

www.Intertapepolymer.com

ISO 9002 certified, operations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Portugal with 16 facilities, including 12 manufacturing locations.

6 Manatee Memorial Hospital

(Manatee) Licensed 319-bed

acute care hospital.

Chief executive: Moody L. Chisholm

2008 revenues: $672 million

2007 revenues: $578 million

Total employees: 1,400

Founded: 1953

Stock symbol: UHS

www.manateememorial.com

American Stroke Association Golf Performance Achievement Award; United Way Board of Directors Award; received chest pain center accreditation; new da Vinci robotic surgical system.

7  FCCI Insurance Group

(Sarasota) Commercial property and casualty insurance throughout the Southeast and Midwest.

Chief executive: G.W. Jacobs

2008 revenues: $514 million

2007 revenues: $581 million

Total employees: 681

Founded: 1959

www.fcci-group.com

Corporate headquarters located in a state-of-the-art office complex in Lakewood Ranch.

8 Progressive

Employer Services

(Sarasota) Professional employer organization providing outsourced solutions to other businesses for payroll administration, workers’ comp risk management, benefits and human resources.

Chief executive: Steve Herrig

2008 revenues: $483 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $600 million

Total employees: 130

Founded: 1999

www.progressiveemployer.com

9 Doctors Hospital

of Sarasota

(Sarasota) Hospital and outpatient services and affiliates.

Chief executive: Robert C. Meade

2008 revenues: $453 million

2007 revenues: $385 million

Total employees: 534

Founded: 1967

www.doctorsofsarasota.com

Doctors Hospital is an accredited Chest Pain Center and a designated Primary Stroke Center. Average emergency room wait times are under 30 minutes and are posted at www.DoctorsofSarasota.com. Superior surgical services include general, vascular, orthopedic and spine. Rooms are private. Doctors Hospital of Sarasota is an HCA facility.

10  Gettel Automotive

(Manatee) New and used automobiles, retail and auto repair.

Chief executive: James Gettel

2008 revenues: $309 million

2007 revenues: $340 million

Total employees: 375

Founded: 1991

www.gettel.com

In addition to sponsoring events like Giving Hunger the Blues, the Hispanic-Latino Festival and more, Gettel contributes to an array of local charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Take Stock in Children and the Sarasota Orchestra, as well as providing other free services to more than 20 local nonprofits.

11 Venice Regional Medical Center

(Sarasota) 312-bed hospital, ambulatory care center (Health Park), clinical lab, Medicare

home health agency.

Chief executive: Melody Trimble

2008 revenues: Estimated, $300 million

2007 revenues: $300 million

Total employees: 1,050

Founded: 1951

Stock symbol: HMA

www.veniceregional.com

A wholly owned subsidiary of Health Management Associates. Home of the Venice Regional Heart Center, staffed by Ocala Heart Institute cardiovascular surgeons and cardiac anesthesiologists. Last year’s revenues were supplied by HMA; this year’s were estimated using outside sources.

12 Sysco Food Services

—West Coast FL Inc.

(Manatee) Full-line marketer and distributor of food, non-food and related items to restaurants, hospitals, hotels, cruise ships and all mass-feeding institutions.

Chief executive: Edwin W. Solomon

2008 revenues: Estimated, $300 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $550 million

Total employees: Estimated, 672

Founded: 1995

Stock symbol: NASDAQ: SYY

www.syscowcf.com

13 Administrative

Concepts Corp.

(Manatee) Professional employer organization.

Owner, chairman of the board:

George E. Bushong

2008 revenues: Estimated, $300 million

2007 revenues: $426.8 million

Total employees: 16,471

Founded: 1995

www.accpeo.com

Last year’s figures were supplied by the company; this year’s were estimated using outside resources.

14  W.G. Mills Inc.

(Manatee) Construction manager, general contract and design/build services.

Chief executive: Walter G. Mills

2008 revenues: $276 million

2007 revenues: $250 million

Total employees: 225

Founded: 1972

www.wgmills.com

Six regional offices throughout Florida, including corporate headquarters in Sarasota, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Jupiter, Orlando and Jacksonville, as well as an office in Cary, N.C.

15 PGT Industries

(Sarasota) Manufactures custom windows and doors.

