Vote for the Most Deserving Entrepreneur

Your , and you can begin voting on the most deserving nominee for the first-ever Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

On Oct. 8, the first Phoenixville Area Entrepreneur Expo will take place at Franklin Commons at 400 Franklin Ave. Plans for the day include guest speakers, a panel of entrepreneurs, networking opportunities, children’s activities, door prizes and a helping of entrepreneur-related advice and news. The expo is presented by the Western Suburban Business Alliance.

One of the highlights will be granting an award, presented by proclamation by state Sen. Andy Dinniman, to the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year, chosen with the help of Patch readers. Voting will narrow it down to three, and then one winner who best embodies the following characteristics will be chosen:

• Charitable giving
• Longevity
• Involvement
• Innovation
• Customer service
• Quality of service/product

You can either vote on Facebook or right here on Patch. Be sure that your selection meets the criteria above. We’re aware you can vote multiple times, and we’re relying on you to select the entrepreneur that fully encompasses the above qualities.

Thanks for participating and we’re looking forward to announcing a winner. Voting ends on Sept. 19 at 12 noon.

For more information on the Phoenixville Area Entrepreneur Expo 2011, visit www.paeexpo.com or e-mail paeexpo@yahoo.com. There are still open spots for vendors at the Oct. 8 expo.