MID-MARKET COMPANIES MAKING MOVES.

For several years now, companies in the state have enjoyed a prolonged period of growth. It's no surprise that choosing this year's Business North Carolina Mid-Market Fast 40 was tougher than ever.

Cherry Bekaert LLP pored over 70 applicants to determine the top firms. For years, the company has been compiling this annual list of businesses that made strong gains in workforce and revenue for two consecutive years.

"Especially this year, it continues to surprise me as we see growth not just in a particular industry," says Erik Horstmann, managing partner at Cherry Bekaert. "North Carolina flourishes across multiple industries."

The businesses chosen were honored at a reception at Pinehurst Resort to celebrate their status as some of the fastest-growing companies in the state. Several attended a round table discussion at High Point University in early September, where they shared the current status of business as well as what they expect in the future.

With discussion of a potential recession in the news, the future of the economy was on the minds of many. Business leaders shared thoughts on some of their fears with a potential economic slowdown after appreciating such a long period of stability, as well as some of the steps they're taking to protect themselves in the event of a recession.

"It's just being real cautiously optimistic about everything, which has been the case for a while...