Chief executive: Rod Hershberger

2008 revenues: $218.6 million

2007 revenues: $277 million

Total employees: 1,350

Founded: 1980

Stock symbol: PGTI

www.pgtindustries.com

With facilities in north Venice, Fla., and Salisbury, N.C., PGT Industries is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of windows and doors and the nation’s leading manufacturer and supplier of residential impact-resistant windows and doors.

16 Clockwork

Home Services

(Sarasota) Establishes and builds nationally branded franchises for the home services contractor market.

Chief executive: James D. Abrams

2008 revenues: $215 million

2007 revenues: $213 million

Total employees: 800 U.S.; 1,030 North America

Founded: 1998

www.clockworkhomeservices.com

Subsidiary companies include One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating franchising, Plumbers’ Success International, BuyMax, Mister Sparky Electric franchising, Electricians’ Success International, AirTime500, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchising, Success Academy, AirTime Canada and company-owned One Hour operations in Nevada, Florida, California, Indiana and Canada; company-owned Benjamin Franklin operations in California and Tennessee; company-owned Mister Sparky operations in Georgia. In its 2008 Franchise 500 list, Entrepreneur magazine ranked One Hour Air Conditioning No. 163, Benjamin Franklin No. 140 and Mister Sparky No. 387. Clockwork Home Services was ranked No. 933 on the 2008 Inc. 500 list.

17 Ajax Paving

Industries Inc.

(Sarasota) Hot-mix asphalt paving and manufacturing.

President: Michael A. Horan

2008 revenues: $180 million

2007 revenues: $175 million

Total employees: 250

Founded: 1951

www.ajaxpaving.com

Family owned, American.

18  Sun Hydraulics

(Manatee) Designs and manufactures hydraulic cartridge valves.

Chief executive: Allen Carlson

2008 revenues: $178.3 million

2007 revenues: $167.4 million

Total employees: 838 worldwide;

665 locally

Founded: 1970

Stock symbol: NASDAQ: SNHY

www.sunhydraulics.com

Facilities in Sarasota and Manatee, Kansas, France, U.K., Germany, South Korea and China. Recognized by Fortune, Forbes and Business Week in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Included in Russell 2000.

19 DooleyMack Constructors Inc.

(Sarasota) Construction managers, general contractors, design/builders, master planning, program management, green building and sustainability consultants.

President: Bill Robey

2008 revenues: $160 million

2007 revenues: $178 million

Total employees: 160

Founded: 1977

www.dooleymack.com

Privately owned company providing construction services to the hospitality, healthcare, multifamily, education, commercial, retail, building restoration and historical renovation markets.

20 Lakewood Ranch

Medical Center

(Manatee) Licensed 120-bed

acute care hospital.

Chief executive: Jim Wilson

2008 revenues: $157 million

2007 revenues: $144 million

Total employees: 350

Founded: 2004

Stock symbol: UHS

www. lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com

American Stroke Association’s “Get with the Guidelines” performance achievement award; named one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Best Places to Work; received state licensure for level I cardiac catheterization lab.

21 Galati Yacht Sales

(Manatee) Marine dealership that sells and services million-dollar boats.

President: Joe Galati

2008 revenues: $150 million

Total employees: 140

Founded: 1970

Named the No. 1 boat dealer in North America for two years in a row by Boating Industry magazine.

22 Pacific Tomato

Growers Ltd.

(Manatee) Grower, packer and shipper of fresh market fruits and vegetables.

Chief executive: Billy L. Heller Jr.

2008 revenues: $143 million

2007 revenues: $139 million

Total employees: 125

Founded: 1982

www.sunripeproduce.com

23  Dental Care Alliance

(Sarasota) Provides dental management and consulting

services to 80 dental practices

in seven states.

Chief executive: Dr. Steven R. Matzkin

2008 revenues: $130 million

2007 revenues: $126 million

Total employees: 80 locally; 1,150 throughout eastern U.S.

Founded: 1992

www.dentalcarealliance.com

24  Kellogg & Kimsey Inc.

(Sarasota) General contractors/construction management.

Chief executive: Philip A. Kellogg

2008 revenues: $115 million

2007 revenues: $93 million

Total employees: 54

Founded: 1986

www.kelloggkimsey.com

Local projects include The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club on Lido Key, the Ritz golf clubhouse and the spa for The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Concession clubhouse, Hotel Indigo, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Ringling Square, San Marco Plaza, Sarasota Baptist additions, Paradise Plaza renovation, numerous local multifamily projects. Kellogg & Kimsey travels the Southeast for hospitality clients and nationwide for retail clients. Active supporter of the YMCA and other area charities.

