UFS Chemist, Telstra Store Mt Gambier Influential Women in Business Awards Gala Dinner – Friday 3rd June, 2011 at the Barn Mt Gambier

What an amazing night! Collecting the prestigious Influential Women in Business Awards for 2011 were Redgum Country owner Wendy Richardson, who was named Business Woman of the Year, Tatiara based Angela Dunsford from Good Country Physiotherapy who was named Young Business Woman of the Year,Cape Jaffa Wines partner, Anna Hooper who won the Best Business category, professional photographer, Joanna Hodges from Joanna Fincham Photographywho won Best Home Based Business and Nadine Zanol from Lights at 133 who was awarded Best Small Business.

The diverse backgrounds of these winners really reflected the deep pool of talent that we have here in the Limestone Coast and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate their achievements. Each category winner demonstrated an extremely strong commitment to volunteering and community causes and they exhibited a real belief in the benefits and advantages of living in the Limestone Coast region.

Australia and New Zealand’s most awarded gift retailer, Naomi Simson of Red Balloon entertained the 160 strong audience by sharing her story of the rapid advancement on the BRW fast list of her Red Balloon online experential gift site. All who attended were left totally inspired

Listen here to an Interview: Naomi Simson with Stan Thompson Naomi Simson has achieved enormous success with her online gift site, increasing annual turnover from $70,000 to more than $30 million in less than a decade.  Women in Business and Regional Development were thrilled that RedBalloon’s founder agreed to be a part of the second Influential Women in Business Awards.

Naomi was named a finalist in the 2011 BRW Entrepreneur of the Year, and the winner of the 2008 National Telstra Business Womens Award for Innovation.  Jase from Star FMagain was MC at the dinner, which included a sumptuous two course meal and entertainment by the Limestone Coast’s ‘very own’ Michael Buble, vocalist Elijah Maddern.

You didn’t  need to be a nominee to take part in the Gala Dinner; it was a great networking opportunity for everyone, and a wonderful way to recognise the personal and professional achievements of Limestone Coast women.  View the Influential Women in Business Awards 2011 Final Report (PDF ~ 1Mb)

ENTRIES NOW OPEN - Influential Women in Business Awards 2011

$10,000 worth of prizes including marketing packages, e strategy packages, corporate training programs and business mentoring & coaching sessions are up for grabs in this year’s Influential Women in Business Awards. Building on the success of the inaugural 2010 awards last year  - Women in Business & Regional Development (WiBRD) are now seeking nominations for the 2011 Awards  from business women right across the Limestone Coast.

Entrants can select from five different categories – Best Small Business (5 and under employees, Best Home Based Business, Best Business (over 5 employees), Young Business Woman of the Year (under 30 years of age as at 30^th April 2011)  and Business Woman of the Year. The awards are open to women over the age of 18 years from the Limestone Coast region who are enjoying success in building their own business, and to female employees who have made an outstanding impact in contributing to the success of a business.

The application process is easy with only five questions to answer in each category. Entering these awards will help to enhance your personal and professional development and provide your business with amazing exposure and the best part about it is that it’s free to enter!

Winners will be announced at the UFS Chemist and Telstra Influential Women in Business Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 3rd June 2011 at the Barn Palais, Mount Gambier. WIBRD is thrilled to announce that Red Balloon Days CEO and Founder, Naomi Simson will be the keynote speaker at the event.

Download the entry form today!

Influential Women in Business Awards 2011 – pdf

Entry forms are to be submitted by close of business Tuesday 10 May 2011.

For further information contact, Chairman Liz Ballinger on 87532268 or 0428845320

Email: Liz , Chairman WIBRD at chairman@wibrd.org.au

OR Awards Co-ordinator Nadine DiGiorgio, Wedding & Event Management Services on P: (08) 87 696045 M: 0428 832 273 or E: nadine@weddingsevents.com.au