HOOKSETT, NH - Merchants Automotive Group announces that Senior Vice President & Principal Robert Singer and Chairman of the Board & Principal Gary Singer are Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2011 New England Award semifinalists.

According to Ernst & Young LLP, 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. Robert and Gary were selected as semifinalists from nearly 60 nominations by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on 15 June 2011 at the Boston Renaissance Waterfront Hotel.

Robert Singer remarks, "Gary and I are honored to be nominated for this esteemed award amongst the entire group of prestigious semifinalists. Our company's primary focus is Merchants Leasing, and also includes a retail automotive dealership as well as other related automotive and real estate entities. We are proud to say the same entrepreneurial, family, customer and community focused values that contributed to the company's success are embedded in our culture and are evident in daily operations. We encourage our employees to be active in the community. Our family's philanthropic teachings were the foundation for the formation of the Singer Family Community Service Team, which supports the community through financial donations and volunteer work."

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.

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.

Sponsors

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.