New York, Aug. 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 21st, 2012, Inc. magazine ranked Driven Local, a Google AdWords Premier SMB Partner, NO. 348 on its 31st annual Inc. 500|5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy--America's independent entrepreneurs. Companies such as Microsoft, Zappos, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Zipcar, Clif Bar, Vizio, Oracle, and many other well-known names gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500|5000.
"This has obviously been a very difficult past few years for our economy, in particular small businesses. We are happy our efforts have helped many businesses survive, and in many cases thrive, during this rough patch in our economy. Earning a rank in the prestigious Inc. 500 list of America's fastest-growing private companies is a special achievement for our young company," said Kevin Szypula, CEO of Driven Local.
"Although we offer a suite of digital products, the majority of our attention goes towards Google AdWords, which is the most efficient and cost effective way to market a business. Google has reinvented the definition of advertising to small and medium sized businesses. It has, arguably, replaced yellow pages, direct mail, local papers and most other forms of advertising... which have become ineffective and irrelevant," added Szypula.
Established in 2006, Driven Local has become a trusted advisor to businesses on how to market themselves online and ensure their brand message is consistent and positive across the internet.
The 2012 Inc. 500, unveiled in the September issue of Inc. (available on newsstands August 21st through November 15th,and on Inc.com), is the most competitive crop in the list's history. To make the cut, companies had to have achieved a staggering minimum of 770% in sales growth. The Inc. 500's aggregate revenue is $15.7 billion, with a median three-year growth of 1,431 percent. The companies on this year's Inc. 500 employ more than 48,000 people and generated over 40,000 jobs in the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 500|5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/500.
"Now, more than ever, we depend on Inc. 500/5000 companies to spur innovation, provide jobs, and drive the economy forward. Growth companies, not large corporations, are where the action is," says Inc. magazine Editor Eric Schurenberg.
More about Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000
Methodology
The 2012 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2008 to 2011. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2008. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent--not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies--as of December 31, 2011. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2008 is $100,000; the minimum for 2011 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.'s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.
About Inc.
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 6,000,000 today. For more information, visit www.inc.com.