Youth Entrepreneur Finalists Named

Twenty-eight finalists have been chosen for the second annual Planet Entrepreneur Awards for Atlantic Canada.

The region''s exceptional young entrepreneurs, their teachers and supporters will be honoured at a ceremony on Friday, April 27, at Université de Moncton. Award recipients will receive $1,000 cash or equivalent.

More than 160 nominations were received from across Atlantic Canada, said Chris Curtis, chief entrepreneurship officer with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED).

"Each nomination tells the story of an exceptional person with creativity, perseverance, drive and commitment," he said. "Congratulations to all nominees for creating a positive impact on the spirit of entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada and shaping the future of your communities and provinces at the same time."

All finalists will be considered for the overall Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

There are awards in eight other categories:

• the CBC-TV New Media, Film and the Arts Award

• the Atlantic Progress Publishing Ltd. Entrepreneurship and Technology Award

• the Canadian Intellectual Property Office Innovation Award

• the CanJet Airlines Service Excellence Award

• the Greater Moncton Economic Commission Supporter of Young Entrepreneurs Award

• the McCain Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year Award

• the Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award

• the Nova Scotia Economic Development YES Entrepreneur of the Year

The awards are a highlight of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship 2001 Conference, being held April 26-28 in Moncton. Presented by CEED, the conference is expected to gather up to 700 students interested in entrepreneurship, educators, economic developers and supporters of young entrepreneurs.

The conference program and registration information are available online at www.planetentrepreneur.com.

NOTE: An alphabetical list of award finalists by last name, home town, business name and the category for which they are finalists appears below.

2001 Planet Entrepreneur Awards Finalists

Matthew Barker, Taylor MacIvor and Ryan Carty; TMR Stoneworks New Glasgow, N.S.; YES Entrepreneurial Award.

Mark Bergman and Jordan Allen, Daydream Designs Halifax; YES Entrepreneurial Award.

Jamie Best, New Brunswick Community College, Miramichi, N.B.; Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year

Chris Cameron and Jeff Ellis, Summer Blades Hockey League, Sydney, N.S.; YES Entrepreneurial Award and Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Kathryn Cosgrove, Work in Ireland.ca Canada Inc., Halifax; Innovation Award

Peter DesChamps, Shelburne Print and Design, Shelburne, N.S.; Innovation Award

Patrick and Adam Foran, Deadlygear.com , St. John''s, Nfld.; New Media, Film and the Arts Award

Stella Greenslade, Mount Peal Senior High, Mount Pearl, Nfld.; Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year

Chris Griffiths, Griffiths Guitars International, Mount Pearl, Nfld.; Entrepreneurship and Technology Award and Innovation Award

Cara Hazelton, The Inside Edge Skating Supplies, Halifax; Service Excellence Award and Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Matthew Hennigar, College Pro Painters, Canning, N.S.; YES Entrepreneurial Award

Cathy Hurdle, Trinity Conception Community Development Corp., Carbonear, Nfld.; Supporter of Young Entrepreneurs Award

Kailyn MacDonald, Petz, Glace Bay, N.S.; Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Kelly McEntegart-Sheppard, K. McEntegart Art Studio, Blaketown, Nfld.; New Media, Film and the Arts Award

Jason McGrath, KLJ Computer Solutions Inc., Halifax; Entrepreneurship and Technology Award

Scott McKellar, Nova Scotia Community College -- Akerley Campus, Dartmouth, N.S.; Supporter of Young Entrepreneurs Award

Justin Miles, J.P. Computers and Technology, St. Theresa''s, Nfld.; Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Monique O''Brien, Modern Beauty, Bloomfield, P.E.I.; Service Excellence Award

Kelli Smith, Blue Sky Marketing Concepts Ltd./Tender Loving Corn Franchise, Dartmouth, N.S.; Service Excellence Award

A. Brian Stoodly, Biotech Orthodic Design, Fall River, N.S.; Entrepreneurship and Technology Award

Marie Thibeault, Community Business Development Centre, Bathurst, N.B.; Supporter of Young Entrepreneurs Award

Gordon Darhl Watson, Ellenvale Junior High School, Dartmouth, N.S.; Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year

Ali Asad Zaidi, Gamma Wave Internet Solutions, Rothesay, N.B.; New Media, Film and the Arts Award