"If you want to find out which companies are going to change the world, look at the Inc. 500," said Editor Jane Berentson. "These are the most innovative, dynamic, fast-growth companies in the nation...The Inc. 500 list is Inc. magazine's tribute to American business ingenuity and ambition." -- Jane Berentson, Editor, Inc. magazine

Just when I thought the accolades couldn't get any better -- fastest growing hotel chain in America for four consecutive years, National Chain Leadership Award winner for three years, and the 12th largest hotel company in the world -- along comes Inc. magazine, the premier business publication for private companies, announcing that Vantage Hospitality is #492 on its prestigious Inc. 500 listing of fastest growing private companies.

This is an amazing accomplishment that is to be shared by all of us. Our company now joins the ranks of former Inc. honorees including Microsoft, Gateway, Dominos Pizza, and Jenny Craig. Before any of you think that being #492 out of 500 is not something to get excited about, consider this: Sonicare Toothbrush was #496 in 1999, Timberland was #495 in 1983, Cablevision was #490 in 1984, and Cold Stone Creamery was #441 in 2004. We are in the midst of the most recognized companies in the world and the only hotel brand ever to be recognized by Inc. magazine.

"If you want to find out which companies are going to change the world, look at the Inc. 500," said Editor Jane Berentson. "These are the most innovative, dynamic, fast-growth companies in the nation -- the ones coming up with solutions to some of our most intractable ills, creating systems that let us conduct business faster and easier, and manufacturing products we soon discover we can't live without. The Inc. 500 list is Inc. magazine's tribute to American business ingenuity and ambition."