MONTREAL, QC--(Marketwired - Jul 15, 2015) - Vortex Aquatic Structures International (www.vortex-intl.com), a manufacturer and world leader in aquatic play landscapes and entertainment solutions, announced that its President and CEO, Stephen Hamelin, has been named a finalist in the Québec region of the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program, an annual program that recognizes the innovation and achievements of Canadian entrepreneurs. Hamelin is one of three finalists in the manufacturing category, recognized for having developed industry-leading aquatic play solutions and water management systems that conserve water and energy while maintaining playability.
Hamelin turned his one-person operation into the world leader in aquatic play landscapes and entertainment solutions, employing more than 130 employees and manufacturing hundreds of different products used in more than 6,000 installations in 35 countries including at Walt Disney Resorts, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Miami Metro Zoo and cites like NYC, Montreal, Los Angeles and Paris.
"At Vortex, our core values support our vision and shape our culture throughout the organization. Our commitment to integrity and trust, to collaboration and innovation, and above all, to fun," Hamelin said. "The EY recognition really belongs to everyone in the company. When families engage with our products we want them to have a wholesome, exciting, fun and memorable play experience in safety. We hold ourselves to the highest standards. We deliver aquatic solutions to meet all of our clients' needs without compromising on our principles."
In June, the company received a 2015 MVP Award from Aquatics International Magazine for its new Watermark product, an architectural installation that creates patterns and words by synchronizing lights and manipulating the flow of water. Earlier in the year, the company's Water Journey™ aquatic play solution was recognized with a GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Award at its 8th annual gala.
About Vortex
Vortex Aquatic Structures international, headquartered in Montreal, Canada, was founded in 1995 with the introduction of the first Splashpad®. Vortex's use of the highest quality materials coupled with unique, inspiring design and state-of-the-art engineering, positioned the company as the world leader in aquatic play solutions.
In addition to its operations in Montreal, Vortex has regional sales and technical support offices in California, Michigan and Texas in the USA, Lyon and Paris in France, Valencia in Spain, Køge in Denmark and Shanghai and Beijing in China. The company has a global marketing and distribution network supporting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America.
With over 6,000 installations worldwide, Vortex's mission is to lead the aquatic play industry by continuing to develop the most fun, innovative and safe products for families and children of all ages and abilities.
For more information on Vortex Splashpad®, Poolplay™, Spraypoint™, Water Journey™ and Watermark solutions, please visit the company's website at www.vortex-intl.com.
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award 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 award of its kind, EY 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 140 cities in 50 countries.
The 2015 Québec independent judging panel consists of Chris Arsenault, Associate director, iNovia Capital; Jean-Françoys Brousseau, President and CEO, Outbox Holding CRB Inc., 2013 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Technology and Communications category winner, and National Entrepreneur Of The Year Customer-Driven Excellence Special Citation recipient; Anne Darche, President, Pertinence Inc.; Martin Deschênes, President and CEO, Groupe Deschênes inc. and 2003 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Business To Business category winner; Sam Scalia, President, Samcon Inc. and 2009 Québec Entrepreneur Of The Year Real Estate/Construction category winner.
This year's national program sponsors are National Post, TEC Canada, La Presse, RDI, TMX, Merrill DataSite, Kira Talent, Air Canada, The Printing House Limited. The Québec regional sponsor is Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Jason Broadhurst
Director of Marketing
(514) 694.3868 ext. 226
