UPDATE ON WHAT'S HAPPENING: I have selected a number of candidate designs to get feedback on from other parties. I expect to narrow the selection down further at which point I will be contacting these designers to confirm acceptance of the terms specified in my immediately prior post above. PLEASE, if you haven't already, review these terms and let me know NOW if you have a problem as this will speed up the process for everyone.

I expect to announce the winner early next week.

Thanks,
John

Couple of administrative notes:
1) I've extended the contest another three days. The response has been great with lots of great designs. I have to apologize on our end for not having the time to give more frequent and detailed feedback. It requires one level of effort to comment on 10 designs and something else for the 104 designs submitted so far.
2) The winner will be required to provide a signed contract assigning copyright ownership to us before we issue payment. The designer will also be required, in writing, to warrant the originality of the artwork. If this is a problem for you, please withdraw from the contest.

I'm seeing a number of designs that are utilizing a black background. Very nice... but will probably blow my startup printing budget. Limited areas probably ok, but otherwise I will have to pass.
Thanks, John

I've seen quite a few "RO" based designs and am drawing the conclusion that this is a very difficult design approach to take. If this is the route that you wish to pursue, then please take the time to distinguish between a simple design and a simplistic design. Beauty can be found in simplicity, but not all simple things are beautiful. Please note that I'm not writing this to be discouraging - I just value your time.
Thanks, John

I've given some individual feedback re. the use of arrows in the design, but I'm not sure how viewing individual feedback works on your end. However, as a rule, it has been decided that designs with arrows are not wanted. If you can review individual feedback for others, then it may be worthwhile to skim through what's not wanted to get some idea of likes and dislikes.
Thanks, John

Quick general comment. There are several very good designs, however, they have a focus only on the domain name as opposed to the company name: Revenue Optimization Systems, LLC.