2010 Celebration of Business Success spotlights achievements of 57 diverse and thriving Fairfax County companies

Fairfax County, Virginia USA, Thursday, December 9, 2010 -

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) today hosted the 2010 Celebration of Business Success to recognize the achievements of 57 Fairfax County companies that are the fastest-growing in the Washington, D.C., area or Virginia, or are the largest African American-owned, Hispanic-owned or woman-owned companies in the nation in terms of revenue.

The event at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, featured a keynote speech by Dr. Joseph E. Fergus, CEO of Communication Technologies Inc. (COMTek), and remarks by Fairfax County Supervisor Penny Gross (Mason District and vice chair of the board) and FCEDA Commission Chairman Steven L. Davis.

Honored businesses came from these 2010 sources: 22 are on the Washington Business Journal list of the 50 fastest-growing companies in the Washington area, 22 made the Virginia Chamber of Commerce list of the 50 fastest-growing companies in Virginia, 10 are on the Hispanic Business list of the 500 largest Hispanic-owned companies in the U.S., five are on the Black Enterprise 100 list of the largest African American-owned companies in the U.S., and four made the American Express OPEN-Women Presidents’ Organization list of the 50 largest woman-owned companies in North America. Several companies appeared on multiple lists. Visit the FCEDA Web site for company details.

In his address, Fergus, whose company is on the Black Enterprise 100 list, applauded the other business executives for their success and noted the values that they need to succeed. “It is your leadership that will continue to be a major part of the fabric of making this community better,” he said.

Gross noted the diversity of the executives receiving plaques and said their success shows that business people of all backgrounds can thrive in Fairfax County. She noted the connection between a thriving economic base and the ability of the Board of Supervisors to pay for county services. “People always talk about Fairfax County schools and services, and we want to keep it that way,” she said.

Davis, who has worked for large multi-national corporations and now is COO of a small consulting firm, acknowledged the hard work that goes into building a business. “You wouldn’t be here unless you had the drive and determination to add value and succeed,” he said. “You’ve made a strong commitment to this community, which is important.”

“Fairfax County is the home to so many companies that top the nationally published lists of fast-growing or largest minority-owned or woman-owned firms,” Gordon said. “We are proud that they are located here and have become successful here. The companies that were honored today are the best of the best. The diversity of this community is what makes us strong.”