Press Release
President and COO of Detechtion Technologies Selected as Prairies Finalist for Ernst & Young 2009 Entrepeneur Of The Year
July 7, 2009
Calgary, Alberta
Entrepreneurial-minded companies are growing with incredible speed and quickly entering into the ranks of the world's largest corporations, Ernst & Young said today when unveiling this year's finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards.
“Our Prairies finalists this year have accomplished a huge feat — growing their businesses, creating new jobs and building their communities — all despite a turbulent economy,” says David Boomer, Director of Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year for the Prairies region.
Historically, economists, academics and industry leaders have agreed that recessions foster the innovative thinking synonymous with entrepreneurship. As referenced in Ernst & Young's latest white paper,Entrepreneurship and innovation, many of today's most recognizable brands were actually born during recessions. Many of these so-called “downturn babies” now have market capitalizations in the hundreds of millions, or even billions, of dollars.
“There's no question that innovation stimulates economic growth, and it's become clear that now is the time to capitalize on entrepreneurial thinking,” says Boomer. “Those entrepreneurs who seize opportunities can ignite a spark, and help propel our economy forward.”
A recent Ernst & Young survey,Seizing opportunities, shows many entrepreneurs already have the right idea. Ninety-three percent of respondents said that, despite the economic downturn, they are broadening their customer base and entering new markets.
“It's reassuring to see that many of our Prairies entrepreneurs are already looking ahead and moving forward,” Boomer says “No matter how big or small your company, you should never lose your entrepreneurial focus. By building the right corporate culture, even large corporations can think outside the box and drive new ways of doing business.”
The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards recognize the spirit and contribution of entrepreneurs here and around the world. The Canadian program is in its 16th year of honouring the country's most impressive entrepreneurs from all areas of business.
The Prairies winners will be announced at a banquet in Calgary on October 15, and the overall winner will represent the region at the national banquet held in Vancouver on November 24.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is sponsored nationally by Global Television Network,National Post,La Presseand RDI. Prairies region program sponsors are theCalgary HeraldandBusiness in Calgary.