EY announced that Barbara VanKirk, President and Founder of IQ. Inc. as a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year ® 2017 Award in the Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia region. The awards program, which is celebrating its 31st year, recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. VanKirk was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners were announced at a special gala event on Friday, June 16 at The Wyndham Grand Downtown Pittsburgh Hotel.
“Our ‘people first’ philosophy is the number one reason for IQ’s continued success,” said VanKirk. “More than 20 years ago, I had a vision to create a collaborative, flexible and rewarding work environment while also providing stimulating projects and opportunities for employees to grow, personally and professionally. Creating this balanced workplace culture has benefited my employees and me alike and has allowed us together to manifest the value we place on nurturing long-term relationships while solving our client’s technical problems. I am so honored to be amongst this elite group of finalists and winners of this year’s EY awards.”
Now in its 31st year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world. Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 18, 2017. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum TM , the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the US by SAP America, Merrill Corporation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, sponsors also include PNC Bank, Smart Business, The University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, The University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute, Valuation Research Corporation (VRC), Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP, Waldron Private Wealth and Chemistry Communications.
About IQ Inc.
IQ Inc. (IQ) is a software engineering and consulting firm. Since 1994, IQ has collaborated with its customers to ensure that development schedules are met, within budget, utilizing the highest caliber talent available. We excel at end-to-end projects, including full stack development to systems integration to testing to certification support. IQ has applied experience in Medical Devices, Energy, Transportation, Healthcare, Manufacturing and a host of others. IQ’s consultancy involves the application of computer engineering, computer science and electrical engineering skills to developing solutions that solve problems, oftentimes in creative and innovative ways. For more information, iq-inc.com
About Entrepreneur Of The Year ®
Entrepreneur Of The Year ® , founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program 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 awards program 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 over 145 cities and more than 60 countries. For more information, please visit ey.com.