WINNERS OF ERNST & YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS ANNOUNCED IN ILLINOIS
CHICAGO, June 23, 2005 – Professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP announced today the winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards in Illinois. All of the winners were selected by a panel of independent judges.
- Real Estate & Construction—John M. Schultz, Agracel,
Inc. (Effingham, IL)
- Formed in 1986 to focus on agricultural investment, Agracel employs more than 40 people and owns 50+ properties in eight states. An estimated 5,000 jobs have been created or retained as a result of the company's investments.
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young, The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Illinois is nationally sponsored by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and regionally sponsored by Clifton Gunderson LLP, Comcast Spotlight, Microsoft, Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, and Smart Business Chicago. Harris Bank and LaSalle Bank are nominating patrons.
“Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winners embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and determination necessary to achieve success,” said Randy L. Tavierne, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director. “Ernst & Young is proud of its history recognizing and supporting these outstanding leaders and their companies.”
Illinois winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2005 national program. Winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., in November 2005. The overall national Entrepreneur Of The Year Award recipient is then considered for the world event held in Monte Carlo.
About The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Program
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program was created and
is produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the
first award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic
and growing businesses. The program honors entrepreneurs through regional,
national and global award programs in over 100 cities and 35 countries.
Ernst & Young
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