Or Barbara Zimonja, who started a business cleaning resort condominium properties but eventually decided she could do a better job managing those properties than their owners. Now she's president and CEO of Premier Resorts International, which has 7,000 rooms at 57 properties in many of the world's hot travel spots.

"The stories from Utah go on and on," Jolley said.

And he said these entrepreneurs help make Utah a great place to do business.

"In May, Inc. magazine released its annual list of the hottest cities for entrepreneurs — a list on which Utah is no stranger," Jolley said. "This year, St. George, Provo, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Logan were all listed among the nation's hottest cities for entrepreneurs.

"From north to south, this really is a great place to start a business."

This year's 15 award recipients were chosen from among 33 finalists representing 25 companies by a panel of independent judges composed of area leaders from business, academic and civic organizations.

Utah award recipients will be eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 national program. Winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 18.

Local sponsors for the Entrepreneur of the Year awards are Comcast, Deseret Morning News, Digital Bytes, Diversified Insurance Brokers, Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough, Scherzer International, The Summit Group Communications and Utah Business Magazine.

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E-mail: gkratz@desnews.com