The award, presented annually since 1996, recognises businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations in all industry sectors throughout the St Louis region.

Founded in 1991, Novus International, Inc. is a leader in animal health and nutrition, providing products and programs to more than 2,500 nutritionists, producers, veterinarians and feed manufacturers in more than 90 countries. Although corporately based in St. Charles, Mo., Novus has facilities in more than 35 countries as well as smaller offices with field staff in an additional 60 countries. With revenues approaching $1 billion, Novus is committed to having a genuinely global presence. Employees around the world work with customers to improve their business operations though increased productivity and profitability. Leveraging proven research results, Novus customers can take a comprehensive approach to optimise the health of their animals. This approach maximizes the producers' output, supports healthy immune systems and ultimately leads to the production of higher-quality food.

RubinBrown LLP once again served as the title sponsor of the Greater St Louis Top 50 Awards. "This year's Top 50 winners were selected based on a variety of common denominators of high achievement," noted Chairman James Castellano. "In addition to their overall civic commitment, many have demonstrated growth in the number of employees. Many boast strong revenue growth, while others have become stronger with noteworthy acquisitions or expansion and development of facilities."

In February, Novus completed the acquisition of the Animal Nutrition Division of Albion Laboratories Inc., a company based in Clearfield, Utah. Products from the acquisition, including the MAAC® chelated trace mineral product line, were aligned with Novus's Mintrex® and Glytrex® chelated trace mineral products to further expand Novus's mineral technology.

In May, Novus acquired the IQF Group including Carotenoid Technologies S.A and Investigaciones Quimicas y Farmaceuticas, S.A. based in Tarragona, Spain and IQF – Enamex, S.A. de C.V. based in Cordoba, Mexico. Feed carotenoid pigments from the acquisition, with their natural antioxidant properties, align with Novus's feed preservative and dietary antioxidant product families.

Dr Giovanni Gasperoni, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Sales at Novus International, commented: "We are honoured to have been awarded this distinction for a second time. St Louis is home to many great employers and to be able to stand apart from these organisations is a real honour. We appreciate this recognition and consider it one to be shared by all our employees, customers and stakeholders."

The award was presented at a gala awards program and dinner on 11 November at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. RCGA President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard C.D. Fleming described this year's Top 50 as "a rich cross section of entrepreneurs, mid-cap companies, long-established headquarter companies and civic institutions that provide the backbone to St. Louis' economy and enhance the region's quality of life".