AppRiver, LLC, a leading provider of email messaging and Web security solutions, today announced the company's President and CEO Michael Murdoch was named a regional finalist for the Ernst & Young 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year award. Murdoch was honored by the professional services firm for his demonstration of excellence and extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to AppRiver and its employees.

"Entrepreneurs contribute so much to our economy and the fabric of this nation," says Mike Brennan, Ernst & Young partner and Florida Host of the Entrepreneur of the Year program. "These finalists help our region create jobs, while encouraging community growth, development and innovation."

The Entrepreneur of the Year program was created 23 years ago to celebrate great entrepreneurs who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. Murdoch was hand selected from nearly 100 nominations by an independent judging panel made up of leaders from local businesses, academic institutions, and civic organizations. The judging criteria included a thorough assessment of recent financial performance, strategic direction, product or service innovation, company leadership including personal integrity, values and key employee initiatives, and community involvement.

AppRiver was founded in 2002 when co-founders Michael Murdoch and Joel Smith, CTO, shared a vision to provide business-grade email and Web security solutions to businesses of all sizes without the need for software or hardware. Their concept of in-the-cloud security solutions was ahead of the curve, providing a lucrative business that has more than doubled each year.

"This recognition means a great deal to me as it reflects our employees' hard work and commitment to providing the highest levels of quality and service," said Murdoch. "In just a few short years, AppRiver has grown from a small information technology startup to a leading provider of email messaging and Web security solutions, none of which would have been possible without employee dedication and our phenomenal customer care."

Regional finalists will be honored at a gala event on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at the Omni ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida. Award winners are then eligible for the national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, which will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 14, 2009.