Newfoundland and Labrador is home to the 2013 Atlantic Lifetime Achievement award recipient
HALIFAX, June 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Daniel "Danny" Williams will receive the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 20th anniversary Atlantic Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his substantial achievements as a successful lawyer and businessman, and a dedicated public servant.
"Danny's lifetime of public service and leadership, and his success in a wide spectrum of business endeavours, is an inspiration for people not only in Newfoundland and Labrador, but across Canada," says Jim Lutes, Ernst & Young's Atlantic Canada managing partner. "He has always been committed to his people and to his community, making sure Canada's youngest province would be one of its fastest growing with booming oil and gas, mineral exploration, marine and IT industries. He exemplifies the words innovative, visionary and entrepreneurial."
Danny has been a lawyer since 1972. His entrepreneurial journey began while at Dalhousie University law school, where he led a consortium to land Newfoundland's first cable television licence. He built Cable Atlantic into one of the largest communications companies in Atlantic Canada, and was recognized as a top achiever in the marketplace. His entrepreneurial ventures extended to community affairs initiatives when he invested in golf courses and resorts throughout the province. In 2000, he decided to pursue a political career.
Danny was acclaimed leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland in 2001. He was first elected to the Newfoundland House of Assembly in 2001, and became leader of the Official Opposition. He led the Progressive Conservatives to a majority government in the 2003 election and was sworn in as premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the 2007 election, the party won an even greater majority thanks to Danny's record of achievement, taking 44 of the legislature's 48 seats.
In late 2010, Danny stepped down as premier, remaining a very popular leader and influential Canadian. He continued to demonstrate true leadership again when playing a key role to bring an American Hockey League team back to St. John's. Danny is president and CEO of the St. John's IceCaps, and a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Business and Hockey Halls of Fame. He is currently developing 2,400 acres of prime land in St. John's; it's the largest real estate development in Atlantic Canada.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Lifetime Achievement award honours individuals who have made an enduring impression on the Canadian business community and who continue to nurture and inspire the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurial talent.
"This award is about more than just recognizing an accomplished entrepreneur," Lutes explains. "Danny is a true nation builder who has driven growth and development across Atlantic Canada through his relentless efforts. What's more, he's nurtured the entrepreneurial spirit through his mentorship and support of the next generation of business and political leaders."
Ernst & Young will present this prestigious award to Danny Williams at the Atlantic Entrepreneur Of The Year awards gala in Halifax on 3 October 2013. For 20 years, the event has highlighted the incredible diversity of talent and vision across Atlantic Canada.
About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique 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 award of its kind, Ernst & Young 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 140 cities in 50 countries.
The program is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Canada this year. Over its two decades, it has had more than 8,800 nominations, 3,100 finalists, 935 award recipients and 40 Lifetime Achievement awards.
For more information on the program, FAQs, key dates and more, please visit ey.com/ca/EOY.
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This year's national program sponsors are National Post, La Presse and RDI. The Atlantic region program sponsor is Progress Media.
What's next?
The 2013 World Entrepreneur Of The Year® awards will be held June 6 to 9 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Canada's Entrepreneur Of The Year, will compete with more than 50 other country winners for the prestigious title of Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
Pacific, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic regional finalists for the Canadian Entrepreneur Of The Year program will be announced in July 2013. These finalists will go on to compete for the Entrepreneur Of The Year award in a variety of sector and other categories, with each region naming an overall regional winner at awards galas in the fall.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 167,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.
For more information, please visit ey.com/ca.
Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.
SOURCE: ERNST & YOUNG
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