Innovator Receives Entrepreneur of the Year Award

June 25, 2010 - PRLog -- Raleigh, NC ---June 22, 2010.  Tony Marshall,  CEO of Innovative Systems Group (ISG), received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from McCants Communications, owner of the Black Pages USA and Black Expo 2010.  The award was presented at the first annual State of African American Business Awards Breakfast held at Saint Augustine’s College on Thursday, June 17th.  

Marshall’s history of entrepreneurship, leadership in green transportation and renewable energy, and volunteerism on behalf of the future of all minority businesses in the Research Triangle Region earned him the award.  Gerry McCants, President of McCants Media Group,  says, “Tony’s entrepreneurial spirit, business knowledge, and professionalism is a model that we would like to see all minority businesses follow.”  

Marshall has over 25 years experience in the information technology industry, and  is an expert at analyzing business challenges and implementing technology solutions.  Marshall’s latest endeavor is a Biodiesel Electric Hybrid bus that serves the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Research Triangle Park campuses.   The EPA awarded ISG the contract last October.  “Green transportation is not just a new business opportunity,” says Marshall. “It is a social and environmental imperative.  I am very proud to be a part of the EPA’s industry-leading initiative.”

Marshall has previously held a variety of technology leadership roles at Discovery Communications (Discovery Channel), Bell Atlantic, MCI, and Mobil Oil.

Other award recipients were:

Business Pioneer of the Year
Andrea Harris, NC Institute for Minority Economic Development          

Small Business of the Year
Joe Jones, Covenant Trucking Company, Inc.      

Legacy Award
Sheik Kenneth Murray-Muhammad (in memoriam)  

Corporate Business Award
Wachovia/Wells Fargo Company    
 
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The State of African American Business Awards Breakfast is part of the 3-day Black Expo Tour.   While this event has been held in Wilmington, NC and other cities around the south for several years, this is its first visit to Raleigh.   Over 40 vendors and over 600 people visited this inaugural event in Raleigh.   The Black Expo Tour is produced by McCants Communications, owner of the Black Pages USA.

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