SAN DIEGO, Aug. 20, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health and wellness company American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) was recently named to Inc. magazine's third annual list of the 5,000 fastest growing privately-held companies in the United States. The list is a comprehensive look at one of the most important segments of the economy -- America's independent-minded entrepreneurs. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the backbone of the U.S. economy, according to Inc. See the complete list here: http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/the-full-list.html?o=4800
"Thousands of companies -- from industries across the spectrum-have vied for a spot on the Inc. 5000 list in the last few years," said ASH chairman and CEO George DeVries. "In this economy, we are truly honored to be featured among the most innovative, vibrant, and promising organizations in the nation."
ASH provides population health management programs, including prevention and wellness services, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds nationwide. ASH subsidiaries operate in all 50 states, providing a seamless national provider network and administrative platform for clients. ASH clients include more than 120 health plans and more than 2,200 employer groups nationwide.
ASH membership has grown organically and includes more than:
- 11.5 million in benefit programs
- 97 million in affinity discount programs
- 3.4 million in health coaching and wellness programs
- 500,000 in fitness benefit programs
"Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate," said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. "That's why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year."
The 2009 Inc. 5000 serve as a unique report card on the U.S. economy. Despite the ongoing recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $214 billion, up $29 billion from last year, with a median three-year growth rate of 126 percent. The Inc. 5000 are responsible for creating more than 1 million jobs since their founding, making the list perhaps the best example of the impact private, fast-growing companies can have on the economy.
This year's list also offers a preview of which industries are poised for growth in coming years. With an average growth rate of 667 percent, Insurance ranked as the top industry overall. Government services was the top industry gainer with 252 companies on this year's list, up from 135 last year. Health is the top industry by both total revenue ($22.7 billion) and total employment (156,223 jobs).
About American Specialty Health
American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) is a national health and wellness company that provides population health management programs including prevention and wellness services, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego since its inception in 1987, ASH has 700 employees and covers over 15.6 million members.
For more information about ASH health and wellness programs, visit www.ASHCompanies.com or call 800.848.3555.