Innovators built this nation. Henry Ford’s modern assembly line revolutionized the manufacturing process. Thomas Edison developed the first practical light bulb. And Bill Gates helped bring user-friendly computers and programs into homes, offices and schools across the globe.
The passion that burned in these renowned innovators still burns in today’s entrepreneurial visionaries. Ernst & Young created the Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) Award — the Award for Business Leadership — to honor the accomplishments of the great men and women who make our economy vibrant.
For the past 20 years, we have proudly recognized outstanding business leaders across South Central Ohio and Kentucky. Each year, EOY finalists and award recipients demonstrate incredible depth of character as they develop new technologies, create faster ways to distribute goods and services and improve the quality of life for people around them. Again, the individuals we honor this year are no exception.
This year’s EOY program participants have succeeded through turbulent economic times and emerged even stronger. As they forged ahead, they may not have listened when told it couldn’t be done, and they continue to take chances that average people consider too risky.
They are leaders rather than followers. We are inspired by their achievements.
As we look toward tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, join us in congratulating the leaders of today, innovators that have achieved their American dream. The following pages highlight those individuals who pursued this coveted distinction.
Congratulations on your continued success.
Alan Greenwell is program director for the Entrepreneur Of The Year South Central Ohio & Kentucky Awards.
