USA -- ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Lyn Kirby, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 Award in the consumer products category in the Midwest region.

According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Ms. Kirby was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Hilton Chicago Hotel on Friday, June 26, 2009.

“ULTA has been on an exciting journey evolving from a discount beauty retailer more than 15 years ago to a category leader – providing women with all her beauty needs from mass to prestige – in one convenient and entertaining store,” stated Ms. Kirby. “I am extraordinarily proud of our dedicated employees and deeply honored to accept the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award. This recognition is a true testament to ULTA’s exceptional growth and the strength and success of our talented team.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards celebrate their 23rd anniversary this year. The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

“We are proud to recognize the achievements of Lyn Kirby,” said Randy Tavierne, Ernst & Young Partner, Strategic Growth Markets. “Winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year award build leading businesses and contribute significantly to the strength of our region’s economy. Their success helps our area grow stronger.”

As a Midwest award winner, Ms. Kirby is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 14, 2009. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as national sponsors.

Regional sponsors for the Midwest program include Clifton Gunderson LLP, Smart Business magazine and Becker Professional Review. Locally, the program is sponsored by Winston & Strawn and Grand Valley State University.
 
ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc