Local Second-Stage Business Honored as One of "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch"

ROYAL OAK, Michigan - FEBRUARY 19, 2007 - First Tech Direct, a leading Microsoft Business Solutions Gold Certified Partner has been recognized as one of the "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch," an awards program sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation.

First Tech Direct will be honored at an awards ceremony during the third annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, April 12, in East Lansing.

"Michigan 50 Companies to Watch is a unique awards program designed to shine the spotlight on second-stage companies," says Mark Lange, executive director of the Edward Lowe Foundation, a not-for-profit operating foundation based in Michigan. The foundation's mission is to "champion the entrepreneurial spirit" by encouraging entrepreneurial cultures in communities throughout the country and helping second-stage companies learn from each other.

"When it comes to a robust economy, second-stage entrepreneurs play a critical role because they generate new jobs and sustainable growth," Lange says. "And yet, they're not often recognized or appreciated for the impact they have on the economy or the community."

First Tech Direct, LLC specializes in selecting, implementing, deploying and managing Microsoft Dynamics® GP (Great Plains), Microsoft Dynamics® SL (Solomon), and Microsoft Dynamics® CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software applications for middle market companies with offices in both Royal Oak, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our team of CPAs, MBAs, Microsoft Certified Professionals, and Microsoft Certified Master Consultants will continue to help organizations throughout the Midwest region plan and implement total solutions to grow businesses through improved information access and management. First Tech Direct offers extensive Microsoft Business Solutions experience and proven methodologies that will increase your business' efficiency, productivity and profitability. First Tech Direct, more than software!

Companies nominated for the "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch" list must be second-stage companies, defined as having 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and 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 the Michigan Certified Development Corporation, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, the Small Business Association of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the U.S. Small Business Administration-Michigan and the Edward Lowe Foundation. Judges evaluated the nominees' demonstrated intent and capacity to grow based on one or more of the following:

Employee or sales growth

Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership

Sustainable competitive advantage

Other notable factors that showcase the company's success.

National City is the lead sponsor for Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Other supporters include the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America and Clark Hill PLC Attorneys at Law. Media partners include MiBiz, Crain's Detroit Business, Mitechnews.com, WWJ Newsradio 950 and Your Biz, and the Greater Lansing Business Monthly.

Information about the 2008 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch program can be found at http://Michigan.CompaniesToWatch.org

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