25 JCI Jones

Chemicals Inc.

(Sarasota) Manufactures and distributes water treatment and industrial chemicals.

Chief executive: Jeffrey W. Jones

2008 revenues: Estimated, $105 million

2007 revenues: $99 million

Total employees: Estimated, 800

Founded: 1930

www.jcichemicals.com

Twelve factories located throughout the U.S.; in 2004, received seven safety awards from the Chlorine Institute for operating without incident for 50,000 or more hours.

26  Integraclick

(Sarasota) Online advertising.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE: John Lemp

2008 REVENUES: $100 million

TOTAL EMPLOYEES: 60

FOUNDED: 2002

Parent company for Clickbooth. Clients include Blockbuster, Dish Network and ADT.

27 McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors Inc.

(Sarasota) Commercial building specialists.

Chief executive: John A. McIntyre

2008 revenues: $89.6 million

2007 revenues: $58 million

Total employees: 59

Founded: 1987

28 Signs Now, a

division of Allegra Network LLC

(Manatee) Franchise sales of professional graphic solutions

sign companies.

President: Steve White

2008 revenues: $85 million

2007 revenues: $85 million

Total employees: 25 locally;

1,400 nationwide

Founded: 1983

www.signsnow.com

29 Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

(Sarasota) Anheuser-Busch, Corona and 85 other import and craft beers distributor for Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Chief executive: John W. Saputo

2008 revenues: $85 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $85 million

Total employees: 150

Founded: 1996

Principally owned: John W. Saputo

www.abwholesaler.com/goldcoasteagle

Enjoys a 69 percent market share with 1,400 retail accounts; supports more than 400 charitable events; received Wholesaler of the Year award for Florida from Anheuser-Busch and Corona. Relocated to a new 165,000-square-foot facility with offices, conference center, tasting rotunda, beer garden and controlled environment warehouse on 23 acres in Lakewood Ranch.

30 First Watch Restaurants

(Sarasota) Daytime café specializing in traditional morning favorites and unique feature items.

Chief executive: Kenneth L. Pendery Jr.

2008 revenues: $82 million

2007 revenues: $77 million

Total employees: 2,000

Founded: 1983

www.firstwatch.com

Operates 80 restaurants in 11 states.

31 Hoveround Corporation

(Sarasota) Manufacturer, distributor and retailer of power wheelchairs and scooters.

Chief executive: Thomas E. Kruse

2008 revenues: $80 million

2007 revenues: $85 million-plus

Total employees: 450

Founded: 1992

www.hoveround.com

Accredited member of the Joint Commission and ISO 9001:2000 certified.

32 L-3 Aviation

Recorders

(Sarasota) World’s leading manufacturer of solid-state cockpit voice, flight data and maritime voyage recorders, cabin surveillance systems, automatic identification systems and digital selective calling VHF radios for commercial, civil and military applications.

Chief executive: Bruce Coffey

2008 revenues: $77.7 million

2007 revenues: $75 million

Total employees: 168

Founded: 1958

Stock symbol: NSE: LLL

www.L-3com.com

33 Herald-Tribune

Media Group

(Sarasota) Multimedia news organization.

Publisher: Diane McFarlin

2008 revenues: Estimated, $75 million

Total employees: 365

Founded: 1925

www.heraldtribune.com

Subsidiary of The New York Times Regional Newspaper Group.

34  APAC-Southeast Inc.

(Manatee) Highway/road contractor and asphalt manufacturer.

Chief executive: Jeffrey J. Reeves

2008 revenues: Estimated, $75 million

2007 revenues: $150 million

Total employees: Estimated, 800 statewide

Founded: 1962

Stock symbol: CRH

www.apac.com

Last year’s figures were supplied by the company; this year’s were estimated using outside resources.

35 Florikan E.S.A. Corporation

(Sarasota) Manufacturer of Dynamite Plant Food and long-term, controlled-release fertilizers.

