Eric Hillman Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Award Finalist in the Carolinas

May 22, 2009

 

Charlotte NC, May 22, 2009 - Europa Sports Products today announced that Co-Founder and CEO Eric Hillman is a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Award in the Carolinas.  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.  Eric Hillman was selected as a finalist from nearly 75 nominations by a panel of independent judges.  Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 18th, 2009 at the Westin Charlotte. 

"Being a finalist for this prestigious award really says a lot about Europa and the efforts we make to constantly grow and improve", said Eric Hillman, CEO & Co-Founder of Europa Sports. "After 19 years I've learned that it takes more than one person to make a company successful.  Every great head coach has great assistant coaches, and I feel like we have the best, hands down.  I'm also fortunate to have the best business partner I could have ever met, and love the fact that we're still able to help our business friends succeed."  

Eric Hillman along with Co-Founder Jeff Compton launched Europa Sports Products as a supplement distributor in 1990.  What started with 3 employees, a 2-car garage as a warehouse, and 1 brand of supplements has grown to almost 300 employees, 6 Nationwide Distribution Centers and warehousing over 4,500 different products and 200 different brands.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 23rd 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 LLP 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 14, 2009.  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.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

In the Carolinas, sponsors include King & Spalding, Bowne and Business Leader Media.

About Europa Sports
Based in Charlotte, NC, Europa is recognized as the industry leader in the distribution of nutritional supplements, sports drinks and accessories to gyms, health food stores and specialty supplement retailers. Europa offers more than 4,500 items representing more than 200 of the industry's leading brands. Now with over 311,000 sq. ft. of space with six locations strategically placed across the nation, Europa's quick and complete deliveries allow businesses to keep "Just in Time" inventory. It's just what businesses need to stay competitive and profitable. Europa is committed to excellence in service, product assortment and customer satisfaction.

About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Program
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.

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