EY today announced that President & CEO Kent S. Ellert of Florida Community Bank is a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2016 Award in Florida. The awards program, which is celebrating its 30th year, recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Kent S. Ellert was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala on June 9, 2016, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida.

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Kent S. Ellert, Florida Community Bank President & CEO (Photo: Business Wire)

Kent S. Ellert, Florida Community Bank President & CEO (Photo: Business Wire)

“It is an honor to be named a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2016 Award in Florida, and to be included among such an illustrious group being recognized for their inspirational vision and leadership,” said Kent Ellert. “The growth and success of Florida Community Bank has been a true team effort as we strive on a daily basis to innovate and excel in how we support and serve our customers. I am excited to share this recognition with all of our dedicated associates, and remain committed to doing all that I can to further the spirit of entrepreneurship that fuels our communities.”

Now in its 30th year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 19, 2016. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum®, 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 by SAP America, Merrill Corporation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

About Florida Community Bank

Established in 2010, Florida Community Bank (FCB) has grown to over $7.5 billion in assets, is the third largest Florida-based independent bank, and recently received a five-star rating from Bauer FinancialTM. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, (NYSE: FCB), Florida Community Bank serves the state with 47 full service banking centers. The presence of FCB blankets both Florida coasts from Daytona Beach to Miami-Dade, Naples through Tampa Bay, as well as the I-4 Corridor. FCB is among the most highly capitalized banks in the state with capital ratios exceeding the regulatory standard to be considered “well capitalized” by a wide margin. Complete information outlining the depth and breadth of the company is found at www.FloridaCommunityBank.com. Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC.

About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award 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 award 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 more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.

About EY’s Strategic Growth Markets practice

EY’s Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) practice guides leading high-growth companies. Our multidisciplinary teams of elite professionals provide perspective and advice to help our clients accelerate market leadership. SGM delivers assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services to thousands of companies spanning all industries. EY is the undisputed leader in taking companies public, advising key government agencies on the issues impacting high-growth companies and convening the experts who shape the business climate. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/us/strategicgrowthmarkets, or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

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