Jim Barkman - Award Finalist
VANCOUVER, July 7 /CNW/ – Entrepreneurial-minded companies are growing with incredible speed and quickly entering into the ranks of the world’s largest corporations, Ernst & Young said today when unveiling this year’s Pacific finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards.
“In our globalized economy where innovation is vital to success, entrepreneurs matter,” said Fred Withers, Director of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for the Pacific region. “When it comes to creating long-term, sustainable growth, jobs and wealth, it’s not just about politicians and central bankers – entrepreneurs will lead the way to recovery.”
Historically, economists, academics and industry leaders have agreed that recessions foster the innovative thinking synonymous with entrepreneurship. As referenced in Ernst & Young’s publication, Entrepreneurship and innovation, many of today’s most recognizable brands were actually born during recessions. Many of these so-called “downturn babies” now have market capitalizations in the hundreds of millions, or even billions, of dollars.
“Today, in the midst of a recession worse than most of us have seen in our lifetimes, we think it’s even more critical to listen to the ideas of our Canadian entrepreneurs,” said Withers. “Our Entrepreneur of the Year Awards program provides a great forum for recognizing their efforts.”
A recent Ernst & Young survey, seizing opportunities, shows many entrepreneurs already have the right idea. Ninety-three percent of respondents said that, despite the economic downturn, they are broadening their customer base and entering new markets.
“It’s reassuring to see that many entrepreneurs in British Columbia are already taking bold steps forward,” Withers said. “Along with its challenges, the global recession represents an unprecedented opportunity for growth. Those who seize opportunity and adapt quickly can emerge as leaders, and launch the great companies of our future.”
The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards recognize the unique spirit and contributions of entrepreneurs here and around the world. The Canadian program is in its 16th year of honouring the country’s most impressive entrepreneurs from all areas of business.
The Pacific winners will be announced at a banquet on October 8, and the overall winner will represent the region at the national banquet, also being held in Vancouver this year, on November 24.
The 2009 Pacific finalists for Real Estate/Construction Entrepreneur of the Year are:
Jim Barkman
Eagle West Cranes Inc. | Abbotsford
www.eaglewestcranes.com
Mobile crane and freight services, self-erect crane sales and rentals, and crane accessories and self erect crane distribution.
Hugh Dobbie
Dowco Consultants Ltd. | Surrey
www.dowcoconsultants.com
Structural steel detailers.
Mark Omelaniec
Langley Concrete LP | Langley
www.langleyconcretegroup.com
Provider of concrete pipe, manholes, catch basins and box culverts for the underground storm and sanitary construction industry, hydro/tel, vaults, oil-water separator systems, agricultural products and other custom precast products.
