Through a maze of possibilities and potential obstacles, the entrepreneur is not afraid to pursue a dream and unmask the potential of an idea.
Such accomplishments are made possible by the entrepreneurial spirit — the incredible depth of character and fortitude that entrepreneurs possess as they develop new technologies, create new business and improve the quality of life for the people around them.
The initiative an entrepreneur demonstrates takes great courage, especially now in times of war and economic uncertainty. Companies continue to strive to do more with less to survive.
But even with these challenges, Northeast Ohio’s entrepreneurs continue to shine. Northeast Ohio is no stranger to successful entrepreneurs, and this year’s Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) awards finalists and award recipients, who you will see in the following stories and profiles, are standing tall — 2003 is yet another year in which we have the opportunity to tell some amazing stories in Northeast Ohio.
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year program was established to recognize and help motivate individuals demonstrating the highest levels of entrepreneurial endeavor. The EOY program was founded in Milwaukee in 1986 and grew around the country to 44 regional programs in 2003.
We brought the program to Northeast Ohio in 1988, and this year we unveil another class of finalists and award recipients. Our entrepreneurs cover the gambit in terms of business ideas and services, but all have one characteristic in common — a passion for what they do.
Each year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program sets out to recognize those entrepreneurs who have established themselves as leaders. Celebrating and applauding their accomplishments and entrepreneurial endeavors, it’s individuals like our 2003 finalists who are helping to create new business opportunities, taking risks and investing not only dollars but their time, effort and ideas to contribute to the continued economic development of Northeast Ohio.
We at Ernst & Young appreciate the opportunity to unmask and recognize the finalists of the 2003 Northeast Ohio Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Program. Congratulations to all of the finalists and award recipients.
Todd A. Trehan is partner at Ernst & Young and director of entrepreneurial services.
Judging entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur Of The Year judges faced difficult choices There’s little doubt that judging any competition is challenging. But when the task is to determine Northeast Ohio’s top entrepreneurs, the job is that much harder.
On May 15, after days of poring over this year’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year nomination forms, the judges met with each of the 26 finalists for an in-depth interview. The following day, the judges convened and determined this year’s category winners.
Here are the five judges to whom this difficult task fell.
Ivan Winfield, executive-in-residence, Baldwin-Wallace College, returning judge from 2002 competition
Ralph M. Della Ratta Jr., senior managing director and manager, M&A Group, McDonald Investments, returning judge from 1997 and 1998 competitions
James B. Cole, CEO, NOSHOK Inc., 2002 Entrepreneur Of The Year Award recipient
Dr. Raj Aggarwal, Ph.D, Firestone Chair of Corporate Finance, Kent State University, first-time judge
Scott R. Wilson, partner, Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, first-time judge How to reach: Ernst & Young, www.ey.com
