SkyWest, Zions Bancorp., Headwaters Inc. and Overstock.com joined Questar in the top five spots for biggest revenues.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who attended the event, pointed to the recent issue of Fast Company magazine, which ranked Salt Lake City No. 3 of 10 U.S. cities showing the highest rates of growth in what the magazine called the "creative class," namely scientists, engineers, artists, managers and high-paid professionals.

The article also profiled Nelson's success with LoveSac.

"I think this is the first of many such salutes that will come," Huntsman said. "I think it is going to result in more capital coming this way, the retention of talent and our best graduates, and I think it will mean economic stability over the long term."

The rankings also recognized 15 "emerging elite" companies, businesses with promising future growth. Some of those companies included Sandy-based Batteries & Bands, Orem-based Prudential Utah Real Estate and Lehi-based Xango.

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E-mail: danderton@desnews.com