The Rochester Business Alliance celebrated the 24th annual Rochester Top 100 today (Nov. 3). Nearly 2,000 people attended the event at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center to recognize the fastest growing, privately held businesses in the nine-county region. Don Alhart of 13WHAM TV served as master of ceremonies.

The luncheon also serves as the organization's annual meeting, and during that portion, Rochester Business Alliance leadership highlighted the organization's successes and future goals.

"From what I see in this room today, we have a lot to cheer about - both the considerable accomplishments of the 2010 Rochester Top 100, and the remarkable resiliency our business community has shown as our entire nation emerges from a very difficult economic time," said Sandy Parker, president and CEO of the Rochester Business Alliance.

Parker cited the Rochester Business Alliance's 2010 successes in furthering its mission of delivering important business services and advocating for an economic environment essential for success.

"Our focus continues to be on listening to our members so that we can truly understand what they want and need to be successful," Parker said.

She highlighted creation of a membership committee aimed at advising the organization's staff and giving greater voice to RBA's general membership. Parker also talked about RBA's role in building business connections - through a variety of popular networking events such as Meet the Top 100. Business After Hours, Coffee with Our CEO and Connect For Lunch - as well as connecting its members with up-to-date business information and expertise.

Strong advocacy is also essential, she said, citing Unshackle Upstate's successful Judgment Day campaign, aimed at electing New York State legislators who will cut spending and reduce taxes, which are currently some of the highest in the nation.

The 2010 Rochester Top 100 companies were acknowledged in a video produced by 13WHAM TV. The top three honorees for 2010 are:

• SenDEC Corporation - No. 1
• Employee Relations Associates, Inc. - No. 2
• RETROTECH, Inc. - No. 3

Each received a trophy handcrafted by William Keyser Jr., professor emeritus of Rochester Institute of Technology's School for American Craftsmen.

To be eligible for the Rochester Top 100, companies must be privately held, headquartered locally and have at least $1 million in revenues in each of their last three fiscal years.