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May 5, 2009

New group seeks remarkable urban entrepreneurs

A new business group that celebrates entrepreneurship and the future leaders of Greater Portland is soliciting nominations for outstanding entrepreneurs.

Entreverge, a group committed to innovation formed by Portland native Johann Sabbath , is looking for local business people who excel at their jobs, while embracing the three tenets of the group's vision: a long-term commitment to the people, places and prosperity of Maine.

"In the midst of tough economic times, we thought we'd celebrate the good things going on in business within the Greater Portland area," said Sabbath, director of entreverge and a board member of PROPEL, the Portland-based professional development organization for young people that helped launch entreverge. "We've built a coalition of 30 partners - it's a diverse group, many of whom have not worked together -- to get entreverge rolling."

Among the backers are the Portland Regional Chamber, the University of Maine at Farmington, local businesses, arts groups and nonprofit agencies.

The five entrepreneurs selected for entreverge awards will receive free consultations for accounting, legal , IT, marketing, finance and other professional services, said Sabbath. Winners will also have the opportunity to seek the advice of notable entrepreneurs such as former Gov. Angus King, and business insider Matt Jacobson, CEO of business attraction firm Maine and Co.

Then everyone gets to join in a bash planned at Port City Music Hall June 25 to recognize the winners.

"This really is a rebranding exercise," said Sabbath. "There are a lot of great innovators in the Greater Portland area and we want to celebrate that."

Sabbath, 27, a former speech editor in Washington, D.C., who once worked for the Office of Management and Budget and as an analyst for Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, says he came back to Maine to reestablish his roots. He joined PROPEL to network for a job and volunteered to work on a campaign for UMF to recognize innovation.

"I was the one without a job, so that's how I became involved," says Sabbath, laughing. "But I've always seen myself as a public innovator. The question I kept asking people was ‘What is our greatest potential as a group of young professionals?' How can we add value?"

The answers led to the creation of the entreverge, which has about 75 active members. (Sabbath says the word combines the notions of entrepreneur, converging together, being on the verge of something big and an opening or opportunity.) Sabbath said he expects entreverge will spur economic growth by connecting entrepreneurs and business innovators with resources and relationships within Portland's local business community.

Nomination details are available at the group's website, www.entreverge.com. Nominations will be accepted through the end of May.

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