Jan. 14, 2004

Contact: William R. Pendergast
Orfalea College of Business
( 805) 756-2730

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nominations Sought For Cal Poly Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s 2004 Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards are
now open for nominations through Feb. 26.

The university’s Orfalea College of Business sponsors the awards program
to recognize successful entrepreneurs who are San Luis Obispo County
residents or Cal Poly alumni. Community members submit nominations.
Students conduct research on the entrepreneurs and their companies. A
panel of distinguished judges selects awardees, and students organize
the awards event.

“Community nominations are key to success of the program and recognition
of entrepreneurial leadership,” said Cal Poly Business Professor William
Pendergast. Anyone wishing to submit nominations should do so before
Feb. 26. The awards program allows for multiple nominations of qualified
entrepreneurs.

Nominees must be a Cal Poly graduate or San Luis Obispo county resident,
a company founder or person responsible for a significant company
reorientation, and currently involved in company management. Nominees’
companies must be at least three years old, with at least $3 million in
revenue.

Nominations should include: nominee name and title; nominee company;
company phone number; and nominee e-mail; and nominator’s name, address,
telephone and e-mail. Nominations may be sent by email to
wpenderg@calpoly.edu or by mail to Professor William R. Pendergast,
Orfalea College of Business, 1 Grand Avenue, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo,
CA 93407.

Those who submit nominations are welcome to attend the awards event
scheduled May 7.

Cal Poly’s Entrepreneurial Leadership 2003 Awardees included Tunny
Ortali and Bruce Breault (McClintock’s), Noel Lee (Monster Cable), Lorne
Lanning (Oddworld Inhabitants), Mark Potratz (Parable Group), Mike
Rowley (Straight Down), Brett Whitaker (Whitaker Contractors), Nanci
Bell (Lindamood-Bell), Anita Robinson (Mission Community Bank), Lauren
Brown (Promega Biosciences), Brandi Butler and Jason Newton (Anime
Express).

- # # # -