COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Big Lots CEO Steven S. Fishman has been awarded Ernst & Young's prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award in the business turnaround category for the South Central Ohio and Kentucky region. The annual award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic companies.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011026/BIGLOTSLOGO )
Ernst & Young's recognition of Fishman's entrepreneurial leadership comes on the heels of Big Lots' 10th consecutive record quarter of earnings per share performance. Since joining Big Lots in 2005, Fishman has led the company through a successful strategic repositioning aimed at improving operating performance. During his tenure, he has focused on improving the quality and value of the merchandise offering, increasing brand recognition, and maximizing the earnings potential of the national retailer's 1,340+ stores.
"The real honor goes to the Big Lots team for their determination and great spirit," said Fishman. "Since launching our WIN business strategy, we have accomplished what we set out to achieve and more. I am grateful and thankful to receive this recognition on behalf of the entire organization."
As a regional winner, Fishman qualifies for the national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Winners in numerous 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.
About Big Lots, Inc.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) is a Fortune 500 company with more than 1,300 stores in 47 states. As the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, Big Lots offers consumers a wide range of bargain-priced merchandise, including brand-name closeouts, seasonal products, consumables, furniture, housewares, toys, and gifts. The Company also sells merchandise via the Internet at www.biglots.com and through its wholesale operations which are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY and www.biglotswholesale.com
SOURCE Big Lots, Inc.
