Mattel, Inc.

Perry Ellis International Inc. (PEI) signs a multi-year agreement with the Miami Dolphins and Dolphins Stadium to promote the companys brands at games.

Like most consumer goods manufacturers, Thermos is facing increased pressure from its larger retail partners like Wal-Mart, Target and Walgreens to deliver orders faster and more accurately, and to implement new technology standards like radio frequency identification (RFID).

Companies that push it to the limit

While these companies didn't make the best-of-breed lists in their respective categories, they certainly deserve a look as you put together your RFPs for the coming year.