Businesswoman becomes semifinalist for entrepreneur award

A Huntington Beach businesswoman has been named as a semifinalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Liz McKinley of Pinnacle Petroleum is among 41 contenders for the prize. The award recipients of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Orange County and for Desert Cities will be revealed at a gala event today at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine.

Ernst & Young deals in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services and has honored entrepreneurs with this award annually for the past 23 years.

“These entrepreneurs make a tremendous difference within our communities and for our larger economy. We thank them for the positive impact they’ve had in our area,” said Kurt Binder, the award’s program director.

Winners in Orange County and Desert Cities will be eligible for consideration in the national competition. The national award winner will be announced at a gala in Palm Springs on Nov. 14.

— Kathryn Watson