This pharmaceutical and biotechnology contract research company has operated in Kansas City since 1976. CEO Sean Hart and president Arthur Beger boast of having an excellent track record delivering projects on time and on budget. A strong management team and positive work environment also contributed to the expansion.

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque added more than just a restaurant. It also added an Internet fulfillment location. By combining these new locations to its existing barbecue restaurant, carryout, catering and private dining services Fiorella's Jack Stack has been able to expand its operation by delivering KC's favorite BBQ nationwide.

CEO Dale Schmick picked up on people's needs for residential and cellular phone services. After years of offering pager services the communication company now offers local, prepaid and long distance services. Along with wireless services from major providers the Pager Company carries a line of phone and pager accessories.

This general contractor specializes in commercial, institutional, multi-family and historical construction. Increased work in commercial and industrial markets has helped Straub Construction diversify its specialties, says Ernest Straub III, CEO for the third-generation construction group.

Bank of Blue Valley offers a variety of services, including commercial and retail banking, trust banking investments, insurance and commercial leasing. CEO Bob Regenier attributes its growth to the bank's added website, www.internetmortgage.com, which features all types of mortgage information and applications.

When Trozzolo Creative Resources merged with Blades & Associates Public Relations earlier this year the new family expanded it's service line. Pasquale Trozzolo, CEO for the merged company, claims the company offers everything from interview training for public relations clients to website updates and newsletter services.

Dot's Office Products puts the finishing touches in an office environment by providing a full line of office products. The company's main emphasis is on servicing customers' needs for office products, such as copy paper, toner cartridges and other desk accessories including furniture and computer supplies.

CEOs Mitch Hoefer and David Wysocki says Hoefer Wysocki Architects tries to focus on offering design and planning for commercial, healthcare, judicial and science and technology industries. The Kansas City based company offers complete architectural, planning and interior design services.

Lockton Companies offers insurance, surety and risk management services to their clients. The privately owned company also provides employee benefit consulting and insurance broker services. Lockton has offices in Georgia, Texas, Colorado, Missouri, California, Connecticut, Illinois and New York.

Currently under federal contract, Ree's Contract Service recruits, hires and trains experienced individuals to be armed guards in select federal buildings. The company hires many individuals who are retired police officers or military personnel with experience handling and using certain types of weapons.