Making an impact


Read the finalist profiles for the Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009

Ernst & Young would like to congratulate all of the nominees, finalists and winners in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee awards.

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our economy. As a leader in guiding these companies, we feel it’s important to honor them and recognize their impact, while encouraging others to follow in their footsteps. Just about everything begins with an entrepreneur, whether it’s an innovative new business model or establishing new industries and trends. Pick a company — any company — and you can trace its roots back to an entrepreneur.

Each year, we come together to celebrate the creativity, vision and hard work of the best entrepreneurs in the market. The following pages highlight the entrepreneurs whom we are honoring this year.

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 23 years, Ernst & Young has been recognizing the men and women who have created the products, services and jobs that help our economy and communities grow.

This past year has been a remarkable one. Entrepreneurs like this year’s honorees continue to play a critical role in the country’s economic recovery. Their ideas, dedication in the face of resistance and incredible energy provide the spark that fires the engine of this economy — even now, the greatest economy in the history of the world. More now than ever, the market will look to these entrepreneurs and their peers around the world to lead the way.

For all they have done, and all they will do, we are proud to honor these entrepreneurs and celebrate their success. Because their success is our success — all of ours, everywhere.

Karole F. Lloyd is vice chair and southeast sub-area managing partner for Ernst & Young.

Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee