[0] Ernst & Young Seeking Nominations for North & South Carolinas' Most Outstanding Entrepreneurs.

Business Editors

RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2002

The search is on!

Ernst & Young is seeking nominations for North and South Carolina-based entrepreneurs as part of its 13th Annual Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) (EOY) awards, the pre-eminent program honoring outstanding owners of fast-growing companies. The program will begin with kick-off receptions in Greenville, SC; Charlotte, NC; Greensboro, NC and Raleigh, NC.

Details include:

                          February 12, 2002
                       Thornblade Country Club
                      Greenville, South Carolina
                             864-234-5100

                           February 13, 2002
                          Morton's of Chicago
                       Charlotte, North Carolina
                             704-333-2602

                           February 19, 2002
                             O'Henry Hotel
                      Greensboro, North Carolina
                             336-544-9602

                           February 20, 2002
                     North Carolina Museum of Art
                        Raleigh, North Carolina
                             919-839-6262

Each reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Any one interested in participating in the program or nominating someone they know, is encouraged to attend.

Past National Entrepreneur Of The Year award winners include a virtual "Who's Who" of business leaders, such as Steve Case of America Online and Michael Dell of Dell Computer Corporation. In the Carolinas, award winners include: Fred Eshelman of PPD, Roxanne Quimby of Burt's Bees, Scott Livengood of Krispy Kreme, John Belk of Belk's stores and Bill Boyd of Muzak. "It is encouraging to see the level of support entrepreneurs receive in the communities in which they work," said David Jessen, the leader of Entrepreneurial Services for the Carolinas' Practice of Ernst & Young.

Eligibility for the EOY award is based on a number of factors:

--Owners and managers who have primary responsibility for the growth of a company are eligible.

--Their companies must have been operating for at least two years.

--There is no fee for nominations, which must be received by April 6, 2002, in order to be considered.

--Self-nominations are encouraged, as are those from suppliers, customers, and others who work with entrepreneurs.

Regional and national award winners are selected within a diverse range of categories and industry segments, including eBusiness, Technology/Communication, Retail, Real Estate/Construction, Health Sciences, Manufacturing, Service and Master Entrepreneur Of The Year.

For more information or if you would like to attend the kick-off, please call: Linsey Dyson at [phone] or e-mail her at [e-mail]. Information can also be found on the Ernst & Young Web site at www.ey.com./us/eoy.

Note to Editors: Media are invited to attend the kick-off receptions, and may take advantage of interview and photo opportunities. Please call Linsey Dyson at [phone] as soon as possible so that a reservation can be held for a representative from your organization. Press credentials must be presented.

Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) is a registered service mark of Ernst & Young LLP.

Entrepreneur Of The Year is co-sponsored in the Carolinas by: RBC Centura; Marsh, Inc.; Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP; and The Business Journal.