MONTE CARLO, Monaco -- The title of World Entrepreneur of the Year is on the line this weekend in Monte Carlo, but America's entry sees the gathering as a launching pad for a new global initiative rather than a competition. Jeno F. Paulucci, America's Top Entrepreneur, is calling on his fellow entrepreneurs to form a global network to create what he considers the greatest commodity on earth--jobs.

Paulucci and winners from 26 other countries have been selected from 10,000 entrepreneurs nominated worldwide for the Ernst & Young award. One will be named tomorrow as World Entrepreneur of the Year.

Paulucci is challenging all of the businessmen and women who took part in the competition to develop creative and practical solutions to help ease economic, political, and social problems. "Let's find a way together to put our individual energy, initiative, ingenuity, expertise, influence, and dedication to work, not only to reconstruct the present but help secure the future," he said.

Speaking during an international debate in Hotel Hermitage's Salle Belle Epoque as part of the selection process, Paulucci said entrepreneurs not only have tremendous power and influence, they also have immense responsibility.

"What remains important is not what each of us does with his or her achievements here in Monte Carlo, but what we do afterwards," he addressed his peers. "As individuals, yes, but much more as a potential coalition of 10,000 energized activists ready to help rebuild a country, a region, or even just one city block. We have an opportunity to shape a combined commitment to help make the 21st century a better, safer place with greater economic rewards to be shared as broadly and as deeply as humanly possible."

Paulucci has created and sold 50 successful companies worth more than $2 billion, including Luigino's, one of America's leading frozen food producers. At age 85, he still works seven days a week running 11 companies. Paulucci was named America's #1 entrepreneur in 2002 by Ernst & Young, beating out 4,000 nominees.

Paulucci called on his fellow entrepreneurs to create an initiative that shows big results quickly. "What an achievement if we do!" he exclaimed."What a tragedy if we don't."

Luigino's, Inc.

Luigino's, Inc.

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