Women Presidents' Organization Unveils the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies Worldwide

NEW ORLEANS, April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) has released its 7th Annual list of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/led companies around the globe. The 50 Fastest generated $4.9 billion in combined 2013 revenues and collectively employed 22,000 people. Compared with last year's list, the total combined revenue of the 2014 winning companies grew by a dramatic 53%.

Thirty-One Gifts, a direct seller of exclusive, stylish and functional purses, totes, fashion accessories and organizing solutions, is the fastest-growing woman-led/owned company. Cindy Monroe, founder and chief executive officer who started the company in her basement in 2003, saw her company's revenues grow exponentially in four years -- from $38 million in 2009 to $760 million in 2013.

"The companies that made it onto our list this year reflect the continued resourcefulness of women-led businesses," said Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., president and founder of WPO. "We saw production soaring, with an average revenue growth of 203% from 2009 to 2013. Not only is the financial growth of these companies impressive, it shows that women entrepreneurs are making inroads in non-traditional businesses, such as information technology and transportation. The growth of these women-led companies is particularly impressive as the world economic recovery struggles to gain traction. Privately held U.S. companies on average ended 2013 with annual sales growth of 5.4%, the slowest rate of sales growth since 2009," Dr. Firestone added.

Strategic Communications, a Louisville-based provider of technology services run by Kathy Mills ranked second this year, nearly doubling the company's revenues, from $45.4 million in 2011 to $97.3 million in 2013. WDS, Inc., an international warehousing, distribution and inventory management company, rounds out the top three. Jennifer Maier, chief executive officer and president, grew the company's revenue from $13.2 million to $155.8 million in the past four years.

For the first time since its inception, the 2014 50 Fastest was opened to applicants on a global level, resulting in two international businesses in the top ten. Participating companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula that combines percentage and absolute growth. To be qualified for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately held, woman-owned/led companies with annual revenue of at least $500,000 by year end 2008.

More about the 2014 WPO 50 Fastest:

• Average revenue grew from $32.6 million in 2009 to $98.8 million in 2013
• Founded the business: 90%
• Average age: 48
• Average number of projected 2014 employees: 657

All 50 companies will be honored at a special event during the 2014 WPO Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA on Thursday, April 24, 2014. The awards reception will take place from 5:30 – 8:00 PM at the Sheraton Hotel New Orleans.

The WPO's 2014 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies are:

About the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO)
The WPO is the ultimate affiliation for successful women entrepreneurs worldwide. In monthly meetings across the world, women from diverse industries invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting. For more information, call 212-688-4114 or visit www.womenpresidentsorg.com.

Contact:
Erin McKeon
Global Group by JG
[email protected]
212.967.5895

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SOURCE Women Presidents' Organization