A group of Northeast Georgia business owners have earned reputable titles: Masters of Innovation.

This year, the Featherbone Communiversity has launched awards honoring area entrepreneurs.

"Since World War II, nearly 70 percent of all inventions have been provided by entrepreneurs, and most Americans today understand the importance of entrepreneurs in the recovery of the U.S. economy," said Gus Whalen of the Warren Featherbone Foundation and one of the communiversity's founding partners.

"We are sponsoring this event on entrepreneurs to honor 10 Masters of Innovation in Northeast Georgia - to learn from them and to encourage others to become entrepreneurs. We feel this is important because entrepreneurs are the foundation of our economy."

The 10 recipients of this inaugural honor were selected by members of a planning committee, which included members from various areas, including the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, Brenau University, Hall County Schools and Gainesville City Schools.

The planning committee selected nominees based on individuals that exhibited 12 specified behaviors.

According to Linda Barrow, Lanier Technical College's representative on the planning committee, the group was looking for individuals that were well-rounded, visionary and passionate, among other things.

The entrepreneurs will be honored at a ceremony Tuesday morning at the Lanier Technical College Manufacturing and Development Center in Gainesville.

The entrepreneurs join the communiversity's other masters awards family, which include masters in teaching and masters in nursing .

Like the other awards, the communiversity plans to select masters of innovation recipients annually.