Aqua America, Inc. announced that chairman and chief executive officer Nicholas DeBenedictis received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2007 Award in the Master category for the Greater Philadelphia region. The Ernst & Young award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses.
Selected for the award by an independent panel of judges, DeBenedictis was recently honored during ceremonies at The Loews Hotel in Philadelphia. DeBenedictis became a regional finalist for the award from a total of 75 semifinalist nominations, after the judges screened hundreds of entries.
“I am honored to receive such a prestigious award, especially the opportunity to represent both Aqua America and the Greater Philadelphia region at the national competition,” said DeBenedictis.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. The award honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
As a Greater Philadelphia award winner, DeBenedictis is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2007 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 17, 2007. The national Entrepreneur Of The Year celebration is part of Ernst & Young’s Strategic Growth Forum.
Under DeBenedictis’ leadership, Aqua America (formerly Philadelphia Suburban Corporation) has grown to provide water and wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and 11 other states.
Source: Aqua America
