FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
York Region thriving at heart of Canadian tech industry
The York Technology Association recognizes 95 local companies named to the 2009 Branham 300.
Markham, Ontario, April 2009 -- on April 3, 2009 the York Technology Association [YTA] in association with the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance [GTMA] hosted over 250 guests as they recognized 95 companies from the area named to the 2009 Branham 300, Canada's most respected and comprehensive ranking of Canadian ICT companies.
2008 was a year of uncertainty for many industries, but for the Canadian tech sector it proved to be a milestone for revenue growth, with the companies ranked on the Branham 300 ringing in revenues of nearly $76 billion. This represents nearly 18% growth over the prior 12 months and marks a trend for the past five years that shows the ICT industry in Canada experiencing growth of over 50%.
The Greater Toronto Area is home to 38% of the companies named to this year's Branham 300. And with 146, or 58% of Canada's largest ICT companies located in Ontario the Greater Toronto Region is truly the heart of the Canadian technology sector.
The 95 GTA companies on this year's Branham 300 list had a very impressive year:
· 37% increased revenues by more than 20% in 2008
· 75% had positive revenue growth in 2008
· The area is home to 30% of the top 10 tech companies in Canada
"We are seeing the tech sector flourish, and we are extremely proud to be the membership association supporting these organizations in sustaining this trend," said Patrick Shaw, Executive Director of the York Technology Association. "At the YTA we are fostering an ecosystem that supports peer to peer networking, targeted learning and business development for the tech cluster. The Branham results are exciting and encouraging for the sector and for York Region. The best place to open the next shoe store is adjacent to one that is thriving. Same holds true in technology."
The Branham list also names the top 20 Movers and Shakers of 2008 and the top 25 up-and-coming companies in Canada. GTA companies are well represented on both of these lists with seven local companies being named to each.
"The top 25 up and coming companies are selected based on their innovation, creativity and long-term potential for success" said Wayne Gudbranson, CEO of the Branham Group, publisher of the Branham 300, "with major technology companies and the encouraging number of up-and-coming companies located in the GTA it is clear that the YTA has a strong base for fostering continued innovation and business growth."
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Contact information
Patrick Shaw
Executive Director, York Technology Association
p. 905-415-4588
c. 416-629-1696
patshaw@yorktech.ca
Darren Anderson
Branham300 Coordinator & Research Analyst, Branham Group Inc.
p. 613-745-2282 ext. 122
danderson@branhamgroup.com
The York Technology Association
The YTA is a dynamic member driven community offering opportunities for peer collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing essential to the development of tech businesses and their people. Participation in the YTA uniquely places members at the centre-point of Canada's leading technology corridor, with a connection to more than 5,000 leaders and influencers of the technology cluster in the Greater Toronto Region. The YTA offers 10 unique peer to peer meetings, monthly topical issues luncheons, and workshops specifically targeted to the tech company.
The Branham Group
Branham Group is a leading industry analyst and strategic consulting firm servicing the global information technology marketplace. Branham Group assists information technology companies and related institutions in achieving market success through its custom consulting services (Planning, Marketing and Partnering), and through its multi-client research subscription programs (eHealth, Outsourcing, Green IT and Wireless). Branham also produces an annual listing of the top information technology companies in Canada (www.branham300.com), tracks the Canadian Outsourcing industry (www.branhamoutsourcing.com) and monitors over 450 eHealth vendors. For more information regarding Branham Group, please visit www.branhamgroup.com.
The Branham300
Entering its 16th year, the Branham300 highlights the top Canadian and multinational ICT companies operating in Canada and is widely considered to be a leading source of intelligence on Canada's ICT industry. The Branham300 list consists of the following major categories, ranked by revenue:
- Top 250 Canadian ICT Companies
- Top 25 ICT Multinational Companies operating in Canada
- T op 25 Up and Comer ICT Companies (category ranked on innovation/not revenue)
· The Next 50 (New in 2008!)
The Branham300 is published annually in the April/May issue of Backbone Magazine, as well as on the Branham300 website, www.branham300.com.