The landscape of North Alabama’s business sector received significant regional validation this week as Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced that Chris Lemay, CEO of Decatur-based Alliance Technical Group, LLC, has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Southeast Award. This recognition places the Decatur executive among a select group of 35 leaders chosen from a highly competitive pool spanning Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program is widely regarded as one of the preeminent competitive awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. The program specifically targets individuals who disrupt traditional markets and drive significant economic growth through ground-breaking innovations. Lemay’s inclusion as a finalist highlights the increasing prominence of the Huntsville-Decatur corridor as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence and industrial leadership within the broader Southeast region.

Criteria for Entrepreneurial Excellence

The selection process for the 2026 finalists was conducted by an independent panel of judges who evaluated candidates based on several core pillars of business success. These criteria included the demonstration of a robust entrepreneurial spirit, a clear sense of corporate purpose, consistent company growth, and a measurable impact in building long-term value. For Alliance Technical Group, this nomination serves as a testament to the organization's trajectory and its role in the technical services landscape of North Alabama.

Chevy Arnold, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program Co-Director, noted that the current class of finalists is defined by resilience. According to Arnold, these leaders have demonstrated an ability to build through economic uncertainty, innovate with specific purpose, and lead their respective organizations with conviction. The recognition of Lemay underscores the strength of the Decatur business community and its ability to produce leaders capable of competing on a regional and national stage.

A Legacy of Innovation and Market Disruption

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program honors a diverse array of business leaders, ranging from original founders who bootstrapped their ventures to transformational CEOs who have revitalized existing organizations. By being named a Southeast finalist, Chris Lemay joins a legacy of over 11,000 visionaries who have been celebrated by the program since its inception in 1986. The program has grown from its American roots to encompass nearly 80 countries and territories, reflecting a global standard for business leadership.

The impact of such recognition often extends beyond the individual executive. Kimberly Kicklighter, Co-Director of the Southeast program, emphasized that being named a finalist is a powerful moment of recognition for both the CEOs and their entire teams. The extraordinary work required to create successful, dynamic businesses is a collective effort that contributes to the overall economic health and vibrancy of the communities in which they operate, such as the Tennessee Valley.

The Road to National Recognition

The announcement of the finalists marks the beginning of a multi-stage evaluation process. The regional award winners for the Southeast will be announced during a live celebration scheduled for June 18. Following the regional announcement, those winners will move forward to be considered by a national independent panel of judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards.

The national winners are traditionally presented in November during the annual Strategic Growth Forum. Ultimately, one overall national winner will be selected to represent the United States at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year competition. This progression offers a significant platform for North Alabama business interests to gain visibility on an international scale, showcasing the technical expertise and leadership emerging from the Huntsville and Decatur areas.

Supporting the Regional Economic Ecosystem

The continued success of regional leaders is supported by a network of corporate sponsors that facilitate the Entrepreneur Of The Year program. National sponsors include PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In the Southeast, the program is further bolstered by regional platinum sponsor Vaco LLC, gold sponsors ADP and King & Spalding, and silver sponsor Babbit Bodner.

As Alabama continues to attract investment and foster a pro-business environment, the recognition of leaders like Chris Lemay reinforces the state’s reputation as a destination for high-impact commerce. The Southeast program remains a critical barometer for identifying the companies and individuals who will shape the future of business across the southern United States.