Advantica's President, Richard Sanchez, Selected as Finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2012 Florida Program

CLEARWATER, Fla., May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Advantica, an integrated vision and dental benefits provider based in Clearwater, Florida, is proud to announce that its president, Richard Sanchez, has been selected as a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2012 Florida program.

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The award recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Now in its 26th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries throughout the world.

Mr. Sanchez was selected from nearly one hundred nominations by a panel of independent judges.  Awards will be presented at a special gala on June 14 at the Hilton Orlando.

"I am truly honored to be considered for such a prestigious award and for Advantica to be associated with such an impressive group of innovative companies and leaders across the state of Florida and nationwide. We could not have done it without the incredible staff we have supporting our company," commented Mr. Sanchez.  

Regional award recipients are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur Of The Year Program. Award recipients in several national categories, as well as the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award recipient, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 17, 2012.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the United States by SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Florida platinum sponsors include Carlton Fields, Fifth Third Bank, Tribridge and Vaco; silver sponsors RFB Communications Group and Scherzer International and media sponsor Smart Business Network.

About Advantica

Advantica—See…Smile…Live. Advantica is one of the fastest growing ancillary benefit providers in the nation today, serving nearly 3 million members. With specialized expertise, Advantica offers best-in-class, integrated vision care and dental benefits to employer groups, Medicare/Medicaid health plans and commercial carriers. Advantica is dedicated to minimizing costs and improving quality of care. Advantica prides itself on having the administrative flexibility to implement effective total wellness management programs, tailored to the needs of virtually any organization. For more information on Advantica, visit www.advanticabenefits.com.

About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential. Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com.

SOURCE Advantica