Charles G. (Chuck) Raymond, Chairman, CEO and President of Horizon Lines LLC, has been named Carolinas 2005 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year' (EOY). The award was presented June 16 at a black-tie event at the Westin Charlotte.

Chuck Raymond was named in the category of Manufacturing and Distribution and awards were presented in eight other categories. Recipients are all owners/managers primarily responsible for the recent performance of their companies and active members of top management. As the regional recipient of the prestigious award, Mr. Raymond is now eligible for the national honor.

Mr. Raymond was appointed president and chief executive officer of the domestic container shipping company Horizon Lines following a stellar career at Sea-Land Service Inc.

"My passion is the American maritime industry," said Raymond. "While this honor goes to our entire Horizon team, we are especially pleased that through this award the general public gains an increased awareness of what ocean shipping means to their lives."

"Right here in Charlotte sits the headquarters of the largest American flag domestic ocean carrier giving our community here a vast window on the world of international trade," he added.

A graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, Raaymond went to sea right out of the academy, serving on the treacherous North Atlantic for two years. Since then, his determination and commitment to achieve has produced high yield results not only for himself but also the company he leads.

In 2004, Mr. Raymond was appointed to the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee. In 2003, Mr. Raymond was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the coveted Admiral of the Ocean Seas award (AOTOS), presented annually by the United Seaman's Service. In April 2004 he was selected as the Maritime "Good Scout Award" recipient by the Boy Scouts of America. Later in 2004 he was presented Kings Point's "Leadership of Light" and the prestigious Containerization and Intermodal Institute Connie Award.