If you know a young entrepreneur, community leader, teacher or any person who has made significant contributions to their chosen field and the quality of life to Oakland County and the region and you want them recognized for their good work, this is your chance.
Nominations are now being accepted for the Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 under 40 Class of 2016. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson started the program in 2012 to honor young professionals and thought leaders who excel in their field and have demonstrated dynamic leadership.
“We found 160 exceptional women and men in our first four classes and I’m confident we have not exhausted the supply of young leaders in the area,” Patterson said. “There are so many talented people who are impacting Oakland County and the region everyday with their ideas, their work and their passion. We are looking for the brightest and the best. If you know one or more of these young men and women – or you want to nominate yourself – I encourage you to submit a name for consideration.”
To submit a candidate, go to www.AdvantageOakland.com/Elite40. Nominees must live and/or work in Oakland County and be born after Dec. 31, 1976 to be eligible. Nominations close on Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. Entries must be completed and submitted by Friday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. A panel of judges will review all completed entries and reduce the number to the top 40 entrants. Of that group, three candidates who scored the highest will be placed before the public for an online vote to determine the winner.
The winner will introduce Patterson at his State of the County address on Feb. 10, 2016. The winner will also receive:
- An invitation with guest to attend a State of the County pre-reception
- A breakfast meeting with the county executive
- A feature article or video about their business/volunteer agency in Oakland County PROSPER
- Attend three Oakland County signature events: Economic Outlook Luncheon, Quality People/Quality County Awards and the Business Roundtable Annual Meeting; invitation for Leadership Oakland’s Breakfast of Champions; and promotion on the county’s website
- Promotion on AdvantageOakland.com, the county’s economic development website
Two runners-up will each receive:
- An invitation with guest to attend a State of the County pre-reception
- A breakfast meeting with the county executive
- An invitation to the State of the County address
- Tickets to attend three Oakland County signature events
- Invitations to Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 under 40 events, including an awards reception and roundtable discussions with the county executive; invitation for Leadership Oakland’s Breakfast of Champions
- Promotion on AdvantageOakland.com
Thirty-seven semi-finalists will each receive:
- An invitation with guest to attend a State of the County pre-reception
- Invitations to the State of the County address
- Invitations to Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 under 40 events, including an awards reception and roundtable discussions with the county executive; invitation for Leadership Oakland’s Breakfast of Champions
- Promotion on AdvantageOakland.com
Previous winners are:
- Melody Arabo, Walled Lake Consolidated School District teacher and former Michigan Teacher of the Year, Class of 2015
- Susan Kruger, president and CEO, SOAR Learning, Inc., Class of 2014
- Erica Coulston, owner of Walk the Line to SCI Recovery, Class of 2013
- Hajj Flemings, CEO/founder of Brand Camp University, Class of 2012
Complete information about rules and prizes are available at www.AdvantageOakland.com/Elite40.
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