His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston receives EY's Supporter of Entrepreneurship special citation in Ontario
Award celebrates his contributions to Canada's entrepreneurial culture
TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - EY honoured his Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston with a special citation for his unwavering commitment to and support of entrepreneurship in Ontario. The 20th anniversary EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Supporter of Entrepreneurship Award recognizes his many contributions to Canada's rich entrepreneurial culture, specifically in the Waterloo region. The award was presented at EY's Ontario Entrepreneur Of The Year gala last night.
"His Excellency The Right Honourable David Johnston has stood as an inspiration for generations of entrepreneurs," says Colleen McMorrow, EY Partner and the National and Ontario Entrepreneur Of The Year program director, and EY Canada's Strategic Growth Markets leader. "His vision to combine scientific research and entrepreneurial zeal in the Waterloo region has helped businesses do what they do best — move the economy forward. We're very proud to honour his leadership and commitment with this special citation."
Johnston is passionate about the many ways in which educational institutions can influence Canada's economic development. As president of the University of Waterloo, he made that real by fostering research and development in the region. Under his leadership, the Perimeter Institute, the Institute for Quantum Computing, the Centre for Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology and the Research Institute for Aging were established, among other outstanding achievements. In 2011, the University renamed its state-of-the-art research park the David Johnston Research and Technology Park in recognition of his leading role in establishing the inspiring centre of innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization.
"By fostering ways to bring the developments first nurtured in Waterloo to commercial markets, Johnston has helped make Canada a top country for entrepreneurship," explains McMorrow, referring to EY's G20 Entrepreneurship Barometer, which recently ranked Canada as a "top 5" country for entrepreneurship.
"In the Waterloo region, Johnston's vision proved the power of three: governments, entrepreneurs and corporations working together foster sustainable growth," adds McMorrow. "By sharing his inspiring story, we hope to encourage all entrepreneurs to aspire to the heights he's achieved, and to collaborate with one another, as well as with educational institutions, governments, incubators and other stakeholders to build a brighter future."
The EY Support of Entrepreneurship Award is about more than just recognition. The award recognizes moral philanthropy — a priceless giving that encourages and inspires others. It celebrates the kind of public mentorship needed to continually renew Canada's business ecosystem by spotlighting business and community leadership at the highest level.
Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates the contribution and spirit of entrepreneurs everywhere. The Canadian program is celebrating in its 20th year of honouring the country's most impressive entrepreneurs from all areas of business. Award finalists are chosen based on their vision, leadership, financial success and social responsibility.
The Ontario category winners were announced at the gala last night. The overall Ontario winner — Geoffrey Smith of EllisDon Corporation — will compete with winners from the Atlantic, Quebec, Prairies and Pacific regions at the national gala in Toronto on 27 November.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year
Entrepreneurs turn us on. To new ideas, new ways of thinking and new possibilities. We've shone the spotlight on entrepreneurs for 20 years — and we've only just begun. Nominees are reviewed by an independent judging panel composed of several distinguished business leaders and previous award recipients. The 2013 Ontario judging panel consisted of John Albright, Founder and Managing Partner, Relay Ventures; Claude Haw, Managing Partner, Venture Coaches; Tim Jackson, Vice President, University Relations, University of Waterloo; Don Morrison, Senior Managing Director and Country Head, OMERS Private Equity; Nicole Musicco, Vice President, Funds & Co-Investments, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan; David Shaw, 2010 Ontario Entrepreneur Of The Year professional services category winner and Founder and CEO, Knightsbridge Human Capital Management; and Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District.
For more information on the program, including a list of finalists, FAQs and key dates, please visit ey.com/ca/EOY.
For more information about the Entrepreneur Of The Year program, or the National Entrepreneur Of The Year awards gala on 27 November 2013, please contact Julie Olden at 416 943 2062 or [email protected].
Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada: #EOY20, #EOYOntario.
This year's national program sponsors are National Post, La Presse, RDI, Merrill DataSite and Pandora Jewellery. In Ontario, Entrepreneur Of The Year is sponsored by RBC Royal Bank.
About EY's Strategic Growth Markets practice
EY's Strategic Growth Markets practice guides Canadian entrepreneurs by delivering integrated services tailored to their goals and needs at every stage of the business lifecycle. We are the world's leader in advising, guiding and recognizing the entrepreneurs who propel the economy - and community - forward.
For more information, please visit ey.com/ca/Entrepreneurs.
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
For more information, please visit ey.com/ca.
EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the 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: EY (Ernst & Young)
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