Boulder, CO (09/27/10) – Mike Gilliland, Founder and CEO of Sunflower Farmers Market, has been selected as a 2010 Entrepreneur of Distinction by the Boulder Chamber of Commerce Esprit Awards committee, which recognizes and celebrates the outstanding spirit of entrepreneurship in Boulder County. Gilliland will receive his award at the 26th Annual Esprit Entrepreneur Banquet on Thursday, October 7, 2010, from 5:30 to 9:00pm in the University of Colorado’s University Memorial Center Glenn Miller Ballroom.
Mike Gilliland has been involved in the natural and organic food business for more than 24 years. In 2002, Mike founded Sunflower Farmers Markets which operates 30 natural foods supermarkets throughout Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Texas (operated as Newflower Farmers Markets in Texas). Gilliland serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and also operates a 40-acre farm in Longmont, Colorado that provides produce for some Sunflower locations. He has received numerous awards and commendations, including the 1992 Esprit Entrepreneur Award and the 1998 Rocky Mountain Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
“I am honored to have been chosen for this distinction,” said Gilliland. “It’s terrific that the Boulder Chamber of Commerce recognizes and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of local entrepreneurs, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs face. I’m proud to be included in an event that recognizes some impressive local leaders and their indomitable spirit.”
The Boulder Chamber will honor multiple area businesspeople at the Esprit Entrepreneur event. In addition to Gilliland’s award, there will be a Lifetime Achievement Award, an Entrepreneur of the Year award, three other Entrepreneur of Distinction awards, and an Entrepreneurial Accelerator Award presented during the banquet. The event follows a new format this year, and features a new award category, “Big Ideas.”
Source: Sunflower Farms Market