Last Thursday night Jack Schultz was in Kennewick, Washington speaking at the Association of Washington Cities annual conference. While he was furthering the Boomtown message on the West Coast, in Chicago a room of more than 500 people was applauding his efforts, his spirit, and his dedication. Jack was chosen as an honored recipient of the 2005 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year!

Jack was nominated for this award earlier this spring by a past recipient from the Effingham area. Ernst and Young recognize outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. Randall Tavierne, E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Illinois Director, writes, “For the past 19 years, we have proudly recognized outstanding business leaders across Illinois. This year’s Illinois program participants have succeeded through turbulent economic times and emerged even stronger. As they forged ahead, they may not have listened when told it couldn’t be done and they continue to take chances that average people consider too risky. They are leaders rather than followers. We are inspired by their achievements.”