Gulf Coast Office Products is all about stability. The largest copier distributor in Louisiana has had the same owner for more than 30 years, and President Trey Beall has been with GCOP for 18 years. More than half of its 100 employees have been with the firm for at least five years, some for many more. And its traditions of personal customer service and community involvement have stayed strong from year to year even as market conditions have changed.

"I talk to people all over the country who are struggling, but here in town we're continuing to hold our own," Beall says. "It's important for people here to know there is stability."

Mr. Beall says that while the rest of the country was enjoying record profits over the previous few years, most businesses in Baton Rouge experienced slower, but steady growth. Gulf Coast Office Products has 11 straight years of record sales and is on track for another good year in 2009. Beall says he's not seeing a drop in revenue, though the nationwide credit crunch means his sales staff may have to work a little harder...

Read more about Gulf Coast Office Products in the 2009 Baton Rouge Business Report's Annual Report.