Fret Not – Fast Growers Part of Our DNA

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Have you noticed that all the fretting about corporate flight has abated lately?

When’s the last time you heard mention of the spectacular job growth and friendly regulatory climate in Texas amid hand-wringing over companies leaving Los Angeles or Southern California or some other part of our state?

It’s been awhile – mostly because the Great Recession receded, giving way to steady growth that has lifted businesses throughout our city, region and state. That’s made for near-full employment and eased immediate fiscal concerns for all sorts of government entities around here.

Here’s a sure-fire tip before anyone gets irrationally exuberant in this regard: the economy will cool sooner or later, cities and counties around here will again face immediate fiscal crunches – and you’ll once again hear folks fretting about Texas luring away our companies.

Keep in mind that it won’t be as bad as the hand-wringing will suggest – just as it wasn’t the last time around.

Not that there aren’t some things we could be doing better when it comes to fostering our economy.

It’s quite clear, however, that we did more than simply survive the last downturn and the headlines that touted Texas and laid L.A. low.

Need proof?

Turn to the front page to get started on the coverage of our latest annual list of fastest-growing private companies, a stunning roster of 100 enterprises of various sizes and industries.

The list comes with fun – the top-ranked company makes ice cream. It’s got a lunch-pail perspective, with the biggest gainer by dollar volume a family-owned construction outfit. It’s in step with the times: the sector with the most prominent representation is digital media.

The sheer volume and healthy spread of fast growers are key reasons why it won’t be as bad as it sounds the next time you hear the California bashing start up.

Fast growers matter for more than the amazement or amusement’s sake. Companies that tear it up like that challenge the market – their competitors, vendors and service providers ranging from law firms and investment bankers to uniform suppliers and shipping lines.

Not every one of the fastest growers on this year’s will make it long-term. And some of them might just depart for Texas or somewhere else at some point.

But this is the 22nd year that we’ve presented our community of business with a roster of fast growers – this is in L.A.’s DNA.

And that stays here.

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