AmWINS Group, Inc. today announced its CEO, M. Steven DeCarlo, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 Award in the Business & Financial Services category in the Carolinas. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Steve was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Westin Charlotte on June 18, 2009.

“I’m honored to have received this prestigious award,” said DeCarlo. “AmWINS was formed with a belief that we will always challenge the status quo and enhance the way our industry does business for the benefit of our employees, clients and markets. Being entrepreneurial is at the core of who we are as a firm. This award is really a recognition of the hard work and commitment of the entire AmWINS organization. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by such an incredible team of talented individuals.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards celebrate their 23rd anniversary this year. The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

As a Carolinas award winner, Steve is now eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year 2009 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California on November 14, 2009. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards Program

Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year Award is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The 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, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.