EY Announces Beth Cross of Ariat International as Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2018 Award Finalist in Northern California

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May 31, 2018, 06:10 ET

UNION CITY, Calif., May 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- EY today announced that Beth Cross, Co-Founder and CEO of Ariat International, is a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2018 Award in Northern California. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Cross was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 8 at the Fairmont San Francisco.

"It is exciting to be recognized alongside so many talented entrepreneurs and leaders in Northern California," Cross said. "Ariat is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year and our entire team shares this terrific honor. Together, we revolutionized our industry through innovation, hard work and a learning mindset. As we expand the Ariat brand into key markets here in the US and around the world, we could not be more excited for the future!"

In 1990, while working at Bain and Company on a strategic marketing and product development strategy for a global athletic shoe brand, Beth Cross and co-founder Pam Parker saw an opportunity to apply the principles of athletic shoe technology and sports marketing to the equestrian footwear market.

In 1993, the first Ariat riding boots entered the marketplace and the company rapidly developed new technologies and products to serve the needs of the world's top equestrian athletes. Today Ariat is the largest equestrian footwear and apparel brand in the world with over 6,500 retail partner locations and a team of 500 employees located in offices in Northern California, the UK, China and Mexico. The company continues to lead the market in designing, developing and manufacturing the most innovative footwear, apparel and denim for its loyal following around the world.

The company's name was inspired by Secretariat – the legendary racehorse with an oversized heart and a non-stop, competitive spirit. Reflecting on the origin of the brand, Beth speaks to the characteristics of a horse who is broadly considered to be one of the world's top athletes: "Secretariat was a fierce athlete and competitor who loved to run and win – everything we aspire to be as a company and brand."

About Ariat International
Ariat International is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear and apparel. Featuring patented technologies designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit www.ariat.com.

Now in its 32nd year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of the Year National competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur of the Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 17, 2018. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the US by SAP America, the Kauffman Foundation and Merrill Corporation. In Northern California, sponsors also include Solomon Edwards and Woodruff Sawyer.

About Entrepreneur of the Year®
Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program 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 awards program 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 145 cities and more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

About EY's Growth Markets Network
EY's worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we've helped many of the world's most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow news on Twitter @EY Growth.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US.

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SOURCE Ariat International, Inc.