April 7, 2004
Contact:
Barbra Gonzalez, Associate Director
(954) 262-5354
Mara Kiffin, Assistant Director
(954) 262-5350
NSU Hosts Its 15th Annual Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Event
Miniaci, Matz, Ross and Rodriguez to be honored on April 14
FORT LAUDERDALE , FL — Nova Southeastern University 's H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship announced the names of the 2004 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame honorees. This year's class includes Albert J. Miniaci, William D. Matz, Barry G. Ross and Ramon A. Rodriguez. The honorees will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, April 14 at the Signature Grand located at 6900 State Road 84 in Davie , FL. The cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m. , with dinner and presentations at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrating its fifteenth year in 2004, the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame honors the lifetime achievements of outstanding businesspeople in the South Florida community. The selection committee for this prestigious honor is comprised of current Hall of Fame members. The criteria for induction includes:
- the individual's success as an entrepreneur
- peer identification
- means by which their wealth was accumulated
- contributions to educational, social, and other philanthropic organizations
- involvement in supporting opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking entry into business.
The 2004 Entrepreneur's Hall of Fame inductees include:
Albert J. Miniaci, president and CEO of Paramount Vending Inc., which operates a network of vending machines in hospitals, hotels, retail outlets, manufacturing plants educational facilities, and other sites throughout Florida. Miniaci serves on the board of the Ann Storck Center and the Boys and Girls Club and oversees the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Foundation.
William D. Matz , managing partner of Ross Matz Investments Inc., one of South Florida 's fastest growing real estate investment firms. Matz is vice chairman of the board of United Jewish Communities of Broward County and serves on the board of governors of the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Barry G. Ross , managing partner of Ross Matz Investments Inc. Ross served as an advisory board consultant for SunTrust Banks and as chairman of United Federal Savings Bank from 1991 to 1998.
Ramon A. Rodriguez , president and CEO of Madsen, Sapp, Mena, Rodriguez & Co. CPA and co-founder of DME Corporation and Bank of Florida/Ft. Lauderdale. Rodriguez is active in United Way of Broward County and the Broward Alliance.
“Each honoree has made a lasting imprint on our business community by generously giving their time and effort to enhance the prosperity and quality of life in our region,” said Dr. Randy Pohlman, dean of the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University . “The Hall of Fame members embody the principles of integrity, skill, and determination that we strive to foster within the Huizenga School 's undergraduate, MBA and doctoral programs.”
Entrepreneur Hall of Fame members include: John "Jack" Abdo, Joseph Amaturo, Rick Case, Steven Halmos, H. Wayne Huizenga, Alan Levan, James Moran, Garth C. Reeves, Frederick Ruffner, Jr., R. David Thomas and Terry Stiles, to name a few.
