AROOSTOOK COUNTY - Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development (LEAD) and Momentum Aroostook, in conjunction with the four institutions of higher education in the region, are pleased to announce nominations are being accepted for Aroostook's Entrepreneur - 2013 Award, giving recognition to progressive business founders/owners/operators in northern Maine. The theme for this year's contest is innovation.

   The starting point for innovation is the generation of creative ideas. Innovation is the process of taking those ideas to market or to usefulness. Throughout the history of Aroostook, innovation has played a key role in the economy, whether a farmer devising a better way to harvest crops or a businessperson overcoming geographical barriers by embracing the Internet.

   LEAD President Jon McLaughlin said entrepreneurial spirit needs to be celebrated for many reasons.

   "Many Aroostook County residents have dreams about a service, product or manufacturing process that they could develop and create a new business and new employment opportunity for themselves and others, allowing them to stay in The County," said McLaughlin. "Honoring local entrepreneurs gives other folks the confidence to step outside their comfort zone and pursue their dreams."

   In conjunction with National Entrepreneurship Week, a search is being launched for Aroostook's outstanding entrepreneur, for individuals who own, operate, or are involved in a partnership within northern Maine and who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement.

   The Aroostook's Entrepreneur - 2013 Award will be given to a business leader who demonstrates excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation and personal commitment to their business and community. The nominees will be recognized and the winner will receive a plaque and a check for $500 at a special recognition dinner later this spring co-hosted by LEAD and Momentum Aroostook.

   "Momentum Aroostook is pleased to be partnering again with LEAD and collaborating with the area's higher education institutions on this effort to recognize local businessmen and women and showcase the exciting ventures they have undertaken in our region," said Momentum Aroostook Chairwoman Kari Wells-Puckett. "Recognition like this helps to further encourage the growth and success area companies have achieved, keep talent in our region, and provide business owners with a sense of personal satisfaction."

   Community nominations must be received by March 27, 2013. There is no fee for nominations and self-nominations are encouraged. Previous nominees are eligible to be nominated again. LEAD and Momentum Aroostook members and their relatives are eligible to participate; teachers are urged to nominate students who have developed a successful business. Program details and a nomination form are available for download at www.leadaroostook.com  and www.momentumaroostook.com. To be eligible for consideration, nominees must be the founder, owner, or manager of a private or public company; be primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company or organization; and be an active member of top management. The company or organization must have been in operation at least one year.

   A panel of six judges, one representing each of the sponsors, LEAD and Momentum Aroostook, and the supporting organizations, Husson University, Northern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Fort Kent and the University of Maine at Presque Isle, will select the 2013 honoree.

   "Northern Maine Community College has been involved in this recognition program from its inception because a number of our students become entrepreneurs who remain in our community and help it prosper," said NMCC President Tim Crowley. "It's a natural fit since the College has developed an entrepreneurship certificate program that motivates and prepares students to generate effective business plans and implement new ventures. We are proud that the 2009 honoree, Matt Bell, is an NM grad and we support the program hoping that the nominees will inspire others to utilize their skills and creativity here in The County."

   Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in the growth of the U.S. economy. In 2011, there were more than 27 million small businesses in the United States and according to the Small Business Administration, those businesses accounted for 60 to 80 percent of new jobs created.

   This is the fourth time LEAD and Momentum Aroostook have sponsored the "Entrepreneur of the Year" competition. LEAD member and current treasurer for the organization Jason Parent has helped spearhead the effort.

   "What we have seen through the stories of all of our nominees, since we first launched this project in 2009, is that these business leaders and innovators are making it happen here in The County," said Parent. "Their stories often go untold, yet their contributions to our region's economy is most impressive. We constantly hear about out-migration - youth leaving our area. Not only are many of our entrepreneurs young people that are either staying in our area or returning to our area, many provide a product or service that is actually serving to in-migrate dollars from around the state, country, and in some cases the world, into Aroostook."

   For more information about the initiative, contact LEAD Executive Director Ryan Pelletier at 498-8736 or rpelletier@nmdc.org.