Congratulations to all of the nominees, finalists and winners in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Midwest area 2008
awards! Ernst & Young created this award to honor the accomplishments of the great men and women who make our economy
vibrant.
Growing companies are vitally important to us. They create jobs, support their communities, and provide products and services that
help drive the economy. It is hard to imagine where we would be today without the entrepreneurs who create growth companies.
They are the visionaries and the risk-takers who believe in their dreams and refuse to be denied. Rather than follow in the footsteps
of others, entrepreneurs choose instead to lead, to take the road less traveled.
For the past 22 years, we have proudly recognized outstanding business leaders from the Midwest area program. This year’s Illinois,
Indiana and West Michigan participants have succeeded through turbulent economic times and personal sacrifice. They have risen to
tackle adversity and change the world as we know it. They’re driven by accomplishment. They have defined sustainability. They’re
not afraid to take risks and can see beyond them.
Ernst & Young’s Strategic Growth Markets practice is the leader in serving the Russell 3000 high-growth private companies, those
with significant investments from venture capital or private equity firms, and companies planning to go public. We are committed to
serving the entrepreneurial companies throughout their life cycle. That’s why we started the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
awards. Since the first awards were presented in 1986, more than 12,000 outstanding businessmen and businesswomen have been
honored with this distinction.
Join us in congratulating the leaders of today — those innovators that have achieved their American dream. We, along with our sponsors and patrons, continue to be inspired and encouraged by the entrepreneurial business achievements of our nominees. The following pages highlight those individuals who pursued this coveted distinction. Ernst & Young is proud to recognize and honor the
accomplishments of the people who make this country great.
Congratulations from Ernst & Young on your continued success!
RANDALL L. TAVIERNE is Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program director, Midwest Area Strategic Growth Markets leader and a partner at Ernst & Young LLP.
