NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- What do Kenneth Cole, 1-800-FLOWERS' Jim McCann and Jay Walker of Priceline, David Neeleman and Dave Barger of JetBlue Airways have in common? They are all recipients of Ernst & Young's Metropolitan New York Area Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The search for the next winner is on and Ernst & Young is accepting nominations for this year's best entrepreneurs based in New York City, Long Island, Lower Hudson Valley or Southern Connecticut.
"For the past 18 years, the Entrepreneur of the Year awards have honored the outstanding achievements, spirit and drive of entrepreneurs both in the New York area and across the country," said Roger Savell, Program Director and Area Leader of Emerging & Growth Markets at Ernst & Young. "This award is just one way to recognize the pioneers whose ingenuity, hard work and perseverance have helped create and sustain successful and growing business ventures. We are proud to recognize the best in innovation and solid business judgment through this global awards program."
Entry forms and information on nominating criteria is available at www.ey.com/us/eoy or by calling 212-773-4153. Among the individuals eligible for nomination are owners and managers of private or public companies who are still actively engaged in the organization's management. The deadline for submitting a nomination is April 2, 2004.
The Metropolitan New York Area Entrepreneur of the Year awards are judged by an independent panel of local business, civic and academic leaders. Winners will be announced at the reception gala on June 22, 2004 held at the Marriott Marquis in New York. The Metropolitan New York Area winners will compete against the 35 other regional winners to be named the 2004 National Entrepreneur of the Year, to be held in Palm Springs, Calif. in November.
Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) is a registered service mark of Ernst & Young LLP.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneurial Services is dedicated to accelerating the success of the world's best entrepreneurs. Recipients of the Entrepreneur Of The Year award become lifetime members of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Hall of Fame.