Fort Collins, COLO. – Helping fuel the economic fire in Colorado, OtterBox was recognized as a Colorado Company to Watch by the Colorado Office of Economic Development on June 25, 2009 at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

 The award recognizes Colorado’s top 50 privately held, growth focused, second-stage companies.

In addition to being evaluated on past growth and projected success, applicants were also judged according to their special strengths in areas such as product innovation, business practices, special use of technology, work within their community and more.

For OtterBox, those special strengths include product innovation with a projected release of 40 to 60 new cases this year, a unique company culture with an emphasis on teamwork and perseverance, and a commitment to social responsibility including a special edition pink case which allowed OtterBox to donate over $17,000 to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

“We are honored to be named a Colorado Company to Watch and thankful to be succeeding in the current economy,” said Curt Richardson, CEO of OtterBox. “This award, as well as the overall success and growth of OtterBox, is thanks to the hard work and dedication of all of our employees.”

The Companies to Watch program also weighs the value of creating good quality jobs, diverse industries and statewide representation, all of which OtterBox contributed to in 2008 and continues to encourage in 2009.

“Colorado is fortunate to have a diverse economy, which will help reduce the impacts of the global economic crisis,” said Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. “In these challenging times it is vital to appreciate what we have that is working, recognize the strength of growing companies throughout Colorado and the economic vitality they bring to our communities and state. I am pleased to congratulate the 2009 Colorado Companies to Watch, and thank them for contributing to Colorado’s recovery.”

About OtterBox:

Founded in 1996, OtterBox is highly respected in the design and production of rugged and semi-rugged cases to safeguard technology and other valuables.

Built upon fundamentals of hard work, creativity and perseverance, OtterBox is the innovator of premier protective solutions for leading global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.

For more information, visit www.otterbox.com or call 888-695-8820. We’ve got technology covered.