Houston Wire & Cable Company (Nasdaq:HWCC), one of the nation's largest distributors of specialty wire and cable, announced it was included in Forbes' 200 Best Small Companies in America for 2009.

In addition to stock price performance versus peers, the ranking is based upon return on equity, sales growth and profit growth over the prior twelve month and five year period. HWCC maintained 3rd place in the important 5-year average return on equity category. To review the article in its entirety, visit www.forbes.com.

"This three-peat inclusion in the Forbes' ranking is a reflection of HWCC's long-term focus on key customer and financial objectives. We have maintained a strong position in this difficult economy. We also recognize the support of our customers, suppliers and advisors, as without their partnerships, this success would not be possible.

"And lastly, a very special thanks to all HWCC team members for their commitment to excellence in all facets of our business," said Chuck Sorrentino, President & CEO.

About the Company

With more than 30 years experience in the electrical industry, Houston Wire & Cable Company is one of the largest distributors of specialty wire and cable and related services in the U.S. electrical distribution market. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, HWCC has sales and distribution facilities in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa.

Standard stock items available for immediate delivery include continuous and interlocked armor, instrumentation, medium voltage, high temperature, portable cord, power cables and private branded products, including LifeGuard(TM), a low-smoke, zero-halogen cable. HWCC's comprehensive value-added services include same-day shipping, knowledgeable sales staff, inventory management programs, just-in-time delivery, logistics support, customized internet-based ordering capabilities and 24/7/365 service.

The Houston Wire & Cable Company logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2807

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain comments concerning the Company's future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and projections about future events may and often do vary materially from actual results.

Risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release can be found in the MD&A Section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008.

Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such statements.