Cordia Harrington, chief executive officer of The Bun Companies in Nashville, has made the top 50 list of the Women Presidents’ Organization/American Express ninth annual ranking of the 50 fastest-growing women-owned/led companies in the United States. The 50 fastest generated a combined $4.96 billion in 2015 revenues and collectively employed 44,744.

Founded in 1996, The Bun Companies are a leading manufacturer and innovator in the wholesale baking, frozen dough and storage industries. The company’s bakery and frozen products are found in leading quick-service restaurants, food service providers and grocery stores east of the Rockies. The family of businesses includes Tennessee Bun Company (bakeries in Nashville and Dickson, Tennessee) and Cold Storage of Nashville.

All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula that combines percentage and absolute growth. From this list, the 50 fastest were selected. To be qualified for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately held, woman-owned/led companies and have reached revenue of at least $500,000 by the first week of 2011 and $2 million in 2015.

According to the American Express State of Women-Owned Businesses report, the number of women-owned firms grew at a rate of five times faster than the national average since the recession, said Susan Sobbott, president, Global Commercial Payments, American Express. “We are thrilled to showcase the successes of these fifty honorees in order to inspire other women to build high-growth businesses.”

Each of the honored business owners will be offered a congratulatory prize from American Express.

Average Age: 49

CEOs that founded the business: 92%

Listed companies that do business globally: 44%

Provide health insurance: 92%

Plan to continue to grow their company: 90%

State hiring the best talent as their biggest business challenge: 44%

All 50 companies will be honored at a special event hosted by American Express at the 2016 WPO Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on April 8.