Nominations sought for Aroostook’s Entrepreneur of the Year

    Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) and Momentum Aroostook are pleased to announce that nominations are being accepted from across the County for Aroostook’s Entrepreneur – 2011 Award.   The goal is to recognize business owners, operators, or those in partnerships within Aroostook County who inspire others with their vision, leadership, and achievement.
    The third annual search for Aroostook’s outstanding entrepreneur will focus on businesses in the sector known as the Creative Economy.   The term Cottage Industry is also sometimes used, alluding to the fact that many of the businesses are home based.   If you hunt for a description of  products and services you will find references to things such as  art (visual and performing),  crafts,  design (fashion, game, graphic, and software),  filmmaking,  floral arranging,  food,  furniture,  jewelry,  luthier,  marketing,  music, photography, publishing,  toys,  wreath making,  writing,  and many others.  What they have in common is that an individual’s creative idea, combined with talent and hard work, creates a product or service that is able to generate income. 
    The Aroostook’s Entrepreneur – 2011 Award will be given to a business leader who represents the Creative Economy and demonstrates excellence and success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their business and community. 
    The nominees will be recognized and the winner will receive a plaque and a check for $500 at a special event May 26, co-hosted by LEAD and Momentum Aroostook.
    To be eligible for consideration, a nominee must be the founder, owner, partner, or manager of a private or public, company;  be primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company or organization; and be an active member of top management.   Non-profit companies are eligible.
    It is preferable that the company or organization has been in operation at least one year, but the judging panel may wave that condition at their discretion.
    There is no fee for nominations and self-nominations are encouraged. Previous nominees are eligible to be nominated again. LEAD and Momentum Aroostook members and their relatives are eligible to participate. Teachers are urged to nominate students who have developed a successful business. 
    Nominations must be received by April 21. Additional information and a nomination form are available for download at http://www.leadaroostook.com and http://www.momentumaroostook.com.
    Or if you prefer to obtain the form via email or fax, you may call Linda Smith at 764-0007. 
    A panel of judges representing each of the sponsors:  LEAD and Momentum Aroostook, and the supporting organizations:  Husson University, Northern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Fort Kent, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle, will review all nominations received and select the 2011winner.
    If the judges warrant, additional information may be requested and interviews scheduled before they make their final decision.  The names of the finalists will be released to the media prior to the event, and the recipient of Aroostook’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be announced at the event hosted by  LEAD and Momentum Aroostook.   The other honorees will also be recognized that evening.