Entrepreneur Of The Year category winners

For immediate release

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year category winners announced.

Five New Zealand entrepreneurs took top position today as category winners in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards for 2009. Only one entrepreneur will go on to represent New Zealand at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo next year.

The category winners are:

* Products: Diane Foreman - Emerald Group Limited, Auckland

* Services: Ross Hyland – Seales Limited, Morrinsville

* Technology, health sciences & emerging industries: Graeme Clegg – New Image Group, Auckland

* Master Entrepreneur (for leaders of well-established businesses who have demonstrated a significant commitment to entrepreneurship): Peter Marshall – Tallon Systems, Wanaka

* Young Entrepreneur (age 35 or under at close of applications): Derek Handley – The Hyperfactory, Auckland

In addition, Jack Henderson of leading vibration analysis technology company, Commtest, Christchurch is honoured with a Commendation for his commitment to entrepreneurship and exceptional achievements in business.

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards Director Jon Hooper said that the awards recognize and celebrate unique individuals, outstanding achievements, and significant contributions to New Zealand’s economy and to society.

“Entrepreneurship in New Zealand has never been more engaged than it is now,” says Hooper. “Opportunities in adversity, that’s what entrepreneurs see. Far from taking a break in a downturn, entrepreneurs are energized by new possibilities. This is happening right across the country and across a diverse range of industries. It’s fantastic to see.”

“Each of the category winners has shown intense ambition and determination in getting this far,” says Hooper.“Later next month the category winners will meet again with the independent judging panel who will select the overall winner.”

“It’s intense,” says Hooper. “It takes a great deal of passion, drive and perseverance to be chosen to represent your country on the world stage. We wish all the contestants well.”

New Zealand’s 2009 Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced at an award banquet on Thursday 22 October 2009. The overall winner will represent New Zealand at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Monte Carlo in May 2010.

Previous overall winners include, Michael Hill - Michael Hill International Limited, Ashley Berrysmith - Freshcuts NZ Limited, Richard Taylor - Weta Workshop Limited, and Sir George Fistonich - Villa Maria Estate.

The 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards® judging panel comprises:

David Johnson. Trends International.
Bill Day - Seaworks Limited.
Erica Crawford - Tentpole Holdings.
Greg Cross - Cross Ventures.
John Hynds - Hynds Pipes.

ENDS

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