Minister Congratulates Nova Scotia Entrepreneurs

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Percy Paris commended Nova Scotia's finalists in Ernst and Young's 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Ten out of the 23 finalists in the Atlantic competition are Nova Scotian entrepreneurs.

"I want to congratulate these Nova Scotians on their exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to business excellence," said Mr. Paris. "Entrepreneurs play an important role in growing our province's economy, and I want to thank each of these business leaders for their commitment to this province."

Award winners are chosen based on vision, leadership, financial success and social responsibility.

The finalists include:

• Jean-Paul Deveau, president of Acadian Seaplants Ltd.
• Malcolm Fraser, president of ISL
• Paul Griffith of Over the Edge
• Basim Halef, president of Banc Group of Companies
• Lori Kennedy of Loisbourg Seafood
• Abdullah Kirumira of Biomedica Diagnostics Inc.
• Pete Luckett of Pete's Frootique, Pete's Togo and Luckett Vineyards
• Robert Orr, president of Ocean Nutrition
• Julia Rivard of SheepDog Inc.
• John Spencer of Fossil Power Systems
• James Surrette of Surrette Battery Company Ltd.
• Mark Surrette, president of Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette

The Atlantic winners will be announced at a banquet on Oct. 13. The overall winner will represent the Atlantic region at the national banquet held in Toronto in November.

For more information on the award, visit www.ey.com/CA/en/About-us/Entrepreneur-Of-The-Year/2011-EOY-finalists-Atlantic--Link- .