CHICAGO – May 7, 2018 – EY today announced that Rick Stern, CEO, and Ron Grason, President, of Nitel are finalists for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2018 Award in the Midwest. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Stern and Grason were selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a black-tie gala on June 13 at Navy Pier Grand Ballroom in Chicago.

Nitel, a leading nationwide next-generation technology services provider, is headquartered in Chicago and has built a superior reputation for customer service and custom network solutions.

“Ron and I are honored to be named as finalists. We’re proud to have grown our organization through 100% organic growth by maintaining a channel-first strategy, strong partner relationships and a customer-centric mentality,” said Stern, CEO, Nitel.

“We’re focused more than ever on creating the best experience for our customers and partners,” added Grason, President, Nitel. “Driven by the rapidly changing technology landscape, we’ve continued to adapt to deliver customers with simplicity through highly tailored solutions so they can focus on their business.”

Now in its 32nd year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 17, 2018. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors

Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the U.S. by SAP America, Merrill Corporation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Local sponsors for the Midwest program include Plexus Groupe, LaSalle Network, Cresa, PNC, Becker Professional Education and 1871.

About Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program 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 awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

About EY’s Growth Markets Network

EY’s worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped many of the world’s most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US.