AFPW top 10
AFPW NAMED in the TOP 10! COMPANY IS ROCKING!
2009 In Review: Top 10 Companies
By: Joe Petrucci, 12/17/2009
Editor's note: This story is part of a series of features and news items running on Keystone Edge this week and that ran on Dec. 10 that celebrate the successful people, companies, places and organizations we've covered in our first full calendar year of publishing and looks ahead at what we can expect in 2010. Last week, we wrote about the year's biggest movers and shakers.
Success for many businesses in 2009 meant simply making payroll. But for many Pennsylvania companies, the year that was served as a blueprint for success in any economic climate, nevermind the worst recession in 75 years. In industries as diverse as healthcare, nanotech and manufacturing, Pennsylvania scored big victories thanks to innovative products, groundbreaking research and calculated risks.
Here's a list, in no particular order, of the most compelling companies Keystone Edge covered in the last year and why they're worth watching in 2010:
AlumiFuel, Philadelphia
The University City Science Center-housed company, which moved from Seattle in 2008, is fast becoming the center of the "hydrogen hub" it is helping create in Eastern PA. Bolstered by deep ties with Drexel University's Nanotechnology Consortium, AlumiFuel's groundbreaking technology is focused on generating hydrogen gas and steam for multiple niche applications. Earlier this month, the company's proprietary AlumiFuel powder mix, which can generate 1,000 liters of hydrogen to launch a five-foot weather balloon in about 20 minutes, was featured on the Lehrer PBS NewsHour.
Geisinger Health System, Danville
Thanks to a few words from President Obama, the rest of the nation is finally learning what generations of Central and Northeastern PA residents have come to expect--quality, affordable and efficient health care at Geisinger Health System. Soon after Obama mentioned Geisinger in a June 11 speech on healthcare reform goals, the system's praises were sung by major media outlets across the country, citing its recent successes like retail health clinics, electronic record-keeping and warranties on procedures. Geisinger's venture arm, Geisinger Ventures, also continued to thrive and drive innovation throughout the system.
Comcast, Philadelphia
When we reported on the cable giant in the summer, Comcast was entrenched in a battle for subscribers on its home turf with Verizon's Fios service. By the time December rolled around, Comcast was successfully orchestrating a $30 billion deal to acquire NBC Universal and obtain its long-coveted entertainment division. It was a busy year for Ralph Roberts and company, and while it's not clear what the merger would mean for the more than 7,500 people from Greater Philadelphia who work for Comcast, the company could eventually pass Walt Disney as the country's largest media company.
Earlier in the year, Comcast joined forces with Sony on a high-end electronics store in Center City. The company also made moves to improve its notoriously shoddy customer service through a social media push in the spring and more recently unveiled a customer guarantee campaign.
And There More....
