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It takes just one idea to change the worldCall for nominations 2015Southeast
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EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Call for nominations 2015
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. Sometimes it emerges as an idea that’s “the next big thing,” and sometimes it makes itself known as a simple idea that ultimately changes the world forever. But what it always is, no matter its origin, is something that starts as a single thought and incites a change in the way we behave, respond and contribute to the world around us.
In 1986, EY had an idea of its own: recognize the innovators and builders of our business landscape who are making a difference every day. That’s when we started the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Program to honor those who seek to manifest their ideas, propel the economy and create a better world for their communities. In less than two decades, it has grown from a simple idea to a program that’s simply grand, spanning 145 cities with 60 countries and a roster that includes more than 10,000 entrepreneurs worldwide.
Now it’s your turn.
Recognition — a checkpoint on the road to successEach year, we seek out the country’s best entrepreneurs. They’re all around us — maybe you’re one of them. Entrepreneurs are nothing if not diligent, often relentless in pursuit of their dreams. Undaunted by failures, they see stumbles as necessary steps along the way to success. But often what’s missing is the recognition that they deserve — that you deserve.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur yourself or you know one, it’s time for recognition. And what better avenue than one of the most prestigious business award programs in the country: EY Entrepreneur Of The Year.
The benefits of being among the bestParticipation in the awards process elevates awareness of your company’s brand through exposure to entrepreneurs, sponsors, judges and guests, many of whom may be seeking customers, alliances and M&A or other growth opportunities. The program celebrates achievements and may credentialize a company with investors, employees and customers, while giving you the chance to celebrate achievements and publicly recognize the contributions of the team who made it possible.
Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists and award recipients receive great publicity in and beyond their communities, which strengthens and expands their networks. And it’s more than an award — it’s a dynamic community of leadership. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni represent the most influential, innovative and exclusive network of entrepreneurs in the world. Members of this exclusive community also have access to the Junior Academy program, business advisors, speaking engagements, and media profiles and interviews.
And that’s not all. As an Entrepreneur Of The Year Award recipient, you will be invited to participate in the EY Strategic Growth Forum®, the largest and most prestigious gathering of CEOs and high-growth entrepreneurs in the US.
Who is eligible?Successful entrepreneurs, whether company founders or current leaders, take businesses to the next level. They find creative ways to acquire the capital and resources they need to achieve their goals and build and grow a business. The Entrepreneur Of The Year Program recognizes these men and women who put everything on the line to turn an idea into a viable, sustainable enterprise.
An Entrepreneur Of The Year nominee must be an owner or leader of a private or public company with primary responsibility for the recent performance of the company, as well as be an active member of top management. The nominee’s company must be at least two years old for Emerging category candidates (companies two to five years old) and three years old or greater for all other categories. Emerging nominees need to provide detailed financial performance information for at least two years; all other nominees should provide detailed financial performance information for at least three years. Non-founding entrepreneurs are also eligible if the individual manages the business and assumes the associated risks.
If this describes you or someone you know, the next step is easy. Respond to the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 call for nominations. Self-nominations are encouraged.
Visionaries. Game changers. Those who change our lives every day, in every way.
A worthy submission Tips on creating nominationsA strong, well-written nomination is powerful and compelling to the judges. Consider these important points when completing an application:
Tell your story• This is all about one of the most prestigious entrepreneur
awards in the country. Humility has its time and place — this isn’t it.
Understand the evaluation process• The independent panel of judges selects award recipients
through a balanced scorecard: entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, personal integrity, financial performance, strategic direction, market impact and social responsibility.
Make it engaging• Your story should be truthful, vivid and engaging.
Make it stand out. Have a PR team? Put them to work.
Be concise• Keep to the word count. Brevity is a virtue here.
Demonstrate results• You can’t measure dreams, but you can quantify growth.
Use specific numbers, percentages and statistics.
Compare yourself to others• How do you stack up to the competition and differentiate
yourself in the market? Convey those factors, remembering that judges may be unfamiliar with your industry.
