RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards winners announcedCelebrating Canadian female entrepreneurs |
Over 1,500 women entrepreneurs were nominated for the 2009 RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards, the highest number of nominees since the creation of the program. This annual event recognizes women entrepreneurs from across Canada who make increasing contributions to the local, Canadian and global economies. All nominees share a strong entrepreneurial vision and a relentless passion in pursing their dreams, and have become positive role models for today’s young women.
Here are the 2009 winners:
Deloitte Start-Up Award
Julie Bond, Bond Consulting Group
Julie was inspired by her desire to develop a new business model that provides research and development documentation tools, and also rewards clients for renewals and referrals. As a result of this successful approach, her client roster has grown from three at its inception to 200 in its fifth year.
Finalists:
Georgia Lloyd, Always Home
Maureen Lucas, Lucas Works
HKMB Hub International Impact Award
Edie Weiss, Radke Film Group
In developing the Radke Film Group as its chief executive officer, Edie has contributed greatly to the development of the local economy by creating local jobs and encouraging the economic prosperity and involvement of Canadian film directors.
Finalists:
Tina Bax, Culture Works
Anita Gupta, NMI Tax Consultants
RBC Momentum Award
Julie Cole, Tricia Mumby, Julie Ellis, Cynthia Esp, Mabel’s Labels
The four entrepreneurs developed the catch phrase Live, Love, Label to launch their business from a basement start-up to an award-winning success story. Their sales continue to grow over 85% annually, and in seven years of business they have become a multimillion-dollar business.
Finalists:
Johanna Eliot, Ocean Entertainment Ltd.
Melanie Rego, Elevator Communications Inc.
Bell Trailblazer Award
Cora Tsouflidou, Cora Franchise Group, Franchiser of the Cora Network
Cora has demonstrated initiative, perseverance, self-confidence and boundless energy in her recipe for entrepreneurial success. As owner of Chez Cora’s and Cora Breakfast & Lunch, now a popular chain of restaurants specializing in traditional Canadian breakfast cuisine, she has built a well-recognized Canadian brand.
Finalists:
Neena Kanwar, KMH Cardiology and Diagnostic Centres
Wendy Neidhardt, Advantage Health
Profit Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Jill Anderson, Aecometric Corporation
As president and CEO of a leading company that designs and manufactures custom burners and controls for heavy industrial combustion equipment, Jill believes strongly that it is time for Canada to make its mark in manufacturing and export, and that women should pave the way as industry leaders.
Finalists:
Connie Clerici, Closing the Gap
Anne Kaplan, Medicard Finance Inc.
The winners of RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards were honoured at a gala dinner held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. All the winners deserve to be recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit and success, as their business achievements have contributed to their communities and beyond.