Scott Duennes, Cornucopia Executive Director, Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Finalist

Cornucopia, Inc., a northeast Ohio nonprofit that provides vocational training for people with disabilities and the owner/operator of Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, is pleased to announce that Scott Duennes, its Executive Director, has been named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013 Award in Northeast Ohio. The awards program recognizes high-growth entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The finalists were selected from over 90 nominations by a panel of independent judges.  Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 27, 2013.  Regional award winners go on to compete at the national level.

“I am honored to have been nominated for this award and chosen as a finalist,” commented Duennes.  “It has been my privilege to lead Cornucopia for the past 27 years as we have helped people with disabilities become more financially independent and break through barriers that not only separate them from employment but from full participation in community life. “

Cornucopia’s programs serve people with a wide range of disabilities including developmental disabilities, autism, mental illness, visual, speech and hearing impairments, and injuries resulting from accident or illness. Cornucopia provides its community-based vocational training for people with disabilities through Nature’s Bin and at four other community-based training sites including the Eliza Jennings Home in Cleveland; Jennings Center for Older Adults in Garfield Heights; the TJ Maxx store in Woodmere; and Darice Wholesale Crafts in Strongsville. 

About Cornucopia

Founded in 1975, Cornucopia is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit that provides community-based employment training for people with disabilities. What distinguishes Cornucopia programs from others is the real-work learning environment. Trainees work side-by-side with staff members in most aspects of department operations, facing the challenges and rewards of competitive employment in a caring, supportive atmosphere.    Additionally, through Cornucopia Employment Services, Cornucopia provides job placement and job coaching services for people with disabilities.  Cornucopia/Nature’s Bin has been serving people with disabilities for over 37 years.  For more information, call 216.521.4600 or visit www.cornucopia-inc.org

About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year^®

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award 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 award 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 more than 140 cities in more than 50 countries.