Persuade • Convince judges that they’re reading about a real winner.
Be authentic. Be enthusiastic.
Polish and edit• Write it. Take a break. Then go back and read it with fresh
eyes, changing what you need to make it shine.
Call for backup• Include newspaper clippings, client testimonials and reports
reflecting the health of your company. But choose only the best bits, not all, making sure they fit on 8½×11-inch paper. Multimedia support is discouraged.
Be on time• Start early, finish on time. Completed applications are
due with a firm deadline of March 6.
Four elements of entrepreneurship Winning criteriaEntrepreneur Of The Year nominees are evaluated by an independent panel of judges in each nominee’s region. The judges are past award recipients and business and community leaders. They know what it takes to be an outstanding entrepreneur, including which measures really matter when selecting award recipients in various categories.
The business an entrepreneur creates, how successful it has been, its everyday employee practices and its impact on the community are among the factors that contribute to the selection of Entrepreneur Of The Year award recipients. The following are also essential criteria:
Vision: creating or improving a business concept and implementing it effectively
Leadership: demonstrating the focus and strength of character that enable an entrepreneur to move forward — and inspire a team to do the same — despite skeptics and obstacles
Achievement: driving business success by going beyond developing an idea to the continuous innovation that generates new ideas
Social responsibility: knowing that commitment and responsibility aren’t confined to business, and energy and resources should be leveraged to give back to the community
The entrepreneur’s 24/7 work week Your time to shineDay in, day out. Every day. All day long. Entrepreneurs are making it happen. Make something happen for the successful entrepreneurs you know — including yourself — by submitting a nomination for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Award!
To obtain an application form, you can do one of the following:
• Submit an application at www.ey.com/us/eoy or print out forms
• Visit www.ey.com/us/southeast_eoy for more information
• Contact Beverly Eha, Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Manager, [email protected] or Kristina McLendon, Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Coordinator, [email protected]
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About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the world’s most prestigious business awards program 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 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 in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy
Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited operating in the US.
© 2014 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.
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This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as accounting, tax, or other professional advice. Please refer to your advisors for specific advice.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Call for nominations 2015
2014 award recipients
Regional contacts at Ernst & Young LLP
Local market contacts at Ernst & Young LLP
Distribution and Manufacturing R. Michael Johnson President and CEO Cox Industries
Financial ServicesClaire Whitfield Tucker President and CEO CapStar Bank
Food and Beverage Karl A. SchledwitzChairman and CEO Monogram Foods
Health Care and Life Sciences Michael V. MullenPresident and CEO Atherotech Diagnostics Lab
Brad Duncan Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program Partner [email protected]
Beverly Eha Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program Manager [email protected]
Kristina McLendon Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program Coordinator [email protected]
Atlanta Dan Cushing Partner [email protected]
Kristen Speyrer Senior Manager [email protected]
Craig Thompson Executive Director [email protected]
Birmingham Grant Haines Partner [email protected]
Chris Lollar Senior Manager [email protected]
Charlotte Kim Rock Senior Manager [email protected]
Michelle Swindells Associate Director [email protected]
Greenville Phil Snipes Partner [email protected]
Aaron Smith Senior Manager [email protected]
Nashville Perry Blandford Partner [email protected]
Tammy Drinko Associate Director [email protected]
Memphis Glenn Mitchell Partner [email protected]
Will Drummond Manager [email protected]
Raleigh Don Dwight Executive Director [email protected]
Kathryn Bradshaw Senior Manager [email protected]
Steve Yackira Senior Manager [email protected]
Hospitality and Retail Steven B. TangerPresident and CEO Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.
Media and Communications Lew Dickey Chairman and CEO Cumulus Media, Inc.
Services Lynn Massingale, MDExecutive Chairman TeamHealth
Technology Mort O’SullivanFounder and CEO ARCA
For more information, visit our website at www.ey.com/us/southeast_eoy.