Chief executives: Jonathan Rosenthal and Eric Rosenthal

2008 revenues: $70 million

2007 revenues: $70 million

Total employees: 90

Founded: 1982

www.florikan.com and

www.dynamiteplantfood.com

2008 and 2005 Gulf Guardian Award given by a program administered by the EPA; 2005 Manufacturer of the Year for Sarasota County; winner of Sarasota 2001 Excellence in Industry Award; winner of the Florida Governor’s Award for Most Innovative New Product of 2002 and runner-up for Gulf Coast Business Review Entrepreneur of the Year, 2003; winner of the National Society of Professional Engineers’ Most Innovative Product in the U.S., 2004; winner of the American Nursery Landscaping Association’s National Allied Association Award, 2004; Southern Nursery Association’s Best New Product of 2004.

36 Neal Communities

(Manatee) Land developer/

home builder.

Chief executive: Patrick K. Neal

2008 revenues: $65.9 million

2007 revenues: $102 million (closings)

Total employees: 56

Founded: 1970

www.nealcommunities.com

The company turned around in the first quarter of 2009, with strong sales of new homes from $106,900, making the first half of 2009 the best sales period in its history.

37  METI

(Sarasota) World’s leading provider of patient and surgical simulation technology and related software for heathcare education. METI products are used by thousands of leading healthcare organizations around the world.

Chief executive: Lou Oberndorf

2008 revenues: $63 million

Total employees: 218

Founded: 1996

www.meti.com

This is METI’s first appearance on the Top Companies’ list. The company was purchased in October 2008 by Lou Oberndorf and Baird Capital Partners of Chicago. The previous owner was L-3 Communications.

38 Sarasota

Kennel Club

(Sarasota) Dog racing, poker room.

Chief executives: Jack Collins Sr.

and Jack Collins Jr.

2008 revenues: $61.8 million

2007 revenues: $61.8 million

Total employees: 219

Founded: 1944

www.sarasotakennelclub.com

Gives more than $50,000 to local charities every year; open year-round for racing and poker.

39 Westra

Construction Corp.

(Manatee) Underground utilities, water and sewer treatment plants.

Chief executive: Kenneth Beukema

2008 revenues: $57 million

2007 revenues: $60 million

Total employees: 75

Founded: 1977

www.westraconst.com

40 Buchanan Automotive Group and Buchanan Enterprises

(Sarasota) Retail auto, new and used—Toyota, Scion, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Ford, Dodge.

Chief executive: John Tosh

2008 revenues: Estimated $56.4 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $303 million

Total employees: Estimated, 150

Founded: 1992

www.buchananautomotivegroup.com

Consists of six dealerships throughout Florida and one in North Carolina. Since 2007, Buchanan has sold 10 dealerships.

41 Southern Agricultural Insecticides

(Manatee) Formulates and distributes lawn and garden and agricultural chemicals.

Chief executive: John R. Diem

2008 revenues: $52.7 million

2007 revenues: $52.2 million

Total employees: 95

Founded: 1947

www.southernag.com

42 Willis A. Smith

Construction Inc.

(Sarasota) Construction management specializing in commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare facilities, green structures and museums.

President: David E. Sessions

2008 revenues: $52.3 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $55 million

Total employees: 48

Founded: 1972

www.willissmith.com

Museum construction specialists with extensive history in educational facilities, church and civic buildings.

43 C & D Fruit &

Vegetable Co.

(Manatee) Grower, packer, shipper

of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Chief executive: Thomas O’Brien

2008 revenues: $48.1 million

2007 revenues: $52 million

Total employees: 75 to 150 seasonally

Founded: 1971

www.cdveg.com

Member of Red Book, Blue Book and Gold Circle produce marketing.

44 John Cannon

Homes Inc.

(Sarasota) Custom home builder.

Chief executive: John K. Cannon

2008 revenues: $48 million

2007 revenues: $100 million

Total employees: 35

Founded: 1987

www.johncannonhomes.com

Reader’s Choice Award from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for 14 consecutive years. Currently ranked 15 in the nation’s “Best Companies to Work For” in the residential construction industry by Professional Builder magazine. Now building in The Concession, The Founders Club, The Forest at Hi-Hat Ranch, The Lake Club, La Cantera in The Country Club at Lakewood Ranch, Antigua Cove at Little Harbor, Riviera Dunes, Stonelake Ranch, MiraBay, Rive Isle, Country Club East, Riverstrand, Sarasota National and Sanctuary Cove. Named a 2006 Excellence Award winner by Residential Design & Build magazine.

