Pacific region's most daring entrepreneurs named finalists of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program
VANCOUVER, July 6, 2017 /CNW/ - EY is recognizing entrepreneurs who dare to take risks, dive into uncertainty and overcome challenges with innovative solutions. Today, the firm named 27 finalists across nine categories in its EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2017 Pacific Awards program.
"Emerging talent and favourable start-up costs appear to be driving substantial growth in B.C.'s technology sector," says Lui Petrollini, Entrepreneur Of The Year Pacific program Director. "This trend is evident in our Pacific finalists this year, with many representing technology and financial services sectors. It's also the first time in a few years mining entrepreneurs have been recognized as finalists."
Canada's entrepreneurs create companies that grow, and in turn, create jobs that boost the economy. The businesses of this year's Pacific finalists employ 2,753 people and see year-over-year growth with a sum of almost $728 million in annual revenues.
At the Pacific gala in Vancouver on 29 September 2017, EY will name winners in a number of diverse categories selected by the independent panel of judges. One of those category winners will be named the overall Pacific winner and will later compete with winners from Atlantic, Québec, Ontario and Prairies for the Canadian Entrepreneur Of The Year title. The Canadian winner will go on to compete with winners from more than 50 countries for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year, in June 2018.
Last month, EY Canada's 2016 overall winner, Murad Al-Katib of AGT Food and Ingredients, was named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year for his purpose-driven approach and exceptional growth over the years. Al-Katib doesn't plan on stopping there – his ambitious expansion plans are consistent with the findings of EY's recent global Growth Barometer survey. The survey shows middle-market companies are still optimistic about growth in times of geopolitical uncertainties, shifting demographics and rapid technology advancements.
"Our finalists are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an entrepreneur by taking risks and finding growth amid uncertainty," says Petrollini. "They should be very proud of their contributions towards the social and economic growth for their region and beyond."
More information
Follow @EYCanada, #EOY and #EOYPacific on Twitter for the latest event updates.
Visit ey.com/ca/eoy for more program details and a complete list of category finalists and to attend one of the regional galas across the country.
View the full list of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Pacific finalists
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is the world's most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program 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 awards program of its kind, 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 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy
The 2017 Pacific region independent judging panel consists of Charles Chang, President and Founder, Lyra Growth Partners; Ashley Cooper, President, Paladin Security; Cathy Thorpe, President, Nurse Next Door; Debi Hewson, President and CEO, Odlum Brown Ltd.; Shannon Rogers, Vice President and General Counsel, Global Relay; Bill Tam, President, BC Technology Industry Association; and Lisa Shields, CEO, FI.SPAN Services Inc.
This year's program national sponsors are TEC Canada, La Presse, RDI, The TMX Group, The Globe and Mail Inc., Merrill Corporation, Kira Talent, Air Canada, SheEO, The Printing House Limited and Hillberg & Berk. Pacific regional sponsors are BC Business, Hunt Personnel Temporarily Yours, Captivate Network, Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and Leone.
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. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.
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. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)
Sasha Anopina, [email protected], 416 943 2637; Matt O'Connor, [email protected], 403 206 5675; Camille Larivière, [email protected], 514 879 8021; Victoria McQueen, [email protected], 416 943 3141
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