Winners of Prospera Business Network 2010 Business Excellence Awards Will Be Announced at 25th Anniversary Celebration on Nov. 4

Prospera Business Network http://www.ProsperaBusinessNetwork.org will announce the winners of its 2010 Business Excellence Awards at the
organization’s 25th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Best Western GranTree Inn in
Bozeman.

The evening will begin with a reception in the Grand Foyer from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by dinner
and the awards program in the Ballroom from 7 to 8:45 p.m.

The following awards will be given: Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year,
Economic Leadership Award, and Business of the Year.

Tiffany Lach will be named the 2010 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in recognition of her successful
startup of Sola Cafe and the company’s sustained growth.

Bridger Photonics http://www.bridgerphotonics.com/ will be named the 2010 Innovator of the Year in recognition for their success and
commitment to creating innovative laser technologies that improve the lives of others.

Sustainable Oils http://www.susoils.com/ President Scott Johnson will be named the 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year in
recognition for empowering Montana farmers with an alternative cash crop while addressing the
nation’s need for alternative fuel sources.

Mike Hope, owner of several Bozeman businesses (Rocking R Bar, Ferraro’s Fine Italian
Restaurant, and Mixers), will be honored with the 2010 Economic Leadership Award in recognition for
his leadership and commitment to the continued economic vitality of the community.

BioScience Laboratories http://www.biosciencelabs.com/ will be named the 2010 Business of the Year in recognition of their industryleading
vision and their commitment to economic development in Bozeman.

ABOUT THE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Prospera Business Network presents its Business Excellence Awards each year at the organization’s
annual dinner to recognize exceptional businesses and leaders in our area. Award nominations are
solicited and received from the business community with the final selection made by Prospera’s
Board of Directors. The Business Excellence Awards is Prospera’s biggest event of the year, with
200 business and community leaders in attendance.

The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented to a woman who owns at least 51 percent of a
company that has been in business for less than five years, in recognition of her exceptional
performance. 2010 is the first year Prospera has given this award.

The Innovator of the Year Award is given to a business for an innovative business model or for creating
innovative or value-added products or services.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented to an individual or team from a company in business
less than five years in recognition of exceptional performance.

The Economic Leadership Award is given to an individual leader from government, non-profit, or
business who has made a significant contribution to the economic development of our area.

The Business of the Year Award is given to an established business in recognition for its significant
contribution to the economic development of our area.

ABOUT PROSPERA BUSINESS NETWORK

Prospera Business Network is a private, non-profit, member supported economic development
organization in southwestern Montana. Originally established in 1985 as the Gallatin Development
Corporation, Prospera plays a leading role in economic development serving a region that is one of
the fastest growing areas in the northern Rocky Mountains. The organization’s mission is to support
the continued growth and diversification of the area’s economy, and the creation of more highpaying
jobs. Prospera is dedicated to encouraging and supporting business expansion, retention and
relocation by providing access to business consulting, capital, professional development, and
economic research. To learn more about Prospera Business Network, visit:
http://www.ProsperaBusinessNetwork.org