BALTIMORE - (Business Wire) PSA Insurance & Financial Services, the largest independent firm in the region providing property and casualty insurance, employee benefits consulting and retirement plan services, today announced that Managing Director Trevor “Chip” Lewis, Jr. was selected as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Award Finalist in Maryland, for the second consecutive year. This year, Lewis emerged as one of the region’s most vocal business leaders, championing a positive, local business message to stem the tide of the recession. He conceived and named a grassroots campaign – “Bring it Home” – to motivate business owners and individuals to re-examine affiliations with national companies and bring their business home to support the local economy.
Lewis followed his own advice by cutting ties with Staples to work with a local office supplier, and preached his messaged tirelessly in media interviews, speaking engagements and countless personal interactions.
“People feel good knowing that they are in control,” said Lewis. “They are not powerless. They can make choices with their spending, and protect and support the local businesses that employ their friends, family and neighbors. When we bring it home, jobs and money stay in our community.”
To give PSA clients a boost, Lewis and the firm launched the new PSA Partnership Program, whereby multi-practice clients can attend a series of free informational seminars at PSA’s spacious learning center. Seminars feature the area’s top business consultants including Hartman Business Technology, Skeen Leadership Group, Shapiro Negotiations Institute, Neuberger & Co. and PerformanceCatalyst. Seminars cover topics such as financial management, sales training, leadership development and retirement planning.
Finally, in the spirit of “Bring it Home,” Lewis opened the door to partners for free use of the office’s 200-person conference facility and accommodations in Hunt Valley.
The Ernst & Young award recognizes business leaders who demonstrate success in innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Lewis was selected by an independent panel of judges from a pool of nearly 50 nominees. Winners will be announced at a gala event on June 25, 2009 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
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 Maryland, sponsors include DLA Piper US LLP, Clifton Gunderson LLP, The Mergis Group and Baltimore SmartCEO.
About PSA Insurance & Financial Services
For more information, please visit www.psafinancial.com.
About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Awards Program
For more information, please visit www.ey.com.
Abel Communications for PSA Insurance and Financial Services
Mike Faherty, 410-466-0049
mfaherty@abelcommunications.com
