May 17th, 2007

TAMPA, Fla. - (May 16, 2007) Ernst & Young LLP today announced the finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2007 Award in Florida. 

This year's 25 state finalists were selected from nearly 100 nominations by an independent judging panel comprised of area business, academic and civic leaders.  Award winners will be announced at a gala event on Thursday, June 21 at Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.

 "These finalists exemplify the outstanding business talent present in Florida," said Michael J. Brennan, Florida Host of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program. "We are proud to honor them as leaders who nurture economic growth, innovation and the American dream." 

Florida (Tampa) finalists and their categories for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award for 2007 are:

Tampa

Manufacturing & Distribution: Rod Hershberger, CEO, PGT Industries, Inc., Sarasota

Real Estate & Construction: John Cannon, president, John Cannon Homes, Sarasota

Retail & Consumer Products: Kenneth Pendery, president and CEO, First Watch, Sarasota

Retail & Consumer Products: Crawford Ker, president, Ker's WingHouse, Largo

Technology: Jon Yob, president and CEO, Creative Recycling Systems Inc., Tampa

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards program celebrates its 21^st anniversary this year and continues to recognize the leaders and visionaries who are creating and building world-class businesses.  Awards are given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

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