ING contracted with Boston Research Group, Inc. (BRG) of Atlanta to conduct a national survey of the fastest growing African American-owned businesses.

BRG identified 1,497 African American-owned businesses throughout the U.S. whose employment increased by a minimum of 5% over the last five years and whose current employment is between 10 and 100 workers. Each quarter, three hundred fifty (350) of these businesses are surveyed randomly. The survey was constructed to have a margin of error of + or - 5%.

The survey samples a representative number of the nation's fastest growing African American-owned businesses with 10 to 100 employees.

The Gazelle Index value is derived by averaging the relative Index value of four questions regarding economic outlook and business activity. The relative Index value for each question is derived by dividing the positive response by the sum of the positive and negative responses.

Questions regarding the methodology and content should be directed to Dr. Thomas D. Boston, email: boston-research@mindspring.com or by telephone to 1-888-661-6978.