All 50 companies selected are consumer companies-not one is focused on designing and building products for the aerospace and defense industries. Not one is helping to protect our troops.
Clearly, we read about innovations in our industry every day. New IEDs, parachutes, enhanced MATVs, etc. But rather than focus on Bloomberg Business Weeks’ selection of exclusively consumer companies, I think it is important to look at what these companies do exceptionally well that applies to each and every one of our businesses.
Apple retained its number 1 position in 2010, from last years rankings. We all recognize that Apple is genius at inventing products that  have revolutionized demand for digital technology. Their revenue growth and stock return are demonstrative of their success, with last year results of 30% and 35%, respectively.
Toyota Motor slipped from number 3 to number 5 this year. Following the massive recalls for sudden acceleration issues, Toyota’s challenge going forward will be re-inventing its image.
Intel Corporation moved from #33 last year to #12 in 2010. Intel demonstrated the importance of industry leading spending of research - even during one of the most serious recessions we have experienced. Their revenue growth and stock return haven’t paid off yet - with zero revenue growth and 3% stock return year over year.
Proctor and Gamble moved from #12 last year to #25 this year. With a new CEO brought in to replace A.G. Lafley, P&G shifted its focus from development of new upscale products to improving lower priced goods that are more suited to recessionary times.
Ford Motors survived the the recession without a government bailout or bankruptcy. Its sales are strong due to the strength of its fuel efficient cars. In fact, the Ford Fusion is the biggest selling domestic hybrid.
Innovation is seen in very different ways across a variety of industries. In  the aerospace and defense industries, you continue to innovate...whether you are employed by a Fortune 500 company building new products, or whether you are a small precision machine shop.  You are often capitalizing on the investment capital available for innovation - with a number of our advertisers owning patents, winning SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) funds.
Keep it up. Our USA depends upon it.  As always, I wish you success in your business ventures, and God Bless our Troops.

Linda Daly, Publisher