1. FORT PIERCE – ATX Inc. has been named one of the fastest growing
companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine, which today released its
annual ranking of the Inc. 500, the comprehensive guide to the country’s fastest
growing private companies. This year ATX ranks 367, a rise of over 100 places
from last year. It is the company’s third year in succession on the list.
Steve Willett, president of ATX, said, “The Inc. recognition is great, and to move
up more than 100 places is exciting. It is hard to believe that in only eight years
we have become the fastest growing tax software company in America. What
pleases me is that we will be able to continue to offer people in our area a real
high tech job opportunity.
In the last four months ATX has hired 40 programmers. “As long as we can
attract qualified people we can continue to grow,” Willett said. As a transplant to
Florida, Willett believes the company will continue to lure the talent needed. “The
Silicon Valley type success story is happening right here in Fort Pierce” he said.
ATX has been able to attract programmers, by offering higher than average
wages, a unique work environment and up to $100,000 in stock options.
Steve Willett started ATX when he lived in Ithaca, NY
The Inc. 500, to be published October 17, is an exclusive report on the
companies and CEOs who are changing the face of American business.
Household names such as Microsoft, Timberland, Dominos Pizza and Patagonia
have been on the list in previous years.
ATX Forms Inc. is a leading developer of innovative calculating forms software.
Headquartered in Fort Pierce, ATX uses a proprietary programming engine to
create software to help individuals and business to communicate with
government.
Their ability to quickly produce forms with powerful calculations has enabled ATX
to deliver more federal and state tax forms than any other company. The
company does business on the Internet at atxforms.com.
ATX Inc. first made the Inc. 500 list in 1998 at number 479 and moved up to
number 469 in 1999 before the rise to 367 in the 2000 ranking. Willett said he
expects the company’s growth will continue to accelerate.
“We have a new product, TaxSolver Enterprise, that can help large companies
manage very complex sales and use tax filing requirements. We have already
signed a contract with Verizon, and many other large telecommunication
companies have shown interest. This product could have more potential than our
tax preparation programs,” said Willett.

2. A look at the Inc. 500 by sector indicates that the computer software and services
sector dominates the rankings (38 percent of the 500).
This is the nineteenth year that Inc. has charted the progress of America’s most
innovative and successful entrepreneurs. To be eligible for the Inc. 500,
companies have to be independent and privately held through 1999, have at
least $200,000 in sales in the base year, 1995, and their 1999 sales must have
exceeded their 1998 sales. The ranking is based on the percentage increase in
sales from 1995 through 1999. Holding companies, regulated banks and
regulated utilities are not eligible. Inc. verified all information using tax forms and
financial statements from certified public accountants and by conducting
interviews with public officials.