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, a Valley View-based supplier of reconditioned and new forklift batteries, has captured the top rank for sales growth in the 2015 Weatherhead 100, the prestigious annual list of rapidly growing companies compiled by �Ӱ���Ƶ’s Weatherhead School of Management. The companies were honored at a ceremony Thursday night at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights. The 2015 Weatherhead 100 list indicates notable growth in professional services, from security consulting to marketing. Companies in the manufacturing sector and computer companies (hardware, software and information technology) also were represented. Weatherhead 100 was established to celebrate Northeast Ohio’s spirit of entrepreneurship and recognize companies that exemplify success in the region. The awards are divided into three categories:

• Weatherhead 100: Companies with sales of at least $100,000 in 2010, and more than $1 million last year, with at least 16 full-time employees.
• Upstarts: Fast-growing companies with up to 15 employees and sales of less than $5 million last year.
• Centurions: Fast-growing companies with at least $100 million in sales last year.

The complete 2015 lists of Weatherhead 100, Centurion and Upstarts winning companies are available at . Established in 2010, Evergreen Industrial Batteries posted sales growth of 2,592.84 percent in the Weatherhead 100 five-year measurement period (2010-2014). The company captured the top rank the first time it has qualified for consideration. In addition to selling batteries, the company provides reconditioned and new batteries for monthly rentals during its customers’ seasonal or peak demand. The firm also buys scrap or used batteries. “We’re fortunate to have a staff of great people who are very dedicated to the quality of the products and services we offer to customers. That has greatly helped fuel our growth,” said Bob Rowland, Evergreen Industrial Batteries president and chief executive officer. Jeremy O’Reilly, the company’s vice president, said “building relationships really matters.” He knew Evergreen Industrial Batteries would be competitive in the Weatherhead 100 rankings. “We are thrilled to be among so many exceptional leaders,” O’Reilly said at the ceremony. Lauden Properties, headquartered in Twinsburg, ranked second in the Weatherhead 100, with sales growth of 2,551.34 percent during the five-year period. Laudan Properties, a residential contractor offering inspection, repair and remodel services, also was second in the 2014 Weatherhead 100 ranking. Echo Health Inc., of Westlake, placed third, with sales growth of 2,336.77 percent in the five-year period. The company also placed third the previous two years. Echo Health is a provider of health care payment systems, focusing on electronic payment and delivery. In the Centurions category, EnvisionRx, a pharmacy benefit management company in Twinsburg, took first, with five-year sales growth of 241.24 percent. This year, Rite Aid acquired EnvisionRx, which became a wholly owned subsidiary of Rite Aid. In the Upstarts category, first place went to WellnessIQ, in Independence. The company posted five-year sales growth of 1,698.37 percent. It provides health management strategies for employees of client companies. Fore more information and a full list of winners, visit .