The EBAward was initiated in 1997 by Louise Lambert, President of Junior Achievement, Ed Leventhal, General Manager of Valco Industries, and Pamela Schindler, former director of the Wittenberg Center for Applied Management (now Wittenberg Applied Business). Together, their common interest in business and business education led to the idea of showcasing local business success stories. The EBA recognizes and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit and practices of area companies by recognizing area businesses that have implemented innovative ideas to better serve their customers, enhance the skills of their employees, improve their competitiveness, or benefit the community.