On Wednesday, The  Business Courier of Cincinnati announced its Fast 55 winners, the publication’s annual list of fast growing local companies. According to the paper, “the Fast 55 were ranked on the rate of revenue growth over a three-year period, 2007-2009. To be eligible, companies had to have at least $1 million in annual revenues, and be headquartered in the 15-county Tri-State area.”

The five categories that companies were divided into were as follows:

• $200 million or higher
• $50 million to $199 million
• $10 million to $49.9 million
• $5 million to $9.9 million
• $1 million to $4.9 million

Of the five category leaders, four are in the health care industry. MedSpace, a clinical research organization in Norwood, finished on top in the $200 million or higher category. KeySource Medical, a generic pharmaceuticals wholesaler in Sycamore Township, finished first in the $50 to $199 million category while CH Mack, a provider of health care management systems in Blue Ash topped the $1 million to $4.9 million category.

Carol Frankenstein, president of BIOSTART commented, “It’s not a surprise that 5 of the top 5 Fast 55 companies and 16% overall are in the health care industry. These growing companies provide clinical trial services, health information management systems, home care services, generic pharmaceutical products and engineering design consulting services for the pharmaceutical industry. They are capitalizing on significant market opportunities such as approval of safe and effective medical products, implementation of electronic medical records and efficient, appropriate access to health information, shift of care from high cost/high intensity providers to alternative service providers and cost containment. It’s gratifying to see the Fast 55 reflect the vibrant and diverse health care industry we have in Cincinnati.”

Visit the Business Courier’s web site to view the entire list of the Fast 55.