Things seem to be improving. Just take a look at this year's NEO Success Award winners - 95 in all, the most we've honored since 2008. Consider Nordson Corp., which had a record year with a mix of innovation, quick thinking and good leadership. Or OuterBox Solutions, whose success landed it in new and expanded digs in Akron. These are good signs. NEO Success Award winners must have grown revenue, added employees or both (from 2009-2011) while at least breaking even on profitability. Winners could also be down no more than 5 percent in either revenue or employee growth to qualify.

For a complete list of winners,Click Hereto be taken to IBMag.com.