Three Florida companies were among the national finalists for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 Award, the program that recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, high-growth businesses on a regional, national and global level.
National finalists from Florida are:
- Menderes Akdag, president and chief executive officer, PetMed Express, Inc., dba 1-800-PetMeds, Pompano Beach - Retail and consumer products category
- David A. Smith, chairman and chief executive officer, PSS World Medical, Jacksonville - Distribution and manufacturing category
- Charles W. Stiefel, former chairman and chief executive officer, Stiefel Laboratories, Coral Gables - Health sciences category
The awards gala, hosted by Jay Leno and held on Nov. 14 in Palm Springs, Calif., is the culminating event of the Ernst & Young 2009 Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. This group of outstanding entrepreneurial finalists was selected by an independent judging panel made up of business, community and academic leaders.
"The Entrepreneur Of The Year award recognizes the importance of entrepreneurs,” said Mike Brennan, Ernst & Young partner and Florida host of the Entrepreneur Of The Year program. "Our economy depends on these entrepreneurs. They build businesses, support their local communities and drive innovation and development in the economy at large.”
Now in its 23rd year, The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The overall national Entrepreneur Of The Year winner will compete in the world event, held in Monte Carlo.
For more information about the winners and how to get involved, please visit www.ey.com/us/eoy.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are pleased to have SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as national sponsors.
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 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.
Contacts:
Ernst & Young
Beverly Eha, 813-225-4893
beverly.eha@ey.com
