"Receiving recognition on the Inc. 500 list clearly shows that staying focused on the right things during our first five years has been a big factor in our success. Our success can also be attributed to the hard work of our team members and their passion for the business, as well as the value we continually deliver to customers through innovative products and top support," said Dave Alberga, chief executive officer, The Active Network, Inc. "While it's an honor to be ranked alongside some of the most innovative young businesses in America, we realize much of the race is still ahead of us. Our future success really requires us to continue our focus on the things responsible for our growth - industry-leading technology, dedicated support and close communication with our customers."
The Inc. 500 ranks privately-held companies according to averaged year-over-year sales growth over the past four years. According to Inc. magazine, the companies that made this list have thrived despite continued stagnation in the economy, posting an average year-over-year sales growth of 265 percent. In a recent press release, Inc. stated "that 102 of this year's honorees started in 1999?meaning that they weathered the start-up costs of the overcapitalized boom and thrived during the impending bust that was one of the toughest periods for young companies in recent memory."
"The best thing you can say about this year's crop of Inc. entrepreneurs is that they didn't buy into the hype," said Inc. editor-in-chief John Koten. "When people were practically giving away funding in the late 1990s, these companies didn't overextend, and when everyone hit the panic button a few years later, they stayed calm and seized opportunity."
The Active Network got its start Web-enabling administration for endurance sports events such as 10K races and marathons. The company now delivers a full line of Web and software services for one of the largest customer bases in the participatory activities and non-profit sectors, including Little League Baseball, Komen Races for the Cure, NFL Youth Football, District of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The company's marketing services division, Active Marketing Group, was ranked 15th among the top 100 promotional agencies in the U.S. by PROMO magazine and has provided services for clients that include Unilever, ConAgra and Timex. The company's Web properties, Active.com and eteamz, have made the Forbes.com "Best of the Web" list for four consecutive years.
To be eligible for this year's Inc. 500, companies had to be independent and privately held through their fiscal year 2003, have had at least $200,000 in net sales in the base year of 1999 for Inc. 500 alumni and 2000 for new applicants, and $2 million in net sales for 2003. In addition, their 2003 sales had to exceed 2002 sales. Inc. verifies all information using tax forms and audited financial statements from certified public accountants and by conducting interviews with company officials.
Inc. is the only business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of fast-growing private companies. The Inc. 500 Special Issue is available on newsstands through Dec. 21, 2004. The full Inc. 500 list can be viewed online at www.inc.com.
The Active Network, Inc.
Based in La Jolla, Calif., The Active Network, Inc. is a leading provider of application and marketing services for the participatory activities and non-profit sectors. The company's network of properties includes Active.com (www.active.com), ActiveGiving (www.activegiving.com), Active Community Solutions (www.recware.com and www.classinfo.com), Active Marketing Group, Active Team Sports (www.activeteamsports.com) and eteamz (www.eteamz.com). Organizations of all size use the company's application services to automate information collection, activity registration, facility reservation, and membership and fundraising management. Its application services provide the technology to help organizations increase efficiency, while reducing the cost and complexity of managing community activities and fundraising events. Its marketing services offer integrated online and field marketing campaigns to reach active consumers. In addition, the company's consumer properties offer a one-stop shop of services for the active lifestyle. The Active Network serves one of the largest customer bases in its market, including more than 7,000 event organizers, 1,300 YMCAs and park and recreation departments, 1,000 non-profit organizations and 2,500 leagues and camps. For more information, please visit www.theactivenetwork.com or call 1-888-543-7223.