CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CTR) today announced that John P. D. Cato, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, is a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2009 Award in the Carolinas. 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. Mr. Cato was selected as a finalist from nearly 75 nominations by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 18, 2009 at the Westin Charlotte.
'I am honored to be named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award,' stated Mr. Cato. 'My selection is recognition of the Company's performance and the efforts of our more than 9,000 associates to provide value to our customers and our shareholders.'
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 23rd 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 14, 2009. 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 the Carolinas, sponsors include King & Spalding, Bowne and Business Leader Media.
About The Cato Corporation
The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of value-priced women's fashion apparel operating two divisions, 'Cato' and 'It's Fashion'. The Company's Cato division offers exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices every day. The It's Fashion division offers fashion with a focus on the latest trendy styles and nationally recognized urban brands for the entire family at low prices every day. As of May 30, 2009, the Company operated 1,285 stores in 31 states. Additional information on The Cato Corporation is available at www.catocorp.com.
About Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) Awards Program
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) Award is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The 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, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) award 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.
SOURCE The Cato Corporation