45 ITW Military GSE

and Trilectron

(Manatee) Manufactures a broad line of aircraft ground support equipment for corporate business jets and turbo-props to regional and commercial airlines, as well as specialized military support.

General Manager: Richard Hansen

2008 revenues: $46 million

2007 revenues: $43 million

Total employees: 120

Founded: 1970

Stock symbol: ITW

www.itwgwegroup.com,

www.itwmilitarygse.com

46  Callaghan Tire

(Manatee) Commercial, industrial, retail and wholesale tire sales; retread tire sales and service.

Chief executive: Dan Callaghan

2008 revenues: $44 million

2007 revenues: $44 million

Total employees: 136

Founded: 1978

www.callaghantire.com

Annual sponsor of Callaghan Tire Pro-Am golf tournament for cancer research (Golfers Against Cancer). Ranked 31st largest commercial tire dealer and 45th largest retreader

of truck tires by Tire Business.

47 LexJet Corporation

(Sarasota) Extensive line of inkjet imaging products; 10 distribution centers across the U.S., online shopping, personally assigned account specialists, unlimited product support and educational resources; also carries OEM printers, RIP software, inks, materials, peripherals and other inkjet-related supplies.

Chief executives: Art Lambert and Ron Simkins

2008 revenues: $43 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $45 million

Total employees: 80

Founded: 1994

www.lexjet.com

Named Sarasota Technology Company of the year by Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, 2006; ranked as one of the top five best places to work in Tampa Bay; has experienced a 36 percent five-year average annual growth and 11 consecutive years of profitability. Actively supports community.

48  Darby Automotive Inc.

(Sarasota) New and used automobiles, retail and auto repair.

Chief executive: C.C. Darby III

2008 revenues: Estimated, $41.8 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $41.8 million

Total employees: Estimated, 150

Founded: 1954

49 Charter One Hotels and Resorts Inc.

(Sarasota) Hotel management company.

Chief executives: John W. Balliett

and Jim Popielinski

2008 revenues: $41 million

2007 revenues: $38 million

Total employees: 875

Founded: 1981

www.charteronehotels.com

50 Ned Davis

Research Group

(Sarasota) Provides global investment research commentary, charts, ranking systems and consulting services to institutional investors in more than 30 countries; provides investment services for institutional clients.

Chief executive: Ned Davis

2008 revenues: $40 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $40.5 million

Total employees: 80

Founded: 1980

www.ndr.com

Company officers are frequently quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and CNBC and have authored The Research Driven Investor, Being Right or Making Money, and The Triumph of Contrarian Investing, published by McGraw-Hill.

51 Benderson Development Co.

(Manatee) Commercial and residential real estate developer.

Chief executive: Randy Benderson

2008 revenues: Estimated, $39.5 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $42.1 million

Total employees: Estimated, 320

Founded: 1950

www.benderson.com

Develops, owns and manages millions of square feet of commercial and residential real estate in the Northeast and Florida.

52 Lee Wetherington Companies

(Sarasota) Home builder

Chief executive: Lee Wetherington

2008 revenues: $39 million

2007 revenues: $51 million

Total employees: 22

Founded: 1981

www.lwhomes.com

Recognized as “America’s Best Builder” by the National Association of Home Builders and Builder magazine. Voted “Best Builder” by the readers of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune from 2000 through 2007. First luxury home builder in Sarasota and Manatee to build green and earn the Energystar for entire home catalogue. Recipient of the Corporate Philanthropist of the Year award, the 2004 Alex Schoenbaum Humanitarian award and the Hearthstone Builder Lifetime Public Service award.

53 Halfacre

Construction Co.

(Sarasota) Design/build, construction management and general contracting.

Chief executive: John J. Cox III

2008 revenues: $38 million

2007 revenues: $40 million

Total employees: 20

Founded: 1970

www.halfacreconstruction.com

54  Cox Daewoo

(Manatee) Retail auto, new and used.

Chief executive: J.S. Cox

2008 revenues: Estimated,$36.3 million

2007 revenues: Estimated, $36.3 million

Total employees: Estimated, 117

Founded: 1926

55 Gould & Lamb LLC

(Manatee) Cost-containment services for the insurance industry, combining healthcare, insurance and financial information and analysis.

