CHARLOTTE and RALEIGH, NC (June 13, 2008) – Robert C. Hatley, president and chief executive officer of Paragon Commercial Bank, has been named the 2008 Carolinas Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® for Financial Services. Mr. Hatley accepted the award on behalf of Paragon’s employees at a banquet held the evening of June 12, 2008 at The Westin Charlotte Hotel. Paragon Commercial Bank opened in May 1999 in Raleigh as North Carolina’s first business-only bank and expanded to Richmond in 2005 to become one of Virginia’s first business-only banks. Paragon was formed to serve the financial needs of commercial clients and their owners. In 2006 Paragon expanded into Charlotte, one of the country’s largest banking markets. Paragon provides banking products and services tailored to meet the needs of small to medium-size companies with revenues from $5 million to $75 million including operating companies, commercial real estate companies, residential construction firms and professional service firms including attorneys, health care providers and accountants. Paragon also provides corporate finance services for firms with annual sales from $5 million to $100 million. “I am honored to receive this prestigious award, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees,” said Hatley. “We will continue to provide creative and flexible services to our corporate and individual high net worth clients and are pleased that Ernst & Young has recognized our successful efforts.” The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world. Upon receiving the Carolinas award, Paragon is eligible for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 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, CA, on November 15, 2008. 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 Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique 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, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs. About Ernst & Young Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve potential. For more information, please visit http://www.ey.com/. Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. About Paragon Bank Founded in Raleigh, NC, in 1999 as the North Carolina’s first business-only bank, Paragon Commercial Bank offers banking products and services tailored exclusively to the needs of midsize companies and their executives. In addition to its Raleigh headquarters, the bank has offices in Charlotte, NC and Richmond, VA. For more information, please visit www.paragoncommercial.com.

---

Written By: choser
Date Posted: 6/19/2008
Number of Views: 336

---