AKRON, OH-Applied Vision Corp., manufacturer of machine vision inspection systems, is a recipient of the 2009 Leading Edge Award presented by the Entrepreneurs Edge, an organization dedicated to growth and development in Northeast Ohio. The award recognizes Applied Vision for its leadership in creating economic value for the region with a 56% increase in pre-tax earnings and a 67% increase in employee compensation during the past four years. This is the company’s second consecutive win.

“The Applied Vision team takes great pride in knowing that our dedication to making our company the global standard in machine vision for the food and beverage containers industry also contributes to the advancement of the Northeast Ohio community,” says Manijeh Novini, chief financial officer of Applied Vision. “The world-class talent available in Northeast Ohio has been a key ingredient in helping us become industry leaders in both technological innovation and customer service.”

The recipients of the Leading Edge Award are the companies that create the most value for Northeast Ohio as defined by Ebit plus total cash equivalent compensation for all employees working within the region. To be eligible for nomination, a company must have sales of up to $500 million and must sell some of its products or services outside of the 17 counties in Northeast Ohio, thus bringing growth and opportunity back to the region.