Published: 07/09/2008

Zane Tankel CEO of Apple-Metro Inc, one of the top Applebee’s franchisees in the country, was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2008 award winner in the Metro New York area

ZANE TANKEL, CEO OF APPLE METRO INC.
Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2008 Award Winner in Metro New York Area

NEW YORK, NY, June 26, 2008 – Zane Tankel CEO of Apple-Metro Inc, one of the top Applebee’s franchisees in the country, was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2008 award winner in the Metro New York area. 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. Zane Tankel was selected as a finalist from over 40 nominations by a panel of independent judges. Award winners were announced at a special gala event on Thursday June 26th, 2008 at The Marriott Marquis, Times Square, New York.

“I was honored to just be a finalist for this incredible award, alongside some of the biggest movers and shakers in New York, explains Tankel. “Being named Entrepreneur Of The Year, is an incredible achievement and I appreciate Ernst & Young for recognizing my hard work and dedication. It would not have been possible without the hard work of the Apple-Metro team” he added.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 22nd 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 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 15, 2008. The awards are the concluding portion of Ernst & Young’s Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.


About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year
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.