For 2011, the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce stepped up and recognized six Northwest Florida companies for their inclusion in Inc. Magazine’s list of the 5000 fastest growing companies in America.

And they did it with style.

On September 8, 2011, members of the media and the Chamber leadership were present for the reception at the Airport Boulevard Hilton Garden honoring the companies making the list. The evening began with mingling around the open bar and lavish buffet of cheese, steak sandwiches, and bacon-wrapped prawns.

There was plenty of reason to celebrate. In such economic straits and unemployment north of 9 percent, half a dozen companies in Northwest Florida are growing — some exponentially. H2 Performance Consulting made the list for the second year in a row with a stunning 1,025 percent growth over the past three years making them the fastest growing business in Northwest Florida.

Gulf Breeze-based AppRiver has now made the list five times. The web-security and email provider posted revenue growth of 145 percent over the past three years placing them at number 1,815 on Inc Magazine’s list.

Global Business Solutions, Inc. out of Pensacola made the list for the first time at number 1,513. With 183 percent growth and $5.1 million in revenue for 2010, the company employees 66 people. Another Pensacola company, IMS Expert Services, saw 55 percent growth over the past three years. Owners Bill and Mike Wein were on hand for the reception along with a large contingency of IMS employees.

Avalex CEO Tad Ihns thanked the local business community for the support that made possible his company’s 41 percent, three year growth and 2010 revenue of $12.9 million.

Of course, Bit-Wizards was there to participate and enjoy the recognition for making the list for the third consecutive year. Bit-Wizards COO, Louis Erickson set the bar high for next year announcing to the group, “Our goal is 300% growth for 2012.”

Rob Williams, of News Radio 1620, emceed the night’s reception. Local businessman and Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Chairman Collier Merrill close by thanking the attendees and the companies for attending and supporting the local business community.