Top business elite were recently honored for Germany's prestigious 15th annual "Entrepreneur of the Year" competition. Dr. Manfred Wittenstein, President of the Wittenstein Group with global headquarters in Igersheim, Germany, won the award in the "Industry" category. The jury was impressed by Wittenstein's foresight: "He inherited a small sewing machine business and turned it into the world's premier manufacturer of drive technology. Wittenstein is a visionary among machine builders," cited a jury member. Of the three hundred companies nominated, sixty-five qualified for the final round. The category winners won with criteria focusing on clear employee focus, proven innovative vitality and a policy of responsible growth. Select winners, including Dr. Wittenstein, were also nominated to represent Germany in the international "World Entrepreneur of the Year" competition. The "Entrepreneur of the Year" is a global competition organized by Ernst & Young and seeks to identify and honor extraordinarily successful business people on a national level around the world. The "World Entrepreneur of the Year" will be announced in June 2012.