The Louisiana Department of Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration presented eGov Systems with the Most Outstanding Business Growth Award today, making the company only one of two Baton Rouge-based businesses recognized by the organizations.

The award was presented to eGov Systems CEO Rick Mekdessie during a private reception at the Governor’s Mansion. The award ceremony was meant to honor the small-business leaders in Louisiana who “exemplify the entrepreneurial spirt of the state”.

“Small businesses make big contributions to Louisiana’s success,” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson said. “Ninety-seven percent of our employers in Louisiana are small businesses, and they employ more than half of the private sector workforce in our state. From that vital constituency, we are pleased to recognize some of our most enterprising and innovative business leaders with these Small Business Awards.”

“I am honored to be presented this truly prestigious award on behalf of the company,” said Mekdessie. “This award is the culmination of not only my efforts, but especially of the efforts of my fellow colleagues who work hard to create the most efficient cloud-based sales tax compliance solutions for our clients.”

The award follows eGov Systems’ 2015 inclusion on Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.