Entrepreneurs lead the way from tough times to prosperity: Ernst & Young

    Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2009 launches today

    TORONTO, March 2 /CNW/ - Ernst & Young is calling on you to rally behind
entrepreneurs and nominate inspirational individuals for this year's
Entrepreneur Of The Year.
    "Entrepreneurs' ingenuity forms the backbone of our marketplace," says
Colleen McMorrow, National Director of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The
Year Awards. "Especially during a recession, we rely on entrepreneurs to take
risks, create new solutions and generate jobs. Their vision, drive and passion
fuel our economy, and can help lead the way back to prosperity."
    Today, McMorrow officially launched the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards'
16th year in Canada. From Research in Motion's Jim Balsillie and Mike
Lazaridis to Cirque du Soleil's Guy Laliberté and Aritzia LP's Brian Hill,
Entrepreneur Of The Year proudly honours entrepreneurs who've brought Canadian
businesses to life.
    "We'd like to see this year's program bigger and better than ever," says
McMorrow. "We must support the creativity and resilience of entrepreneurs and
organizations that seize opportunities and improve business here, and around
the world."
    McMorrow says this global program looks for Canadian entrepreneurs who
have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as
innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses
and communities. Past winners include both emerging businesses poised for
breakthroughs and seasoned lifetime achievement recipients who've transformed
a vision to reality.
    In addition to nominating others, self-nominations are also encouraged,
and there is no fee. Application forms must be received by April 30, 2009. To
be eligible for consideration, the nominee must be an owner/manager of a
private or public organization who is primarily responsible for the company's
recent performance and an active member of top management. The nominee's
company must be at least two years old.
    For more information on Entrepreneur Of The Year and the nomination
process, please visit ey.com/ca/eoy. This year's national program sponsors are
Global Television Network, National Post, La Presse and RDI.

    About Ernst & Young

    Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and
advisory services. Worldwide, our 135,000 people are united by our shared
values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by
helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their
potential. For more information, please visit ey.com/ca.

For further information: Amanda Olliver, [e-mail], (416)
943-7121; Brooke McLachlan, [e-mail], [phone]