Ali Siblani.

DETROIT — Al Siblani, the president and CEO of Envision TEC, was named Entrepreneur of the Year on Thursday at Cobo Center.

“To all my friends, family members and all the EnvisionTEC customers and employees across the globe, I say thank you,” Siblani said.

Siblani was one of 25 finalists for Entrepreneur of the Year, a global business awards program formed by the consulting firm Ernst & Young. He was won in the technology category.

Eight of the business executives are based in Detroit and another 17 in the suburbs.

“Finally, I really want to thank my daughter and two sons for loving me despite all the birthdays that I missed. This one is for you,” Siblani said.

Each spring, the business community comes together to celebrate regional semifinalists, finalists and winners.

These entrepreneurs not only create and build market-leading businesses, but also help take the standard of excellence to new heights, transform the face of industry, create jobs and contribute to the vibrancy of communities.

Regional panels of independent judges chose the winners.