Ernst & Young Seeks Carolinas' Preeminent Entrepreneurs; Nominations Now Being Accepted for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2006 Award.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Ernst & Young LLP today announced a call for nominations for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2006 Awards in the Carolinas', one of the most prestigious business award programs in the country. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2006, with the awards ceremony scheduled for June 15, 2006 at the Westin in Uptown Charlotte.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) Awards program celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and continues to recognize the leaders and visionaries who are creating and building world-class businesses. "During the past 20 years, the program's long line of prominent award recipients represents American ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit," said Phil Anderson, Americas Director of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program. "Ernst & Young is proud to recognize some of the nation's finest business thinkers for their remarkable leadership and successful accomplishments."

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in The Carolinas'

Last year, 11 entrepreneurs in 8 categories from North and South Carolina were selected as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) award recipients from more than 250 nominations. Past award recipients in The Carolinas' have included Dr. Goodnight of SAS, William Boyd of Muzak, Billy Prim of Blue Rhino Corp, and Roxanne Quimby of Burt's Bees. Carolinas' award recipients are selected by a panel of independent judges that includes area leaders from business, academic, and civic organizations.

"It's exciting to see the high level of respect that entrepreneurs garner from their colleagues and their communities," said Kent Geer, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Partner for The Carolinas'. "Each year, a variety of North and South Carolina based professionals take part in nominating clients and business associates for this prestigious award."