Ernst & Young LLP recently announced the finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 East Central Award.
The East Central program celebrates entrepreneurs from Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Northeast and South-Central Ohio and Kentucky. Now in its 37th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for transformative entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all, according to a news release.
The candidates were evaluated based on their demonstration of building long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.
Among the 28 entrepreneurs in the group were these Kentucky and Southern Indiana honorees:
- Dan Oliver | Dan-O's Seasoning | Louisville
- Chris Ratterman | Shady Rays | Simpsonville, Kentucky
- Julia Regan | RxLightning | New Albany, Indiana
- Max Shapira | Heaven Hill Brands | Bardstown, Kentucky
- Scott Arias | ACE Consulting Company, LLC | Nicholasville, Kentucky
- Jonathan Brooks IV | American Trailer Rental Group | South Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
“This year’s finalists are ambitious entrepreneurs set on transforming their industries and communities,” said Mike Denove, East Central Program co-director and partner, Ernst & Young LLP, in the release. “They have been carefully selected by our independent panel of judges for their unwavering commitment to their companies, customers and communities, and we are thrilled to recognize them.”
Regional award winners will be announced June 14 during a special celebration. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in June 2024.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized more than 11,000 entrepreneurs throughout the U.S. since its inception in 1986, and it has grown to recognize business leaders across 145 cities in over 60 countries around the world.
