Rauxa Direct CEO Jill Gwaltney Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year(R) 2010 Award Semi-Finalist in Orange County/Desert Cities


COSTA MESA, CA--(Marketwire - May 4, 2010) - Rauxa Direct today announced that CEO Jill Gwaltney is a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2010 Award in the Orange County/Desert Cities program. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Jill Gwaltney was selected as a semi-finalist from nearly 60 nominations by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 17 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. 

"I have had the good fortune to work with many talented people who have influenced me throughout my life, and who share my passionate vision and focus on the customer. I've learned that a 'never give up' attitude, combined with looking after your customer's best interests can take you far. Concentrating on our clients' goals, being honest and empathetic and delivering excellent work are principles that all of us live by at Rauxa Direct. It's how I've always run my life and this company reflects those values," said Gwaltney. "Being selected as a semifinalist for this prestigious award is not only a personal honor but also recognition for the committed team at Rauxa."

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards program celebrates its 24th anniversary this year. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world. 

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year 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 13, 2010. 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.

SPONSORS
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur of the Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

In Orange County/Desert Cities, sponsors include Marsh, Union Bank, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, Strategic Equity Group, Orange County Business Journal, Scherzer International, HKA Inc., and RR Donnelley Financial.

ABOUT RAUXA
Rauxa is an integrated 1-to-1 marketing agency with a passion for developing strategic, creative and measurable programs. Executing effective cross-channel strategies with an overarching commitment to excellence, Rauxa strives to ensure that every communication strengthens the client's brand and gets customers talking and taking action.

Since its inception in 1999, this woman-owned business has achieved 39% year-over-year growth working with top brands and Fortune 500 corporations. With 170 of the industry's brightest working at offices in New York, San Francisco and Orange County, Rauxa combines the very best in digital, direct, traditional and multicultural know-how to ensure its clients exceed their goals. Learn more at rauxa.com.

ABOUT ERNST & YOUNG'S ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR® AWARDS PROGRAM
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique 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, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 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.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited located in the U.S.

Contact Information:

MEDIA CONTACT
Tracy Groves
VP of Marketing
714.427.1271 EXT 204

Rauxa Direct CEO Jill Gwaltney, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year(R) Semi-Finalist