Chief executive: John Williams

2008 revenues: $35.7 million

2007 revenues: $31 million

Total employees: 263

Founded: 1999

www.gouldandlamb.com

Ranked 16th in the health business sector and 126th overall on Inc. 500’s list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Recently partnered with H.I.G. Capital, a private-equity firm, to expand operations and continue to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions to clients. Gould & Lamb LLC plans to continue its aggressive growth to increase market share in the specialty niche of Medicare, set-aside arrangements and cost containment services to the insurance industry. Clients include 23 of the top 25 workers compensation carriers in the nation, large self-insured corporations, third-party administrators and defense and plaintiff attorneys.

56 Michael Saunders & Company

(Sarasota) Full-service, licensed real estate brokerage offering residential, commercial, new homes, mortgage and title service.

Chief executive: Michael Saunders

2008 revenues: $35.6 million in

gross revenue (from $1.17 billion

in sales volume)

2007 revenues: $46.6 million in

gross revenue (from $1.5 billion

in sales volume)

Total employees: 130 employees;

542 agents

Founded: 1976

www.michaelsaunders.com

Voted Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s “Best Real Estate Company” for eight consecutive years. An affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates, Board of Regents, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate and the Realty Alliance.

57 Teltronics Inc.

(Manatee) A leading global provider of innovative communications solutions and network management solutions; designs, develops and manufactures electronic equipment and applications software systems that enhance the performance of communications networks; develops VoIP and digital voice communications platforms and software, and contact center solutions for all size businesses and government facilities. All products manufactured in an ISO 9001:2000 certified factory.

Chief executive: Ewen R. Cameron

2008 revenues: $34.6 million

2007 revenues: $46.9 million

Total employees: 182

Founded: 1969

Stock symbol: OTCBB: TELT

www.teltronics.com

Recognized for many years as an industry leader by the Manatee Economic Development Council in the areas of technology innovation (2006), exporting excellence (2007) and workforce initiatives (2008). Selected as an innovation finalist by the Tampa Bay Technology Forum’s 2008 achievement awards. Teltronics’ Cerato SE was awarded a 2007 Communications Solution Award for hardware by TMC.net, as well as a 2007 Von magazine Innovator Award for new IP communications. Also selected as a top 500 VAR in North America by VARBusiness magazine in 2006 and 2007 and named a top 100 Government VAR in 2006. Teltronics contributes to various charitable and community organizations.

58  Woodruff & Sons Inc.

(Manatee) Underground utility construction.

Chief executive: Roy J. Woodruff

2008 revenues: $34 million

2007 revenues: $64 million

Total employees: 200

Founded: 1925

www.woodruffandsons.com

59  RTI Insurance Services

(Manatee) Insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokers.

President: John M. Goda

2008 revenues: $34 million

2007 revenues: $31 million

Total employees: 28

Founded: 1997

www.teamrti.com

Acquired an agency in Apollo Beach, giving RTI direct exposure in seven Southwest Florida coastal counties.

60  Tervis Tumbler

(Sarasota) Manufactures crystal-clear, insulated drinkware that is guaranteed for life. Sold in more than 6,000 retail outlets nationwide.

Chief executive: Laura Spencer

2008 revenues: $34 million

2007 revenues: $30.5 million

Total employees: 204

Founded: 1946

www.tervis.com

61 Frederick Derr & Company Inc.

(Sarasota) Heavy highway construction, site development, utility installation, golf courses and coastal protection structures.

Chief executive: Frederick M. Derr

2008 revenues: Estimated, $32 million

2007 revenues: $32 million

Total employees: Estimated, 120

Founded: 1961

www.frederickderrcompany.com

62 TDS Construction Inc.

(Manatee) Specializes in freestanding and interior/exterior renovations of existing buildings for the retail and shopping center industry nationwide.

Chief executive: David K. Scherer

2008 revenues: $31.5 million

2007 revenues: $40.5 million

Total employees: 30

Founded: 1987

www.tdsconstruction.com

Listed in Gulf Coast Business Review’s Top 20 contractors for four years; listed in Shopping Center World magazine’s Top 50 national retail contractors for 10 years. Member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Contractors Association, Golden Fork supporter of Meals on Wheels and Economic Development Council.

63 Miles Media

(Sarasota) Helps destinations communicate with potential visitors.

