June 24, 2011

FONA is proud to announce our President & CEO, Joseph Slawek, was honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award® for Distribution/Manufacturing in the Midwest. This is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. It recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement and seeks to celebrate those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Speaking at the award banquet, Slawek said, “Recognition of entrepreneurial excellence in the workplace encourages us all to be faithful, creative and responsible individuals. It encourages us to develop character, to come together as people and to profitably grow through the pursuit of marketplace opportunities. I believe dignity, self-respect and self-reliance emerge from the foundations created by entrepreneurship, and am proud of all of the wonderful entrepreneurs here tonight.”

About FONA International, Inc. Founded in 1987, FONA International creates and manufactures flavors for many of the largest food, beverage, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies in the world. It offers flavor solutions for the confection, grain, beverage, performance nutrition, OTC and emerging markets from its state-of-the-art, 33-acre campus in Geneva, IL. FONA International has established a reputation as the forward-thinking, independent solution provider in the very competitive flavor industry. www.fona.com

About Ernst & Young Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, their 141,000 people are united by shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. They make a difference by helping their people, their clients and their wider communities achieve their potential. www.ey.com