Novus International President and CEO Thad Simons has been selected from among nearly 300 regional candidates nationwide as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in Distribution and Manufacturing.

Simons received the national award “for transforming Novus International, Inc. from a one-product spinoff from Monsanto (in 1991) into a diversified, global manufacturer of health and nutrition products for livestock, pets and people,” according to Ernst & Young.

I recently interviewed Thad at the Novus grand opening of Green Acres Farm: Thad Simons

Novus has also been recognized for the second year in a row by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA) and RubinBrown LLP as a recipient of the 2010 Top 50 Award. The award, presented annually since 1996, recognizes businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations in all industry sectors throughout the St. Louis region.

Founded in 1991, Novus International, Inc. is a leader in animal health and nutrition, providing products and programs to more than 2,500 nutritionists, producers, veterinarians and feed manufacturers in more than 90 countries. Although corporately based in St. Charles, Mo., Novus has facilities in more than 35 countries as well as smaller offices with field staff in an additional 60 countries.