ad·mire (d-mr) verb 1. To regard with pleasure and approval. 2. To have a high opinion of; esteem or respect. 3. Archaic To marvel or wonder at.

Ambrose Bierce once jokingly defined admiration as, “Our polite recognition of another’s resemblance to ourselves.”  But perhaps admiration isn’t just a projection of what we are, it is instead a recognition of what we aspire to be or know we should be.  We celebrate certain achievements because there is no quality like admiration, which spawns imitation; success raises everyone’s game.

Henry Ford expressed what SCB is aiming at this month when he said, “To do more for the world than the world does for you – that is success.”  These are the companies in our community that are using their influence, their resources, and their personnel, to live up to Ford’s maxim.

For over fifty years the Space Coast has captured the attention and been a source of admiration to all mankind.  Defining achievements in science, technology and human endeavor are identified with this community, like Philadelphia and Williamsburg are associated with the founding of this nation.  But the area’s international reputation is beginning to diversify beyond the catalytic arenas of space, the “World’s Most Famous Beach” and one of the largest cruise ports in the world.

These are the companies – large and small, well established and emerging – that serve as “role models.”  Their success elevates and influences others.  That, of course, is not limited to the bottom line; it includes a firm’s ability to adapt to changing markets and market conditions, to innovate and set trends, not simply follow them.  These are companies, which not only hire, but inspire their workforce to excellence, at work and outside of work.

How Was the SCB 100 Derived?

Over 100 local business and community leaders were asked to participate in the selection of this year’s list.  The criteria we outlined included:

• Revenue
• Financial Performance
• Growth
• No. of Employees
• Innovativeness
• Community Support
• Reputation
• Philanthropy

However, ultimately these are the companies our business leaders most admire in Brevard County, so they may have considered other criteria (e.g. diversity, geography, customer service) as well.

The List:

2011 SCB 100 Most Admired Companies

Listed in alphabetical order

Note: this year’s list omits government agencies, faith-based organizations, charities and other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in order that we could feature more entrepreneurial companies.

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