– 13th year in a row at #1 –

Washington, DC – For the thirteenth consecutive year, the Greater Washington region has the largest number of fastest-growing private companies in America, according to Inc. Magazine.

This year, Greater Washington had 48 area companies on the 2009 Inc. 500 list, three more than in 2008 and a dozen more than second place Los Angeles and New York (tied at 36). Chicago had 23 companies; San Francisco had 19 companies; and Boston had 18.

“The 2009 Inc. 500 list confirms Greater Washington’s strength as an outstanding business location for firms of all sizes,” said Matt Erskine, executive director of the Greater Washington Initiative. “The region’s concentration of highly-educated workers and smart entrepreneurial managers continue to drive our regional economy forward.”

The 48 area companies cross many industries; the top three industries are in government services, IT services, and business services – a reflection of Greater Washington’s strength in the services-driven, knowledge-based economy. Other industries represented include: construction, education, health, human resources, manufacturing, real estate, software and telecommunications.

Total revenues for the region’s 48 fast-growing firms equal nearly $1.3 billion and they collectively employ approximately 4,100 individuals.

“Being number one for the thirteenth year in a row proves that Greater Washington is a region where business gets done,” said Erskine. “Companies that decide to relocate or expand here thrive in our diverse and stable economy and find a healthy environment for growing their business.”

The 2009 Inc. 500/5000 list measures revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based and privately held, independent – not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies – as of December 31, 2008, and have had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2005, and $2 million in 2008.

For more information and to view the 2009 list, go to http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/the-full-list.html.

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The Greater Washington Initiative (GWI) is the regional marketing and economic development organization that promotes the area encompassing the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland as a premier business location. GWI is an affiliate of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. For more info, visit www.greaterwashington.org.