Birch Honored in the 2009 “Inc. 5000” Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the United States

For the second time in five years, Inc. Magazine has recognized Birch.

Atlanta, GA – August 17, 2009 - Birch Communications announced today that it has been recognized by Inc. Magazine in its annual “Inc. 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-minded private businesses. Consumer electronics maker Vizio, Internet giant GoDaddy, rental car service Zipcar, and beverage maker Honest Tea are among the prominent brands featured on this year's list.

“This is an extremely significant honor considering that Birch has been in business for more than 13 years,” says Vincent Oddo, President and CEO of Birch. “Typically the higher growth rates are realized by young entrepreneurial startups – after all the number one company this year is an insurance startup with 19,812 percent growth! We keep our entrepreneurial spirit alive because we earn the trust of our customers every single day. I think we’re successful at it!”

The 2009 Inc. 5000, unveiled today on Inc.com, serves 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.

Birch’s three year sales growth was 148 percent and is ranked number 2,135. Birch was one of the top two competitive local communications companies honored in the “Inc. 5000.” In 2004, Birch was ranked in the top 500 private companies in the “Inc. 500”, ranked number 335 out of 500.

Methodology
The “Inc. 5000” is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2008. Revenue in 2005 must have been at least $200,000, and revenue in 2008 must have been at least $2 million. The top 10 percent of companies on the list comprise the Inc. 500, now in its 28th year.

About Birch Communications
Headquartered in Atlanta GA, Birch Communications is one of the largest competitive telecommunications carriers covering 32-states across the nation. Birch is the first in its class to deploy a private IP-Network utilizing soft switch technology to deliver innovative, high quality, affordable voice and broadband communications services to small and medium business customers. Please visit www.birch.com for more information.

Contact:
Greg Corwin, Marketing Director
greg.corwin@birch.com
816.300.1686

About Inc. Magazine
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,961, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.Inc.com.