Seeking star entrepreneurs and encouraging social responsibility
SHANGHAI, May 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- METRO Cash & Carry, the world's leading self-service wholesaler, today revealed that its recently-initiated "2014 METRO Entrepreneur Star Awards" had received a record number of submissions. A part of the wholesaler's 50th Anniversary celebratory activities, the ongoing competition seeks to honor outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship and social responsibility in China. Detailed information regarding the contest is also available on METRO's official website (http://www.metro.com.cn) and Sina Weibo account.
For half a century, METRO has been committed to providing entrepreneurs with professional services and supporting their continued growth. Both METRO and entrepreneurs share a passion for business, a dedication to innovation, and a strong service focus - all values that lay a solid foundation for mutual success. Although the Entrepreneur Star Awards only recently began, the overwhelming number of entries is a clear indication of how strongly METRO's values resonate with entrepreneurs in China. METRO encourages even more entrepreneurs to enter the exciting competition.
Identifying local community heroes and fuelling the spirit of entrepreneurship
Continuing its long history of enhancing the competitiveness of independent businesses, METRO aims to celebrate entrepreneurship and social responsibility through the competition. The Awards target independent business owners who have positively impacted the world around them, demonstrating exceptional entrepreneurial drive and commitment to their communities by sponsoring local events, upholding ethical industry practices, fostering employee development, or contributing to the well-being of their communities.
Eligible contestants can enter by submitting their stories of entrepreneurship online via METRO China's website (http://www.metro.com.cn) until June 30, 2014. The public will vote for the 30 top participants, who will enter the final round of the competition. METRO will announce the three finalists this October, awarding the champion prize valued at RMB 100,000.
Despite only recently opening, the competition has already drawn an extensive pool of inspiring entries. Mr. Liu, one such entrant, submitted the story of his transformation from a salesman to the owner of a prosperous store, successfully supporting his family through his entrepreneurial spirit. Another stand-out submission tells the story of two young Chinese-American entrepreneurs and how they achieved their dream of opening an American-style Chinese restaurant in Shanghai. The Awards are set to continue drawing an impressive selection of entries before closing.
Honing the competitive edge of independent businesses
Since entering the China market in 1996, METRO has promoted the development of independent business by leveraging its experience and expertise. METRO offers hotels, restaurants, canteens, and catering companies one-stop solutions and value-added services, including standardized assortment, a stable supply of goods across China , and convenient ordering, as well as over 100 customer forums and over 200 trainings every year.
With wide range of products for differentiation with high quality assurance and competitive price, METRO helps small and independent traders to grow profitably and to maintain their role as trusted source for Chinese consumers. METRO's pilot Trader Support program provides small and medium traders with value added services spanning product assortment optimization, store layouts, merchandising guide, and point of sales management. The wholesaler is now the trusted partner of more than 220,000 hotels, restaurants, canteens, and catering companies, as well as over 133,000 groceries, small supermarkets and convenience stores.
