Scott Coons, a Lawrence resident and president and chief executive officer of Perceptive Software Inc., is this year’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the technology category for the program’s Central Midwest region.

Coons received the award Thursday in Kansas City, Mo. The awards program is designed to recognize entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses.

Today, Shawnee-based Perceptive Software has more than 250 employees and more than 1,100 organizations and companies who use its ImageNow and other software products – a considerable jump from 1995, when Coons joined the company at age 28. At that time, the company’s payroll included only a handful of employees and a client list with no customers.

“The award is a testament to the hard work of the entire Perceptive Software team,” Coons said. “Their commitment to delivering quality products and exemplary customer service is the foundation for the continued growth of this company.”

The award makes Coons a finalist for the national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006 Award, to be presented Nov. 18 in Palm Springs, Calif.