Craig Ruppert, CEO of Ruppert Nurseries, is a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008 Award in the Greater Washington region. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Ruppert was selected as a finalist from nearly 100 nominations by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on Thursday June 19, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner.
“Being recognized amongst such a distinguished group is a tremendous honor,” said Craig Ruppert. “The recognition that comes with this awards program belongs to the employees of Ruppert Nurseries. They are what’s behind the company’s success. For every one decision that I make, there are hundreds of decisions being made each and every day by our front line managers, each of whom play an integral role in shaping the direction of our organization.”
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world.
Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 15, 2008. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.