Urban Science Makes List of '100 Fastest-Growing Urban Companies'

DETROIT, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit-based global retail consulting firm Urban Science has been named to the 2010 Inner City 100, a list of the fastest growing inner-city companies in America as determined by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and BusinessWeek SmallBiz magazine. The program recognizes successful companies and their CEOs as role models for entrepreneurship, innovative business practices and job creation in America's urban communities.

"Having our headquarters in Detroit gives us access to a technology-oriented, diverse workforce with expertise in automotive, as well as a strategic location for our growing business," said Urban Science CEO Jim Anderson. "We are committed to Detroit, investing millions of dollars to expand our presence here."

Urban Science works with most major global automotive manufacturers and more than 10,000 automotive dealers worldwide to help them increase market share and improve profitability of their retail networks by planning effectively, defining and measuring performance, and developing sales and marketing programs. For 32 years, Urban Science has helped companies conquer business challenges by combining the experience of expert consultants with cutting-edge business analysis processes. This insight is then incorporated into proprietary software applications developed primarily at its corporate and technology headquarters in Detroit.

The company is a vital force in the community, strengthening Detroit through charitable giving, volunteerism and community involvement. Recently, Urban Science funded a $2.5 million endowment to Wayne State University's College of Engineering to create the Engineering Ventures Program, which provides scholarships and helps students become successful entrepreneurs. Urban Science also donated $1 million to Detroit Medical Center's Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan.

"We are delighted to celebrate businesses like Urban Science that are playing a critical role in revitalizing America's urban communities," said Mary Kay Leonard, ICIC president and CEO. "These extraordinary companies demonstrate the market possibilities that exist within our inner cities.  If we can leverage these possibilities, we can create jobs, income and wealth for local residents and produce the next chapter of American innovation and opportunity."

For the 2010 list, a record number of nominations were received.  Winners represent a wide span of geography, operating in 58 cities and 34 states.  Anderson accepted the honor on May 5 at the Inner City 100 Awards Dinner held at Harvard Business School in Boston.

About ICIC

The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1994 by Harvard Business School Professor Michael E. Porter. It brings together business and civic leaders to drive innovation and action, transform thinking, and accelerate inner city business growth. In 1999, ICIC created the Inner City 100 program to change perceptions about inner-city business. ICIC uses data to prove that not only can companies thrive in inner cities, but there are competitive advantages of doing business in the inner cities.  

About Urban Science

Founded in 1977, Urban Science is a global retail consulting firm that combines science with marketing to give companies the competitive edge they need to increase their market share and profitability in the most effective and efficient manner. With headquarters in Detroit, Urban Science serves its global clientele from offices in the United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, China, Mexico, Japan, India and Russia. www.urbanscience.com 

SOURCE Urban Science