PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwired - May 31, 2013) - The Portland chapter of the global Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) today announced that EO member and Ruby Receptionists founder and CEO Jill Nelson has been awarded "Entrepreneur of the Year" for 2013, according to chapter president Celeste Trapp.
"Having watched Jill build Ruby Receptionists from a complete start-up to one of Portland's best-known entrepreneurial companies in just a few years, this is no surprise to me," Trapp said. "She and her company epitomize virtually everything EO stands for."
The award was given to Nelson at Portland EO's inaugural chapter retreat recently at Skamania Lodge, where EO Portland's board of directors voted on nominations submitted by the entire membership of the chapter. Eligibility was based on a member's overall display of EO Values while growing his or her business in a way that was an inspiration to the chapter.
Named Fortune magazine's #1 Best Small Company to Work for in the U.S., Ruby Receptionists provides personalized live, virtual receptionist services to more than 2,300 small businesses throughout North America. Headquartered in Portland's Pearl District, Ruby recently added a second office in Beaverton to accommodate the nearly 175 additional employees it anticipates hiring by 2015. Continuing to grow, Ruby has been designated a Portland Business Journal "Fastest Growing Company" for six consecutive years, and Oregon Business magazine named Ruby one of Oregon's top five companies to work for the past two years.
Widely celebrated for her community involvement and innovative approach to customer service, Nelson was named a 2012 "Customer Champion" by 1to1 magazine and was featured as Portland Monthly's April 2012 "Rainmaker." She has held multiple positions on the board of the Portland chapter of Entrepreneurs' Organization and participated as a mentor for its Accelerator Program to support local startups. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Oregon.
About Entrepreneur's Organization
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) -- for entrepreneurs only -- is a global community that enriches members' lives through direct peer-to-peer learning, connections to experts and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. EO is comprised of more than 8,000 members in 40 countries, with an average member age of 39 and average annual revenue of $15.5 million. The organization is committed to building the world's most influential community of entrepreneurs. Portland's EO chapter includes 64 member companies, totaling 1,156 employees and $564 million in annual revenues. http://eoportland.org
About Ruby Receptionists
Hearkening back to an era when every call at an office was answered by a friendly receptionist, Ruby Receptionists provides personalized live, virtual receptionist services to 2,300 small businesses and professionals throughout North America. Ruby leverages proprietary technology combined with smart, charming receptionists who live five core values -- Foster Happiness, Practice WOWism, Create Community, Innovate, and Grow -- to deliver its unique vision of customer service. Founded by Jill Nelson in 2003, Ruby Receptionists has gained national recognition for its success being named Fortune magazine's #1 Best Small Company to Work for in the U.S. in 2012, one of 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon (2010-2012) and one of Oregon's fastest growing companies for five years. Learn more at www.callruby.com.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Beth Cleveland
415-283-7333