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Published on: 12/13/2007
Last Visited: 12/13/2007
Orange, CA: M.S. Inter-national Inc. (MSI), the largest distributor of natural stone in North America, has announced that Manu Shah, chairman and chief executive officer, was named Ernst & Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year" in the Distribution, Manufacturing and Security category.The annual award recognizes those entrepreneurs, who have demonstrated extraordinary innovation, financial success, personal dedication and community involvement over the course of the year."For a man, who came to this country with $3,000 in debt, this is a miraculous experience," said Shah, who started MSI in the basement of his home in 1975."Natural stone has stood the test of time and remains the most visual part of a home - found in entryways, kitchen counters, master baths, fireplaces, columns, patios and landscaping.Natural stone endures as mankind's best friend and is an incredible job-creation machine.I would like to dedicate this award to the millions of people committed to hard work in this not-so-glamorous trade."As CEO, Shah has consistently demonstrated commitment to the professional development of his employees.He spearheaded the development of a management-training program at MSI, which enables motivated, driven and innovative individuals, including those with limited college education or formal training, to have the opportunity to succeed and prosper.The program includes intensive mentorship and rigorous training designed to develop successful managers, including topics such as sales, purchasing, human resources, accounting, information technology, warehouse management and teamwork.The program has yielded many key management team members, who have grown through the ranks from hourly administrative positions.In addition to the management training program, Shah regularly contributes earnings generated from MSI to philanthropic organizations.In his native India, he developed a 20-bed natural cure hospital, a computer education center in an all-girls school and a computer education scholarship program.He also makes annual contributions to medical camps in rural areas of India.Locally, he donates to various charities in Southern California and was one of five major donors for the development of a $15 million multi-cultural center in Buena Park, Ca., that promotes non-violence.