Visual Magnetics CEO Joe Deetz Named Semifinalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 New England Award


BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Apr 25, 2011) - Visual Magnetics®, developer of the Visual Magnetics Graphic System™, today announced that CEO Joe Deetz is an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year® 2011 New England Award semifinalist. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Deetz was selected as a semifinalist from nearly 60 nominations by a panel of independent judges.

Deetz has nearly 25 years of experience in the graphics industry and is the creator of the Visual Magnetics Graphic System, a patented magnetic-receptive graphics solution that enables the creation of photo-quality in-store graphics that can be updated effortlessly -- a major breakthrough for the industry. The innovative product concept created by Deetz is truly unique and is revolutionizing the way many businesses are producing and installing promotional graphics, with over 200 major brands currently using Visual Magnetics. The Visual Magnetics Graphic System can be tailored to meet a wide array of changeable graphic needs and is engineered to be ultra-low profile, allowing for multi-layering of images while giving the seamless appearance of a single layer print.

"My experience in the graphics industry has shown me the tremendous need to change the way graphic displays are rolled out -- which can typically involve any number of challenges such as high shipping costs, the need for professional installers, unnecessary waste and limited usability of promotional graphics," said Deetz. "The market response to the Visual Magnetics Graphic System has been incredible and being selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award brings great pride and honor to the commitment I have put in to Visual Magnetics."

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Program celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 140 cities and more than 50 countries throughout the world.

Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 15, 2011 at the Boston Renaissance Waterfront Hotel. Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of the Year National Award. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year National Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 12, 2011. 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, which will be held November 9-13, 2011.

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as a national sponsor. In New England sponsors include Boston Magazine, J. Robert Scott, Marsh, Nixon Peabody LLP, RR Donnelley, and Regan Communications Group.

About Visual Magnetics
Visual Magnetics is the creator of the revolutionary patented large-scale graphics system that matches magnetic-receptive technologies with the highest quality print media -- empowering brands to create dynamic in-store experiences that can be effortlessly updated. Three-time winner of the DPI Product of the Year Award, the easy-to-use Visual Magnetics Graphic System features the patented Micro-Iron™ MagnaMedia printable films to produce stunning photo-quality graphics that enable design flexibility and allow for multi-layering of graphic panels. MagnaMedia works on all printing platforms, the process being no different than any other papers or films, and is as easy to install as simply rolling down the graphic -- substantially lowering or eliminating installation costs while giving a professionally mounted appearance. MagnaMedia also rolls easily for increased savings in shipping. The Visual Magnetics Graphic System is fully recyclable. Follow Visual Magnetics on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VisualMagnetics. For more information, please visit www.visualmagnetics.com or call toll free 855.847.6244 (855.VISMAG4).

About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year®
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique 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, 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 140 cities in more than 50 countries.

About the Ernst & Young
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