The Richardson Chamber of Commerce announced the 2007 Citizen of the Year at the 51st Annual Banquet at the Renaissance Hotel on Wednesday, Feb. 27th. The winner of the prestigious award is the Founder of Zyvex Corporation, the first molecular nanotechnology company, Mr. James Von Ehr. Von Ehr’s business acumen, determination, and financial support have enabled Zyvex to become the most publicized private nanotechnology business in the world and the most highly regarded company in the field of molecular assemblers. Von Ehr is widely respected as one of the world’s top nanotechnology industry leaders.

But, James Von Ehr did not become a respected leader in Richardson overnight. Richard Ferrara, the 2006 Citizen of the Year shared the rags to riches Von Ehr story beginning with how he ended up in Richardson as a long-haired hippie applying for a position at Texas Instruments in the 70s. This “One-Man-Band” was honored for his contribution to our community that night recognizing his many achievements. For more photos Click Here

His many outstanding contributions include endowment of a $2 million faculty chair at the University of Texas at Dallas, the creation of the UTD Nanotube Technical Institute, and Chairman of the UTD Development Board. He also helped create the Texas Nanotechnology Institute. In addition, Von Ehr’s contributions are global. “The list of Von Ehr’s various scholastic and business affiliations is truly inspiring and staggering,” shares Ferrara. “How many of us, despite all of our community commitments, can claim professorships at Nanjing or Fudan, China Universities?"

You may view James Von Ehr’s bio by clicking here.

Other 2007 award winners included:

• Mulvihill Asset Management, Small Business of the Year;
• Mark Kobilka, On the Mark Printing, Volunteer of the Year;
• Gena Evans, American National Bank, Rookie of the Year;
• Richardson Young Professionals, Committee of the Year;
• Sandra Moudy, Restland Funeral Home, Ambassador of the Year.

Bill Sproull is President and CEO of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce; This piece also appeared and Richardson Today and was submitted to the Echo by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce.