October, 2002 - Harlan Bakeries, Inc., wins Indiana Growth 100 Award

Avon, Indiana - The Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, a center within Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, recognized Indiana's leading high-potential, high-growth companies at its Ninth Annual Growth 100 Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 24, 2002, at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, Indiana.

Hugh P. Harlan and Doug H. Harlan of Harlan Bakeries, Inc., in Avon, Indiana, were among the winners. This Growth 100 Award is especially distinguished because Harlan Bakeries, Inc., is the only company to receive this honor for 7 consecutive years.

Harlan Bakeries, Inc., was founded in 1991 and currently employs 316 individuals from the community. Hugh and Doug Harlan are honored and proud to receive this distinguished award and they agree, "This is quite a distinctive honor. We are proud of all our employees, their winning teamwork and attitude. The Growth 100 Award and recognition brings personal satisfaction to both of us."

The Growth 100 award honors Indiana's fastest-growing entrepreneurial companies with annual sales of at least $1 million. This year, 77 highly qualified privately owned companies were selected from across the state. Growth 100 companies are identified through an analytical process based upon High Performance Organization research conducted by The Johnson Center. The screening process may include interviews with the company's CEO, key management team members and often a site visit.

"Although the economy across the state and nation has not been strong, this year's 2002 Growth 100 awardees have an average annual sales of $16 million, with a growth rate averaging 45 percent," said Elizabeth J. Gatewood, Director of the Johnson Center. According to Jack M. Gill, Chair of Entrepreneurship, "These entrepreneurial companies have a strong impact on the state, not only economically, but also through employment and community development."

"Indiana continues to be a major player in the manufacturing and service areas. However, this year the growth rate in the technology field is up slightly as the state actively works to establish itself as a technology leader," Gatewood added. "We recognize these companies because they represent the entrepreneurial spirit of Indiana business. This award validates all the hard work they have put into their companies. It says to them, their employees, and their customers that they are doing things right."

Individuals who wish to nominate their own or another company for consideration for next year's Growth 100 awards should contact The Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at (812) 855-4248. For more information regarding the Growth 100 program and The Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, visit The Johnson Center's web site at www.kelley.indiana.edu/jcei.

Contact: Doug H. Harlan, Executive Vice-President, (317) 272-3600 or at dharlan@harlanbakeries.com or Dr. Elizabeth Gatewood, Director, IU Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, (812) 855-4248.