JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PSS World Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:PSSI) today announced that David A. Smith, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has received the Ernst & Young 2009 Florida Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in the Distribution and Manufacturing category. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses.
Mr. Smith was selected by an independent panel of judges. The award was presented at a gala event at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate on Thursday, June 11, 2009.
"We are honored and proud to be associated with Ernst & Young and their recognition of entrepreneurs," said Smith. "These awards are given to individuals, but everyone knows that thousands of people make these companies successful. Congratulations to our entire team, who are tirelessly committed to providing the best service and solutions for our customers, while delivering value to our shareholders and growing our business at twice the rate of our markets."
2009 marks the 23rd anniversary of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards. The program honors entrepreneurs who have achieved exceptional success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
"We are proud to recognize the achievements of David Smith," said Mike Brennan, Ernst & Young partner and Florida Host of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Program. "Entrepreneur Of The Year award recipients are not only successful in building their own businesses, but also contribute significantly to the strength of our region's economy."
As a Florida award recipient, Mr. Smith is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 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 14, 2009. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. PSS World Medical, Inc. is a national distributor of medical products to physicians and elder care providers through its two business units. Since its inception in 1983, PSS has become a leader in the two market segments that it serves with a focused market approach to customer services, a consultative sales force, strategic acquisitions, strong arrangements with product manufacturers and a unique culture of performance.
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year(r) Award is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award 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 award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(r) award celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.