METRO PARK, N.J., April 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ernst & Young LLP announced today its selection of judges who will determine the recipients of the 2004 New Jersey Entrepreneur Of The Year awards, to be presented on June 17, 2004. Award recipients are then considered for recognition in several national award categories, including the National Entrepreneur of the Year honor, awarded at a gala in Palm Springs, California on November 20, 2004.
The distinguished judges for this year's awards include:
-- Greg Murphy -- Selective Insurance Group (2003 Award Recipient,
Business Services)
-- Jim Gunton -- NJTC Venture Fund
-- Michael Driscoll -- The Nasdaq Stock Market
-- Stephen Gambale -- Marsh USA, Inc.
-- Virginia Alling -- PNC Bank
-- Greg Besner -- Restricted Stock Systems, Inc.
(2003 Award Recipient)
-- Steven Kalafer -- Flemington Car & Truck Country (2002 Awards
Recipient and Master Entrepreneur)
-- Caren Franzini -- New Jersey Economic Development Authority
"The Entrepreneur of the Year program has always focused on recognizing entrepreneurs, whose determination and perseverance has made them leaders in the respective fields," said Keith Brownlie, Ernst & Young partner. "We are very proud and happy to have the support of such an elite group of people as judges for this year's awards. Their support of the Entrepreneur of the Year program and local entrepreneurship is truly invaluable," added Brownlie.
Eligible for nomination are owners/managers who are responsible for the recent performance of a privately held company, which is at least two years old. Also eligible are founders of public companies, provided that the founder is still in top management.
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.