Prairies' most daring entrepreneurs named finalists of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ program
CALGARY, 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 34 finalists across nine categories in its EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ 2017 Prairies Awards program.
"Our Prairies finalists are tackling issues head-on with fresh new ideas that they dared to dream and pursue," says Rob Jolley, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Prairies program Director. "They represent such a diverse range of sectors – from health care and technology, to manufacturing and cleantech – which is a true reflection of our Prairies community."
Canada's entrepreneurs create companies that grow, and in turn, create jobs that boost the economy. The businesses of this year's Prairies finalists employ 4,609 people and see year-over-year growth with a sum of almost $1.5 billion in annual revenues.
At the Prairies gala in Calgary on 19 October 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 Prairies winner and will later compete with winners from Québec, Atlantic, Pacific and Ontario 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 Prairies and National 2016 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.
Jolley adds: "Hailing from Regina, Murad proves to the world the Prairies has a lot to offer. Entrepreneurs like him who create jobs, growth in the economy and scale globally are a tremendous benefit to our nation."
More information
Follow @EYCanada, #EOY and #EOYPrairies 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 Prairies 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 Prairies independent judging panel consists of Laurie Goldberg, CEO, People Corporation; Tim Melton, Executive Chairman, Melcor Developments Ltd.; Kristi Cawthorn, President; Startec Compression & Process Ltd.; Prabha Mitchell, CEO, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.; Steven Kantowitz, Vice President-Energy, Warburg Pincus LLC; Steve King, President and CEO, Alaris Royalty Corp.; Allison Grafton, President, Rockwood Custom Homes; and Marcela Mandeville, CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.
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.
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)
![](https://rt.newswire.ca/rt.gif?NewsItemId=C7853&Transmission_Id=201707061130CANADANWCANADAPR_C7853&DateId=20170706)
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
Share this article