Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40™ program, now preparing to welcome a sixth class, is once again seeking nominations for the best and brightest in the county. The Elite 40 program, started by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson in 2012, honors exceptional individuals under the age of 40 who excel in their fields and improve the quality of life in Oakland County.
To kick off the opening of nominations for the Elite 40 class of 2017, past Elite 40 classes gathered together last Tuesday evening at the Skyline Club in Southfield for the very first Elite 40 reunion. As the sun set over Oakland County, class members enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, chatted with one another and took time to reconnect. The atmosphere was jovial and full of excitement as the Elite 40 members mingled and networked with one another. It was plain to see that through this program, new and unexpected partnerships and friendships have formed, and business opportunities have emerged.
Deputy County Executive Matthew Gibb welcomed the Elite 40 classes to the reunion and expressed just how much the county honors and respects young entrepreneurs. Gibb stressed the importance of finding ways to bring them together and shared that the Elite 40 tells the story of young leadership in Oakland County.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson addressed the group and said, “This room represents the best of Oakland County and your success can’t be overstated.” Patterson encouraged the group to call to mind other dynamic leaders worthy of being nominated for the next generation of the Oakland County Elite 40.
Nominations are open until noon (EST) on November 10th and entries will be accepted until noon (EST) on November 15th. Nominees must live or work in Oakland County to be eligible. To submit a candidate, go to www.AdvantageOakland.com/Elite40 where two entry buttons can be found – one for those who want to nominate someone else and one for those who want to enter themselves.
Entries will be reviewed and scored by a panel of former Elite 40 class members and reduced to sixty. An independent panel of judges will then choose the top forty. The three candidates who score the highest will be placed before the public for an online vote in January to determine the winner.
The winner will be announced in February at the 2017 Oakland County State of the County. In addition, all class members will be invited to participate in a host of county events. Past members have joined the Oakland County Business Roundtable and other advisory committees within the county.
If you consider yourself a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, community leader or teacher who is shaping the future of Oakland County and the region, enter today or nominate an outstanding young man or woman who fits this criteria at elite40.com.
For more information about the Elite 40 program and to view past classes, visit elite40.com. Follow along with Advantage Oakland on Facebook and Twitter using #Elite40 for the latest Elite 40 news.