WASHINGTON --Today American Express OPEN®, the small business division of the financial services company, recognized a local small business owner for outstanding achievements in government contracting during the third annual Victory in Procurement (VIP) Awards. The awards ceremony took place at the “Victory in Procurement: Grow Your Business through Government Contracting” event in Washington, D.C.

Teaming Contractor of the Year was awarded to Ron Perry of Anchorage-based Teya Technologies, an Alaska Native-owned 8(a) certified Small Disadvantaged Business which provides professional services to government and commercial clients. The company’s story is one that all small businesses can relate to. After working long hours, starting with very little investment, and asking others for advice, Teya Technologies is now on track for continued success. Since entering the government contracting arena, the company has gained past performance experience as a subcontractor and is now the prime contractor on roughly 90 percent of their projects. The company anticipates roughly 300 percent revenue growth this year and attributes its success to government contracting, specifically partnering and teaming.

The VIP awards are part of American Express OPEN’s Victory in Procurement™ (VIP) for Small Business initiative. Launched in 2009, VIP is a national program that helps small businesses of all kinds capitalize on the enormous growth opportunity provided through government contracts.