NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwired - May 06, 2016) - The Association for Corporate Growth Orange County chapter ("ACG-OC") bestowed coveted awards celebrating Orange County's highest performing companies last night at the organization's 21st Annual Awards Gala held at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach.

More than 400 executives attended the event.

Presented by Hughes Marino, a Southern California leader in commercial tenant representation, the gala recognized the achievements of Orange County- and Inland Empire-based companies excelling in a variety of categories as judged by an independent review panel of academic and business professionals.

Out of nearly 100 nominations, 23 finalists were selected for a final round of interviews in what was recognized as one of the tightest competitions in the history of the event.

"The caliber of companies this year was exceptional and presented quite a challenge to our respected panel of judges," noted event co-chairs David Krajanowski of SingerLewak and Rhonda Handke of BrightPath Advisors. "In 21 years of celebrating the best of Orange County and the Inland Empire, this event was the tightest race in memory," Krajanowski said.

"A diverse mix of companies earned accolades -- from hospitality to financial and infrastructure firms," said Thomas Hopper of AON Risk Services, ACG Orange County president. "The talent-rich pool of professionals and innovators across multiple sectors represent the best of this region."

The winning companies include:

Growth Award - Montage Hotels & Resorts

Reinventing Award - Succession Capital Alliance (industry) and RAJ Swim (company)

Spotlight Award - Rio Ranch Market

Corporate Responsibility - Haskell & White LLP (contribution to culture and community) and Antis Roofing & Waterproofing (contribution to a single organization)

Green/Sustainability Award - LPA, Inc.

Innovation Award - GeoCommerce

Founders Award - Burnham Benefits

Startup Award - U Brands

About ACG Orange County 
Founded in 1954, the Association for Corporate Growth is a global organization with 56 chapters involved in corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions. ACG's 14,000 members include professionals from private equity firms, corporations and lenders that invest in middle-market companies, as well as from law, accounting, investment banking and other firms that provide advisory services.