INDIANAPOLIS – The future is very bright in Indianapolis, thanks to the professionals making a difference in our workforce. Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Inc. is announcing its finalists for the 12th annual Indys Best and Brightest event presented by KPMG LLP. The event will honor 100 of central Indiana’s most outstanding young professionals, age 40 and under, in ten different industries.

An awards program and reception to recognize these outstanding young professionals will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2015, hosted by Ivy Tech Community College at the Ivy Tech Corporate College and Culinary Center. Finalists will receive an award and the winners in each category will be announced. Approximately 500 people are expected to attend.

“KPMG is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor for this noteworthy event for the 12th consecutive year,” said Mark Shaffer, Office Managing Partner of KPMG LLP. “We understand the importance of honoring these young professionals who also serve as outstanding role models and mentors for the youth of our community.”

The Best and Brightest event was created by Junior Achievement to recognize up-and-coming talent and the next generation of leaders in our community. Finalists in each category are judged on professional accomplishments, civic contributions, character and leadership qualities. The finalists to be honored at the event are listed below, as well as on their website, www.indysbestandbrightest.org.

The categories include: Accounting; Banking & Financial Services; Education & Nonprofit; Government; Health & Life Sciences; Law; Manufacturing, Retail & Services; Media, Entertainment & Sports; Real Estate, Development & Construction; and Technology.

Sponsorship opportunites are currently available. Please contact Jillian Keller at jillian@jaindy.org or 252-5900 ext. 8. Proceeds from Indy’s Best and Brightest benefit Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Inc.