Young Entrepreneur : |
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Under age 30 |
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Be the majority owner |
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Have primary responsibility for business operations |
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Have successfully increased employment opportunities in the community or region. |
2007 winner: Justin Queen, Founder, Blu Zeus Interactive Marketing
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Most Innovative Entrepreneur : |
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Must display innovative or creative business methods (marketing and promotions, or delivery/distribution), or |
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Address new markets (niche markets), or |
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Provide innovative new services, explore new realms |
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Display the same characteristics as "Emerging Entrepreneur" category. |
2007 winner: Mark Johnson, President, Mark Johnson Custom Homes, Inc.
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Emerging Entrepreneur : |
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In business less than 7 years |
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Aggressive spirit |
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Effective and efficient implementation of change |
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Rapid and significant growth |
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Innovative |
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Demonstration of community engagement |
2007 winner: Alton Herndon and Frank Longino, Managing Partners, Southport Boat Works, LLC
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Established Entrepreneur : |
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In business more than seven years |
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Industry leader |
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Visionary |
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Financially successful |
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Regional/state/national presence |
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Growth in employment and sales volume |
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Has withstood competition from the "wannabees" |
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Community involvement |
2007 winner: Karen Carter, President, Wrightsville Beach Landscaping, Inc. |
