Deseret News | Entrepreneurs honored for excellence, innovation

Entrepreneurs honored for excellence, innovation

Deseret News

Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:32 p.m. MDT

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"(We look at) how many times they fell and got up again, how many times they got up and persevered in difficult times," Ludlow said.

"It's that true entrepreneurial spirit of just sticking to it until you make it work."

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program — now in its 23rd year — recognizes business leaders in more than 135 cities in 50 countries. The entrepreneurs and their companies often are nominated by those with whom they have business-client relationships. Nevertheless, when an entrepreneur is nominated, he or she cannot receive the award unless judges — many of whom are previous winners and all accomplished business leaders themselves — recognize exceptional financial performance, personal commitment to both the business and local community, as well as sustained innovation.

In addition, vision, leadership and achievement are considered essential judging criteria. Nominees are judged in nine categories, including arts and entertainment, consumer and business services, defense and security, financial services, health and life sciences, hospitality/real estate/construction, information technology, networking and communications as well as retail and consumer products.

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The award recipients from each of the 26 regional programs are eligible for recognition at the national awards in Palm Springs, Calif., in November. That annual event is the culmination of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth forum, which features leaders of high-growth, market-leading companies discussing their successes and sharing their knowledge and experience with other entrepreneurs.

Burton said that knowledge can be essential in helping aspiring entrepreneurs learn what kind of resolve it takes to succeed in the face of adversity.

"People and businesses are finding creative ways to survive … and to prosper," he said. "They are coming up with ways to make their business model work.

"It inspires me as a judge, as a business owner."

E-mail: jlee@desnews.com