Pearls of Southern California Middle Market Business Shine at 2025 ACG Awards

Living up to the luster of its “Pearls of Wisdom” theme, the 2025 ACG Awards gala captivated a sell-out crowd of business luminaries across Orange County and the Inland Empire who came together to celebrate the top performing middle market companies in the region. The event, organized by the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG) Orange County Chapter, took place May 29, at the Irvine Marriott.

A total of 29 finalist companies vied for top honors in the competition, which was judged by some 16 independent judges – all previous ACG Award winners. At evening’s end, these were the businesses judged to be “best of the best.”

Corporate Responsibility

Strategic Kids

Emerging Growth

Semi-Kinetics

Founders

Wahoo’s

Global

KTM North America

Green/Sustainability

Wilson Creek Winery & Vineyards

Innovation

Genomic Testing Cooperative

Reinventing

Brave Thinking Institute

Spotlight

L Squared Capital Partners

Sustained Growth

Archer Meat Snacks

Start-Up

Daisy

C-suite executives and the professional advisors in attendance were treated to a series of memorable stories from the podium as winners described their often-challenging journeys. Award-winning broadcast journalist Jane Wells served as emcee and kept the crowd engaged throughout the evening with her keen wit and insights.

ACG Awards Co-chair Kathy Lawson congratulated the winners, including the many stakeholders who supported them in their climb to the top. “These companies represent ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ with their culture, strategy, connection, and importance to the communities they serve. Their success is also a tribute to the success of ACG’s members — many of whom guide, support, and advise them.”

More than 100 companies were nominated this year, with only 29 reaching the finalist ranks – an impressive achievement according to ACG Awards Co-chair Michael Lutfi. “Being a category finalist is recognition of many accomplishments, and something to proudly share with employees and customers alike. Finalists join a select group of companies that have become visionaries, leaders, and major employers in Orange County and the Inland Empire.”

For more information on the ACG Awards or other programs offered through ACG Orange County, please contact Executive Director Richard Meyers at director@acgoc.org.

About ACG Orange County

The Association for Corporate Growth - Orange County chapter is part of a global organization that includes 60 chapters involved in corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions. ACG's nearly 15,000 members include professionals from private equity firms, corporations and lenders that invest in middle-market companies, as well as law, accounting, investment banking and other firms that provide advisory services.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250530488050/en/

A total of 29 finalist companies vied for top honors in the competition, which was judged by 16 independent judges – all previous ACG Award winners.