Entrepreneurs’ Organization Recognizes Members for Outstanding Contributions

Alexandria, Virginia, USA (19 June 2013) – Every year, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) honors those chapters, members and staff who make a significant mark in support of its organizational goals and initiatives. Two of the most prestigious awards EO presents are the “Mark Lincoln EO Global Volunteer of the Year” award and the “EO Global Citizen of the Year” award. The recipients of these prestigious awards were recognized at this year’s Global Leadership Conferences—held in Panama and the Philippines, respectively—and were praised for their commitment to enhancing the EO experience.

Mark Lincoln EO Global Volunteer of the Year Award

Every year, EO recognizes one member who goes above and beyond in their Forum, chapter, community and region by handing out the Mark Lincoln EO Global Volunteer of the Year Award. This year, the prestigious award went to EO South Africa – Johannesburg's Itumeleng “Itu” Kgaboesele.

A former Chapter President, Regional Director and Chapter Launch Director, Itu has played a substantial role in the growth of his and other regions across the globe. Not only did he help split EO South Africa into two highly populated and thriving chapters, but he launched EO Nigeria, is driving the launch of EO Kenya and EO Ghana, and hosted EO Ignite, a popular multi-chapter event. Itu is a perfect example of what can happen when passion meets purpose

The Mark Lincoln Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes EO members who demonstrate commitment and dedication to entrepreneurial growth. Mark helped found the EO St. Louis chapter in 1993, and is a two-time recipient of the award.

EO Global Citizen of the Year Award

This year, EO announced the recipient of its first-ever EO Global Citizen of the Year Award— Michael Ross of the EO Orange County chapter. This award is given to one member who uses his entrepreneurial skills to make a mark on the global landscape, impact communities, inspire support and effect positive change. Since joining EO in 2006, Michael has made a significant impact in the organization, serving in 10 leadership positions, including Chapter President, Learning Chair and Forum Moderator. His impact on a global scale is even more impressive.

Michael received the award for his incredible non-profit work in Panama, where he's changing the lives of many, engaging others in the act of philanthropy and spurring entrepreneurial growth. Among his many achievements, Michael led the coordination of an international conference on HIV/Aids education in Panama, established a partnership with Universidad Latina de Panama to facilitate mentorship within the community, and supports a woman's shelter designed to serve pregnant teenage girls as a result of rape and incest. It is for these and many other reasons that Michael was named our first EO Global Citizen of the Year.

EO recognizes and congratulates both Itu and Michael on their well-deserved awards!

About EO

The Entrepreneurs' Organization is a global business network of more than 8,700 business owners in 122 chapters and 35 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO enables small and large business owners to learn from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. The organization’s vision is to build the world's most influential community of entrepreneurs, which aligns with its mission of supporting entrepreneurial education and engaging entrepreneurs to learn and grow.

The Entrepreneurs’ Organization also operates the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA), the premier award program for high school, undergraduate and graduate students that own and run businesses while attending a college or university; and Accelerator, a series of quarterly, high-impact learning events designed to provide top business owners with the tools, knowledge and skills they need to grow their businesses to more than US$1 million in annual revenue.

Media Contact:Ryan Meyer, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, +1.703.519.6700, [email protected]