Ernst & Young LLP Seeks Exceptional Entrepreneurs

NEW YORK, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP today announced the open nomination period for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2010 Awards.  The deadline for applications is March 19, 2010.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards program, now in its 24th year, is recognized as one of the most prestigious business award programs in the country.  Award winners are selected by a panel of independent judges, including local business owners – many of whom have won the award in the past – as well as area leaders from civic organizations and academic institutions.  

"Ernst & Young has recognized leading entrepreneurs for their contributions to society for nearly a quarter of a century," said Larry Haynes, Americas Director of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® program.  "These entrepreneurs create jobs, bolster the economy, drive innovation and revitalize their communities.  We are proud to support them."

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards

Last year, approximately 250 entrepreneurs from across the nation were selected as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award winners from more than 1,500 nominations.  Past award winners have included Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company, Wayne Huizenga of Huizenga Holdings, Pierre Omidyar of eBay, Inc., Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com, and last year's national winner, Tom Adams of Rosetta Stone Inc.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year® program honors entrepreneurs regionally in June, leading up to the national awards in November.  Additionally, venture-backed companies that win an Entrepreneur Of The Year® award regionally are also eligible for the Venture Capital Award of Excellence on a national level.  The overall national US winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year title in June.  Entrepreneurs are nominated and evaluated by those in each region, including local business, academic and community leaders.

All regional honorees are invited to the national Entrepreneur Of The Year® gala, hosted by Jay Leno, on November 13, 2010 in Palm Springs, California.  The gala is the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.  For more information on the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, please visit www.ey.com/us/strategicgrowthforum.

Awards Criteria

Awards are given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.  Self-nominations are encouraged, and there is no fee.  Application forms must be received by March 19, 2010.

To be eligible for consideration, the nominee must be an owner/manager of a private or public company who is primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company and an active member of top management.  Additionally, the nominee's company must be at least three years old.

Information is also available at www.ey.com/us/eoy.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards are nationally sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.  

About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique 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, Ernst & Young 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 135 cities in 50 countries.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 144,000 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.

For more information, please visit www.ey.com.

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 LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.

SOURCE Ernst & Young LLP

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