Who is the next Entrepreneur of the Year?

Do know someone who started with little more than an idea and ambition and used them to build a successful business? Someone who has a knack for seeing and capitalizing on opportunity? Someone who leads his or her business with integrity and intelligence, inspiring other entrepreneurs?

The Business Review is seeking business leaders with all of the above for its 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The award recognizes top entrepreneurs from Tampa to Naples, whose companies have shown exceptional performance the past three years.

Nominees should be visionaries and leaders who have overcome obstacles to lead their companies to great achievements. Nominees must be owners or part owners of their companies, and their companies must be based on the Gulf Coast.

Last year's overall winner was Jane Mason, founder and CEO of eMason, a Clearwater-based software firm. The Sarasota-Manatee region winner was Jim Kuhlman, president of Florida Shores Bank and the Lee-Collier winner was John Langley, president and CEO of Medscribe Information Systems based in Naples.

To nominate an entrepreneur, send his or her name by March 23 to Alex Mahadevan at [email protected] or call 941-302-3117. Please include the person's name, company, contact information and a brief description of what distinguishes the candidate. The winners will be featured in our May 18 issue.