Ann founded Knowledge Systems & Research with four business partners, and led the company as president for 21 years, transitioning the company from a start-up with six employees to an international consulting firm with over 200 employees. She was the inaugural winner of the Distinguished Entrepreneur Award for High Growth Venture in 2004. She passed away after a long illness on November 21, 2004. Because she epitomized the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit, and because she subscribed to the philosophy of giving back to the community, the Board of Directors of WISE determined that henceforth the award would bear her name. For more information on the business she founded, visit the KS&R website.

Entrepreneur Ann Michel was the recipient of the inaugural WISE Distinguished Entrepreneur Award for High Growth Business in 2004. Her inspiration to many lead to the naming of this award in her honor after her unexpected death later that year.

The Ann Michel Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards are given out annually to female-owned businesses in Central New York. Awards are given out in two categories: Small Business (fewer than 20 employees) and High Growth Venture (20 or more employees).