Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Patrick Niemann, Ernst & Young Greater Los Angeles Office Managing Partner, at LA City Hall in Thomas Bradley Tower.
Today Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Deputy Mayor for Economic and Business Policy Matt Karatz joined Ernst & Young LLP Partners Patrick Niemann, April Spencer and Brian Ring to kick off the search for business innovators to compete in the 27th Annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award program for Greater Los Angeles. The Mayor welcomed distinguished past award recipients, sponsors, judges and other business leaders in the Bradley Tower at City Hall.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year Program celebrates game-changing leaders around the world who founded, strengthened or transformed successful enterprises. The regional award recognizes entrepreneurs who stimulate the economy by creating high-growth businesses and jobs in Greater Los Angeles. In 2012, Greater Los Angeles area finalists had an average 1,985 employees, net sales of $196M, net equity of $98M and 19% growth.
“I’m proud to stand with Ernst & Young in its support of local entrepreneurs and its recognition of their important role in the Los Angeles economy,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Ernst & Young’s program shines a deserving spotlight on our city’s job creators and revenue generators who drive the innovations that set Los Angeles apart.”
Each year, Ernst & Young showcases successful entrepreneurs from more than 140 cities in 50 countries. It receives more than 100 nominations from companies in Greater Los Angeles alone. Past Los Angeles winners include: Tim Leiweke (AEG), Earvin Magic Johnson, Jr. (Magic Johnson Enterprises), Don Chang (Forever 21), Robert Friedman (Summit Entertainment LLC), Mark Hughes (Herbalife International) and, most recently, David Overton (Cheesecake Factory).
The regional award winners in Los Angeles will be announced on June 18, 2013, followed by a national gala in Palm Springs in November. To qualify, entrepreneurs must be the founder or an executive who organizes, manages and assumes the risk of a business early in its life cycle or during its growth. The deadline for 2013 nominations is March 8.
“The search is on for new award winners to build on the momentum from our 27-year history celebrating entrepreneurship,” said April Spencer, Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director for Ernst & Young LLP in the Greater Los Angeles Area. “The 2012 award will help raise the profile and reach of business leaders whose passion and drive propel our economy forward.”
