New York, NY (June 12, 2017) – EY today announced that Michael Batt, Travel Leaders Group Founder and Chairman, is a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year^® 2017 Award in the New York program. The awards program, which is celebrating its 31st year, recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Mr. Batt was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 22, 2017, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

“On behalf of all travel agents, and especially those within the Travel Leaders Group, I feel extremely honored to be considered for this award,” commented Mr. Batt. “As our business has evolved and adapted to a technology driven world, it’s extremely gratifying to see customers seek out qualified travel professionals to simplify and enhance their travel experience. Our agents’ ability to deliver on this service promise has been the key to Travel Leaders Group’s growth and success.”

Mr. Batt led a management-buyout of Carlson Leisure Group in 2008 when it was a nearly $6 billion dollar per year company. Known today as Travel Leaders Group (www.travelleadersgroup.com), the organization is one of North America’s largest travel companies – encompassing nearly one-third of all travel agents – and generates gross travel sales of approximately $21 billion. Travel Leaders Group is a leader in both the retail travel agency space and corporate travel, thanks to its diverse travel agency networks – including the flagship brands of Travel Leaders and Travel Leaders Corporate, along with high-end, luxury travel agencies such as Andrew Harper, Cruise Specialists, Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group. In addition, Travel Leaders Group consistently ranks as one of the top travel companies nationwide.

Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs, and it’s the only competitive awards program for leaders of high-growth companies. To be eligible, nominees must be the manager or owner of a private or public company and be primarily responsible for the company’s recent performance. Now in its 31st year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 18, 2017. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum^TM, 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 in the US by SAP America, Merrill Corporation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

In New York, sponsors also include Empire Valuation, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Pine Hill Group, SolomonEdwardsGroup and DLA Piper.

About Travel Leaders Group
Travel Leaders Group (www.travelleadersgroup.com) is transforming travel with a commitment to our vacation and business travel clients via our progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. Having already assisted millions of travelers, Travel Leaders Group manages leisure, business and franchise travel operations under a variety of diversified divisions and brands, including All Aboard Travel, Andrew Harper Travel, Colletts Travel, Cruise Specialists, Nexion, Protravel International, SinglesCruise.com, Travel Leaders Corporate, Travel Leaders Network and Tzell Travel. With annual sales of approximately $21 billion through over 7,000 locations, Travel Leaders Group ranks as one of the industry’s largest traditional travel agency companies.

Photo of Michael Batt: http://bit.ly/2raNzE0

About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program 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 awards program 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 over 145 cities and more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

About EY’s Growth Markets Network
EY’s worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped many of the world’s most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.

About EY
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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US. For more information, please visit ey.com.