2009's 40 Under 40

This year’s 40 Under 40 had the distinction of receiving the most nominations in the list’s history. Sifting through the nominations, reading about so many excellent young professionals and then choosing only 40 of them was certainly a daunting task.

But we had a team of dedicated partners who took the challenge and meticulously sifted through each professional’s nomination, looking at their community experience, leadership and professional development. Those involved in the selection of this year’s 40 were able to peek at their business’s nominees, but the goal was to remain objective. We believe we accomplished that.

This is the Business Watch 2009 list, with 40 leaders under the age of 40. And although we want to give you a solid representation of young leaders, you know and we know that there are so many up-and-comers, or established young professionals, who could be on here. Take the time to learn about what makes these 40 Under 40s tick.

I think you’ll find there are many common threads – community, family, faith, optimism – but also that each 40 Under 40 is unique and surprising, each with their own thoughts on the future, on risk and on their own success. It’s a great list. It covers a solid cross-section of industries, with young professionals who are selfemployed, to chiefs in national organizations, to engineers, financial officers, designers…the list continues. We hope you enjoy it.

If you know someone who you’d like to see on this list, let us know. Or, better yet, let the world know. Go online to ndbusinesswatch.com under this editorial and leave your 40 Under 40 nomination, with a quick blurb as to why you want to recognize this young leader.

We’ll get it online, and we’ll also consider the nomination for next year’s publication. We’re always taking nominations and appreciate the feedback. That said…Congrats to this year’s 40 Under 40! Leaders like you keep our communities moving forward.

–Crystal R. Reid

Click here to read about all of Business Watch’s 40 Under 40: http://www.ndbusinesswatch.com/tag/40-under-40