Chief executive: Roger Miles

2008 revenues: $30 million

2007 revenues: $30 million

Total employees: 168

Founded: 1954

www.milesmedia.com

Clients in 18 states.

64 CyberWize.com

(Sarasota) Direct sales, with distributors through the United States and in Canada, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Singapore/Malaysia.

Chief executive: Mark T. McCool

2008 revenues: Estimated, $29 million

2007 revenues: Not available

Total employees: 26

Founded: 1998

www.cyberwize.com

Innovative health and wellness products. CyberWize is the world’s leading seller of adaptogen products; the first company to offer adaptogen benefits in portable sprays; committed to harnessing plants and herbs to strengthen the body.

65 Zirkelbach Construction

(Manatee) Design builders, construction managers, general contractors.

Chief executive: Alan Zirkelbach

2008 revenues: $24.5 million

2007 revenues: $48.2 million

Total employees: 20

Founded: 1996

www.zconstruction.com

66 Pat Cook Construction Inc.

(Manatee) Commercial general contractor specializing in fast-track retail, manufacturing, industrial, hotel and grocery.

Chief executive: Pat Cook

2008 revenues: $23 million

2007 revenues: $34 million

Total employees: 19

Founded: 1992

www.patcook.com

In addition to retail construction, expanded into hotels this year.

67 American Marine Holdings Inc.

(Manatee) Parent company to Donzi Marine, Pro-Line Boats and AMH Government Services.

Chief executive: Lee Kimmell

2008 revenues: Estimated, $22.9 million

2007 revenues: Estimated,

$41.9 million

Total employees: Estimated, 200

Founded: 1963

www.donzimarine.com,

www.prolineboats.com,

www.amhgov.com

68 Global Organic Specialty Source

(Sarasota) Farmer-owned organic produce distribution company serving the Southeast.

Chief executive: Mitch Blumenthal

2008 revenues: $22 million

2007 revenues: $21 million

Total employees: 80

Founded: 1999

www.globalorganics.ws

69 Pruett Builders Inc.

(Sarasota) Design/build custom home builder specializing in the luxury residential market from $700,000 up.

Chief executive: Brian J. Pruett

2008 revenues: Estimated,

$22 million

2007 revenues: $33 million

Total employees: 24

Founded: 1977

www.pruettbuilders.com

Won a “Best in American Living Award” for Best Home Design; won four “National Energy Value” gold medals for energy efficiency; has won 37 Aurora Awards from Southeast Builders Conference; builder of the American Lung Association Health House of Florida. Named “Best of the Best” by the Southeast Builders Association.

70 D.L. Porter Constructors Inc.

(Sarasota) Commercial general contractor.

Chief executives: Gary A. Loer and C. Marshall White

2008 revenues: $21.1 million

2007 revenues: $22.5 million

Total employees: 21

Founded: 1977

71 PPi Technologies Global

(Sarasota) Manufacturer of stand-up pouch machinery and end-of-line systems; also manufactures beverages, including liquor, wine and water, as well as their packaging.

Chief executive: R. Charles Murray

2008 revenues: $21 million

2007 revenues: $20.5 million

Total employees: 30

Founded: 1996

Stock symbol: SSPT

www.ppitechnologies.com/

bevgroup.html

Beverage products in patented pouches include Shotpaq, Chilling Rocks, VinoPaq and Carbopouch.

72 Mercedes Medical

(Manatee) Distribution of laboratory and physicians’ office supplies.

Chief executive: Alexandra Miller

2008 revenues: $20.3 million

2007 revenues: $19.5 million

Total employees: 47

Founded: 1993

www.mercedesmedical.com

73 Pacer Marine Inc.

(Sarasota) Supplies and manufactures wire and cable, electrical harnesses, instrumentation and switch panels; also a complete electrical parts supplier for many industries.

Chief executive: Joseph E. Swiatkowski

2008 revenues: $20 million

2007 revenues: $24 million

Total employees: 100

Founded: 1985

www.pacergroup.net

Three locations in Florida, including Sarasota headquarters, Fort Lauderdale distribution center and Wauchula manufacturing plant.

ABOUT THE LIST

All of the businesses on this list earned at least $20 million in gross revenues in 2008. Each company is either headquartered here or is a self-contained division of a larger company, and each is ranked by annual sales.