Media Release - 3 June 2010
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Clare Farrant
Communications Manager
Ernst & Young
P: +64 9 300 7065
M: +64 274 899 700
E: clare.farrant@nz.ey.com
Diane Foreman, New Zealand Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year and owner of Emerald Foods and high quality ice cream brand New Zealand Natural, will compete with entrepreneurs from over 50 countries around the globe at the 10th Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monte Carlo on Saturday June 5.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Director Jon Hooper, says the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program highlights the important role entrepreneurs have in business, the economy and community.
“Since the global recession hit, economies worldwide have changed drastically,” says Hooper. “But the question is: what have we learned from that experience? Entrepreneurs operate in the same economic environment as everyone else and yet they continue to innovate and prosper. There’s something to be learned in that and something to celebrate. As they develop new technologies, new services, and new business models, they create jobs and basically keep the wheels of commerce turning, particularly in challenging business environments like today,” says Hooper.
Who will win the world title? “The final line-up of business leaders is as diverse and fascinating as it is every year in Monaco,” says Hooper. “One of the great strengths of Ernst & Young’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year is that it brings together participants from a cross-section of national markets. New Zealand’s winner, Diane Foreman, competes on the strength of her success story with the best entrepreneurs from markets the size of the US and China. Every year this diversity reinforces the depth of innovation, dynamism and perseverance that entrepreneurs bring to the world economy.”
“What strikes me about meeting the entrepreneurs in Monte Carlo is that, despite differences in culture and appearance, entrepreneurs are often more similar than they are different, “ says Hooper. “And they have one big thing in common, regardless of the size of their businesses: the insatiable desire to do more; to constantly strive to see where else they can take their companies. It is that need to innovate that makes entrepreneurs so vital to a prosperous and vibrant world economy. That’s why Ernst & Young celebrates and supports entrepreneurship all over the world.”
Foreman is excited about the opportunity, describing it as "once in a life-time opportunity."
"A highlight will definitely be meeting other entrepreneurs. With my business in expansion mode I'm hopeful of establishing contacts that will help facilitate this. While we all come from such diverse backgrounds, we share a common passion for being entrepreneurial."
The Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2010 will be announced in Monte Carlo on Saturday 5 June.
Entries are now open for New Zealand’s 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year. The winner will be announced at an award banquet in October 2010.
ENDS
About Ernst & Young
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About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognises the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognising them through regional, national and global awards programmes in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.
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