Since 2010, American Express has recognized outstanding small and mid-sized companies for their business success in various categories. This year, American Express was honored to award the American Express Business Excellence Awards to five business owners who demonstrated their business prowess and success in government contacting and exporting. Vanguard Pacific, LLC was awarded as this year's On the Rise Government Contractor of the Year. 

Vanguard Pacific, LLC is a women-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small business that is a general contractor with historical preservation experience and also provides facilities maintenance services. Through its services, Vanguard Pacific supports the Department of Interior, the United States Air Force and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. By working with the federal government, Vanguard Pacific has seen a tremendous increase in revenue of 4,000% between 2016 and 2017 and was able to expand its operations and grow from one to six full time employees and three part-time employees. They are planning to hire an additional 20 employees by the end of 2018.

The awards ceremony took place on June 26 during the seventh annual American Express Summit for Successin Washington, D.C., a free all-day event to help companies learn how to grow through government contracts, corporate procurement and exporting.