Fueling the economic fire what recession? these companies have achieved growth during the toughest of times and are primed for success.

• Position: TO WATCH - Colorado companies to watch program by Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

There's nothing more inspiring in a rough economic climate than hearing about companies that are succeeding and even adding jobs. While the Not So Great Recovery continues to emerge from the Great Recession, entrepreneurs have continued to find ways to make their businesses work and prime themselves for the future.

Here are 50 tales of business success and innovation. These Colorado Companies to Watch are second-stage enterprises that will help the state regain its footing as a fertile ground for business growth.

The 2010 class of companies in the program - which debuted last year-once again represent a diverse group of industries from around the state, delivering such services as information technology, solar power installations and recycling, and manufacturing such industrial products as veterinary equipment, defense systems and biochemicals. Consumer goods are represented by the makers of chocolate, energy bars, burritos and beer.

The economic impact of these companies: is substantial. Here's what they generated in 2009:

* $375 million in total revenue

* $226 million increase in total revenue compared to 2008

* 1,770 full-time equivalent employees

* 535 net new jobs projected for 2010

Colorado Companies to Watch is organized by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade in association with economic development councils throughout the stale. The panel of independent judges selected the companies based on such factors as employee or sales growth, entrepreneurial leadership and sustainable competitive advantage.

"Our state's strong entrepreneurial spirit is helping to move Colorado forward," Gov. Bill Ritter said. "The Colorado Companies to Watch program is great way to show appreciation of our home-grown Colorado businesses. These second-stage companies have helped to grow our economy even during tough times."

The program was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation, which was created in 1985 by the late creator of Kitty Litter and his wife, Darlene, to promote entrepreneurship. The foundation also has established Companies to Watch programs in Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, upstate California and Wisconsin.

"All of these amazing companies don't typically get recognized because maybe they're adding five jobs or 10 jobs or 20 jobs, and they don't have those big press pulls like some of the others," said Penny Lewandowski, director of entrepreneurship development for the Edward Lowe Foundation...