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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

THE 100 largest women-owned business in Los Angeles County had a combined $1.7 billion in 2002 revenues, a 3.5 percent fall from the year earlier. Nearly half of the firms reported declines, compared with 39 in 2001.

Beyond Staffing LLC, which operates as Alert Staffing, shed more than $70 million in 2002 revenues. On the verge of liquidation, the company ended a dispute with former partner Adecco SA and emerged from bankruptcy in February.

Several prominent women-owned businesses, including last year's No. 1, ACT 1 Personnel Services and Estyle, chose not to release revenues and consequently are not included in the Business Journal's ranking.

--Nicole Taylor

THE TRENDS

Fastest Growing

Ten women-owned businesses saw their revenues rise by more than 70 percent over the past two years.

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THE PACESETTER

W.I. SIMONSON INC.

ONE of the largest auto dealerships in Southern California, W.I. Simonson Inc. claims the title of largest women-owned business in los Angeles County. Simonson bucked the national trend of declining revenues for auto dealers, posting a 28.6 percent increase in 2002 over the previous year, to $150.5 million. Simonson sold 1,957 new and used vehicles in 2002, a 33 percent increase over 2001.

The Santa Monica dealership started out selling Packards in 1937. After a stint with Studebaker, Simonson became a Mercedes-Benz dealer in 1957. Founder William I. Simonson's grandchildren now run the dealership, with sisters Judy Richards and Francie Rehwald owning two-thirds of the company.

General Manager Brenda Katz says new vehicle sales have continued to rise in 2003, aided by the hiring of a new general sales manager.

Simonson also plans to expand its parts and service department.

--Nicole Taylor