Upper Midwest. These leading entrepreneurs were selected by an independent judging panel made up of

previous award winners, leading CEOs, investors and other regional business leaders. The winners were

unveiled at a black-tie gala on June 8 in Minneapolis.

"EY has been recognizing leading entrepreneurs for over three decades," said Joe McCarney, Entrepreneur Of

The Year Program Director for the Upper Midwest. "The class of winners in 2017 represent new ways of

thinking, disruptive business models and overall dynamism that make this country a great place to do

business."

The winners for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Upper Midwest Award include:

Since its founding in 1986, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities in more

than 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National program.

Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall National Award

winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California

most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall

Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco in June

2018.

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.

In the Upper Midwest, region sponsors include Padilla, Twin Cities Business, Schulze School of

Entrepreneurship, Salo, Lockton, Pohlad Companies and ThreeBridge Solutions.

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 over 145

cities in more than 60 countries. Learn more at ey.com/eoy.

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.

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. EY refers

to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited,

each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee,

does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that

provides services to clients in the U.S.

For more information, please visit ey.com