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MARQUETTE -- Four U.P. businesses faced a tough year in 2008, but were highly successful.

They explained why and how Friday.

"Over the last year, we've actually increased in employees locally, here in Marquette, from 13 to 18," says David Ollia of V.I.O.  "We have realized a 70% annualized growth in sales, and much of that can be attributed to our exports to Europe."

V.I.O in Marquette, which makes helmet cameras that attach to camcorders for recording adventure sports and military use, was one of the Excellence Award recipients at Friday's annual Operation Action U.P. meeting.

For 20 years, the organization has honored companies that have helped boost the U.P. economy.

Another Excellence Award recipient is Northern Initiatives, which works with entrepreneurs, manufacturing firms and educational institutions.

The non-profit community development corporation, invests in start-up companies through loans and information services.

"We have about 120 businesses currently," says Dennis West, "our outstanding loans are around $7 million."

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility, located in Powers, was also recognized.

A long-term care provider for more than 85 years, Pinecrest has demonstrated its commitment to its workforce, its residents and the community.

"When you can have a business like this growing and growing, and getting better and better, at no cost to the tax payer, I have to think its the greatest," said Gerald McCole.

Founded in 1945, Khoury, a furniture store in Kingsford, also received an Excellence Award for its "green" practices .

"About a year ago, we decided that we had to take a good hard look at the company and determine if we're going to be around or not," says Jean O'Dette, "and we came up with a new game plan."

Khoury, along with the other excellence award recipients, knows that 2009 will present its own challenges -- they say they're ready for what lies ahead.