Curves International CEO Gary Heavin named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
 
Curves International, the world’s largest fitness centre franchise, today announced that its founder and CEO Gary Heavin was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award winner at the gala black-tie event held in November 20, 2004 in Palm Springs, CA.  The national competition featured more than 360 regional winners from 35 regions across the United States.  Heavin received his award in the services category.
 
“It was an unbelievable experience to rub elbows with some of the brightest business people in the country,” Heavin said of the three day event. “I was thrilled to be among the finalists and feel incredibly blessed to win the award.  But more importantly, my wife Diane and I have been able to help more than 4 million women around the world realize their fitness goals, and try to help thousands more become successful entrepreneurs.  That’s the real reward.”
 
Finalists are chosen from more than 3,500 nominations received from around the country.  Each June, an independent panel of judges in 35 regions across the U.S. selects roughly 360 winners, who are eligible for consideration at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year national program.