ERNST & YOUNG LLP SEEKS MIDWEST’S EXCEPTIONAL ENTREPRENEURS -- NOMINATIONS FOR THE ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR DUE MARCH 19

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards program, now in its 24^th year, is recognized as the most prestigious business award program 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 in the Midwest

The Midwest program recognizes companies based in Illinois and Indiana. Last year, entrepreneurs in eight categories from the Midwest region were selected as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award winners.

“This program honors the outstanding entrepreneurial minds in Illinois and Indiana,” said Randy Tavierne, CEC Board Member & Midwest Strategic Growth Markets Leader and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Program Director for the Midwest. “Entrepreneurs are nominated and evaluated by those in the region, bringing regional business, academic and community leaders together to celebrate achievements that make a real difference.”

Regional award winners are nominated for the national Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards. 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.

All 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 Visit Ernst & Young.

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.

Sponsors

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

Regional sponsors for the Midwest program include Charter One, Manpower, Inc. and Smart Business magazine. Locally, the program is sponsored by the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center.

Get More Details & Nominate an Entrepreneur

Application Deadline: March 19

Contact Information:
Wendy Fox, Program Manager
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Midwest Awards
Phone: 612-371-6703
Email: wendy.fox@ey.com

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.