LAPLACE – The search is on for the top entrepreneurs in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Nominations are currently being accepted for Entrepreneur of the Year, a prestigious competition that honors dynamic, innovative executives.

The contest, now in its 16th year, is sponsored worldwide by Ernst & Young LLP, and in the Louisiana/Mississippi region by Hibernia National Bank.

The contest is held in 43 regions in the United States and 22 foreign countries. The deadline for nominations for the Louisiana/Mississippi region is April 5.

There is no fee and self-nominations are welcome.

“This elite competition honors entrepreneurs who have changed our economic landscape through the addition of jobs, products and services,” said Bill Herrington, Hibernia executive vice president of commercial banking for southeast Louisiana. “There are many innovative business leaders in our area, and we want to help get some recognition for the entrepreneurial spirit in our community.”

In 2001, James M. Bernhard Jr. of The Shaw Group Inc. in Baton Rouge was named a national Entrepreneur of the Year in the manufacturing category.

Winners are chosen from a range of industries, such as retailing and consumer products, health care and life sciences, real estate and construction, energy, transportation, financial services and several “E-business” categories.

The Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year award will be given for the first time in 2002 to honor an individual who has used private-sector skills and creativity to help the community overcome social or environmental problems.

The Entrepreneur of the Year awards recognize outstanding founders, owners and managers of growing companies who demonstrate innovation, financial success and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Regional winners proceed to November’s national competition at the annual Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year International Conference in Palm Springs, Calif.

Individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the entrepreneurial spirit or have helped an entrepreneur become successful through business or academia are also eligible for the National Supporter of Entrepreneurship award, presented by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Recipients of the Entrepreneur of the Year award become lifetime members of the Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame.

They are also eligible to compete for one of several national award categories, including the 2002 National Entrepreneur of the Year.

Regional award recipients will be selected by a panel of independent judges composed of leaders from Louisiana and Mississippi business, academic and civic organizations.

Information about the regional competition can be obtained from Jennifer d’Aquin of Ernst & Young at 504-592-4845 or from local Hibernia bankers.

Applications may also be completed on-line at www.ey.com/us/eoy.