The Greater Charlotte Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) is holding its annual Events in Excellence Awards (EVIES) Saturday, March 19, 2005 at The Extravaganza Depot located at 1610 N. Tryon St.

This year's EVIE Awards will transform the Extravaganza Depot into a sultry, sizzling, sexy night in Havana complete with Conga line, Salsa dancing, live Latin rhythms, and electrifying color. It's going to be the Tropicana live all night long as we celebrate the best special events produced in North and South Carolina.

A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Teresa Earnhardt, a lifelong resident of North Carolina who serves as the President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., a motorsports company located in Mooresville, NC.  Ms. Earnhardt and her seven-time NASCAR champion husband, Dale Earnhardt, began operation of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in 1980.

This world-renowned corporation is considered one of the premier enterprises in motorsports history. It is unquestionably the sport's leading facility, operating five NASCAR teams in two different divisions.  Her teams have won three of the past four Daytona 500s, a race considered the most prestigious event in all of motorsports.  The Dale Earnhardt Incorporated facility, designed by Teresa, has become a must see for any visitor to North Carolina.

Ms. Earnhardt is a leader in the branding and licensing of the now billion dollar industry of sports licensing. In the 1980s, she introduced trade marking to the NASCAR community by positioning Dale's image and signature with corporations world wide.  Her meticulous attention to detail has become the staple by which Dale Earnhardt, Inc. operates today.

Throughout her career, Ms. Earnhardt has received numerous awards; including the Licensing Industry Manufactures Association (LIMA) Award for the Best Sports/Special Event property of 2000 and the National Mother's Day Committees 2002 Mother of the Year Award with her four children, Taylor and stepchildren Kerry, Kelley, and Dale Jr.  She has been highlighted on national television programs and in magazine articles and on covers that feature sports and entertainment.

In 2002, Ms. Earnhardt took on an impassioned endeavor with her creation of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. This initiative continues to perpetuate her late husband's ideals in wildlife conservation, education and children's charities.

She also served as the Executive Producer of Dale Earnhardt Foundation's inaugural benefit in 2003. The Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert was held in Daytona Beach, Florida, and featured multiple Grammy Award winning performers that captivated an audience of more than 30,000 fans. The event was so successful a primetime television special was produced and aired on the FOX Network.

Teresa continues the Earnhardt legacy as a leader in business and professional sports.

The EVIE Awards evening will begin at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the live auction will benefit the International Special Events Foundation,educational programs offered by the Greater Charlotte Chapter of ISES,and The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Tickets are $90 per person for ISES members ($125 non ISES members); table sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000. Latin attire is encouraged!

For more information about the 2005 EVIE Awards or to purchase tickets to the event, call 704-332-5819 or visit www.ises-charlotte.com.