News

Ernst & Young LLP announced the open nomination period for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 Awards in New England. The deadline for applications is March 19, with the awards ceremony scheduled for Thursday, June 24 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.

The awards program is now in its 24th year, and 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."

Last year, 13 entrepreneurs in 12 categories from New England were selected  from more than 70 nominations. Past award winners in New England have included:

· Mark Bonfigli, CEO, Dealer.com

· M.L. Carr, President, WARM2Kids,Inc.

· Gary Gillheeney, COO & CFO, Organogenesis Inc.

· Paal Gisholt, President & CEO, SmartPak

· Henry Helgeson, CEO, Merchant Warehouse

· Dr. Christina Lampe-Onnerud, Founder & CEO, Boston-Power, Inc.

· Geoff MacKay, CEO, Organogenesis Inc.

· Andy Miller, CEO, Quattro Wireless, Inc.

· Peter Murphy, Owner & CEO, Elite Storage Solutions

· Girish Navani, Co-Founder & CEO, eClinicalWorks

· Paul Sagan, President & CEO, Akamai Technologies, Inc.

· Ken Solinsky, President, Insight Technology Incorporated

· Russell Wilcox, President & CEO, E Ink Corporation

"This program honors the outstanding entrepreneurial minds in our local area," said Kristin Keating, Ernst & Young partner and Entrepreneur Of The Year program chair for New England. "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."

All honorees are invited to the national Entrepreneur Of The Year gala, hosted by Jay Leno, on November 13, in Palm Springs, Calif. The gala is the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, a gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

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.

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.

For more information, visit www.ey.com/us/eoy.