New York (October 1, 2003) — The ASI Show!, the leading tradeshows for the promotional products industry, was recognized as one of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the country, according to the 23rd annual survey released today by Inc. Magazine. The Trevose, PA-based company ranked #153 with 1071% sales growth over the past 5 years.
In the 5 years since its inception, The ASI Show! has grown steadily, attracting more distributors and exhibitors than any other industry show. It is currently the largest and most-recognized tradeshow provider in the promotional products industry. Past honors include Tradeshow Week’s Top 200, Tradeshow Week’s Fastest50 Award, and IAEM’s “Art of The Show” award. Matthew Cohn, ASI Show! president, said, “Everyone at the ASI Show! works hard to deliver a quality show that meets the changing needs of our industry, and our growth is an indication that The ASI Shows are meeting the needs of our clients.” Cohn went on to say that the award is positive news for the entire industry, as the success of The ASI Show! is largely based on the growing importance of promotional products in marketing.
The ASI Show! is joined on the list by other companies that have thrived through continued stagnation in the economy. With aggregate revenue of $14.4 billion, Inc. 500 companies are a formidable market force. And while the United States shed 1.5 million jobs in 2002, Inc. 500 companies – half of which were launched with less than $20,000 – provided employment for 67,973 people.
“The entrepreneurs you’ll find on the Inc. 500 have the type of attitude we need to get this economy moving again,” said Inc. editor-in-chief John Koten. “For them, a tough market is not an excuse for poor performance, but an opportunity to innovate and rise above the competition.”
The Inc. 500 ranks privately held companies according to sales growth over the past five years. With 75% of all new job creation in the U.S. coming from small businesses, the Inc. 500 is a prescient indicator of the companies and industries that are driving the economy forward. Over the years, the Inc. 500 has identified the next generation of world-class companies, with Microsoft, Stonyfield Farms, Timberland, Oracle, Princeton Review, Morningstar, E* Trade, Intuit and Domino’s Pizza all appearing on the list before they became industry powerhouses.
To be eligible for this year’s Inc. 500, companies had to be independent and privately held through their fiscal year 2002, have had at least $200,000 in sales in the base year of 1998, and their 2002 sales had to exceed 2001 sales. Inc. verifies all information using tax forms and financial statements from certified public accountants and by conducting interviews with company officials.
The Inc. 500 Special Issue, featuring a profile of The ASI Show! will appear on newsstands October 14 and will be on display until January 2004.
About Inc.
Inc., the only business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of fast-growing private companies, delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. It provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing and technology. Inc. is the premier publication that focuses on small-to-medium size businesses, which are responsible for more than half the nation’s gross domestic product and 75% of its new jobs. And Inc. looks beyond work to address the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Inc., a Gruner + Jahr USA publication, inspires and informs, with cutting edge coverage that reflects our readers’ energy, brashness and imagination.
About The ASI Show!
The ASI Show! was created for active ASI member distributors and suppliers and attracts more distributors and suppliers than any other shows in the industry. Offering a full education conference, networking opportunities and a manageable one floor/one hall show floor layout, The ASI Show! provides a complete tradeshow experience. In four host cities per year (Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas and Chicago), The ASI Show! is ideal for promotional product businesses searching for new ideas, new business relationships and more. The ASI Shows! in 2004 are: January 4-5 (Education Jan. 3) in Orlando; January 29-30 (Education Jan. 28) in Dallas; March 15-16 (Education March 14) in Las Vegas; and July 14-15 (Education July 13) in Chicago. For complete show details, visit http://www.asishow.com or call toll-free 800-546-3300.
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Contact: Cindy Balog
Phone: 215-953-3777
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