BARRINGTON, NJ-Edmund Optics (EO), a provider of optical components, announces that Robert Edmund, CEO and chairman of the Board of Directors, was named a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year 2012 program in the Greater Philadelphia region. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

"To be named a finalist in one of the most prestigious business awards is beyond gratifying," Edmund says. "It is a thrill and a great honor to be recognized for outstanding performance and commitment to the business, our employees, and the community as a whole. I have always been inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit and success of others and feel privileged to offer inspiration and vision to the next generation of entrepreneurs."

Robert Edmund, son of founder Norman Edmund, is well known for his expertise in business strategy, optical manufacturing and product development, as well as global catalog marketing. Under Robert's leadership, the company has expanded to over 700 employees worldwide servicing over 200,000 global customers through 12 regional offices.

Robert is a graduate of Georgetown University's School of Business and has served on several boards including University of Arizona's Stewarts Labs, University of Arizona's Optical Sciences, and the Direct Marketing Association. In 2011, Robert was named a Senior Member of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE).