The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), in partnership with American Express OPEN, the small business division of American Express, today released the fifth ranking of the 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/led companies in North America. The Top 50 generated a combined $4 billion in 2011 revenues (mean of $80.1 million) and collectively employed 26,883 in 2011 (projected 34,550 employees in 2012).

BrightStar, a home healthcare and medical staffing company based in Illinois, has taken the top spot for a second consecutive year. Shelly Sun, president and chief executive officer, who plans to take her business public, saw her 10-year-old company’s revenue double in two years from $51,732,716 in 2009 to $156,812,048 in 2011.

Cenergy International Services, LLC, a Texas-based energy personnel solutions provider, rose from 25th spot on the list last year to second place this year. The company has nearly doubled its revenues ($62,500,000 in 2009 to $165,000,000 in 2011) and employment (434 in 2009, 938 in 2011 and 1,100 projected for December 2012).

“This year’s Top 50 list is our most diverse ranking ever, with 20 states represented and companies ranging from precious metal dealers to food service distributors,” said Marsha Firestone, Ph. D., president and founder of the WPO. “We are once again pleased to partner with American Express OPEN in paying tribute to these influential women and recognizing their achievements.”

In order to help the Top 50 continue to seize even more business opportunities, each of the honored business owners will be offered a $500 American Express gift card and potential to be featured on OPENForum.com.

“According to our recent State of Women-Owned Businesses report, women-owned enterprises continue to grow and account for 29% of all companies in the United States,” said Sarah Forger, manager of 2 customer advocacy at American Express OPEN. “We are thrilled to showcase the successes of our fifty honorees in order to inspire other women to build high-growth businesses.”

All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula that combines percentage and absolute growth. From this list, the 50 Fastest were selected. To be qualified for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately held, woman-owned/led companies in the U.S. or Canada and have reached revenue of at least $500,000 by the first week of 2007 and $2 million in 2011.

More about the 2012 Top 50:

• The average revenue grew from $31.5 million in 2007 to $80.1 million in 2011
• Founded the Business: 90%
• Average age: 49
• Average Number of Projected 2012 Employees: 691
• Number of businesses owned by women of color: 14

All 50 companies will be honored at a special event hosted by American Express OPEN at the 2012 WPO Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on April 26, 2012. The awards reception will take place from 6:30 – 9:45PM at the Georgia Aquarium.

About the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO)

The WPO is the premier peer advisory organization connecting women who own multi-million dollar companies. In monthly meetings across four continents (North America, South America, Europe, and Africa) chapters of 20 women presidents – 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.

About American Express OPEN ®

American Express OPEN is the leading payment card issuer for small businesses in the United States and supports business owners with products and services to help them run and grow their businesses. This includes business charge and credit cards that deliver purchasing power, flexibility, rewards, savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners and online tools and services designed to help 4 improve profitability. Learn more at www.OPEN.com and connect with us at openforum.com and twitter.com/openforum. American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com and connect with us on
www.facebook.com/americanexpress, www.twitter.com/americanexpress and www.youtube.com/americanexpress.