Fourteen exemplary women business leaders will step into the spotlight to receive the nation’s premier award for excellence among women’s business enterprises (WBEs) bestowed by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) at its Annual Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises. On Thursday, March 25, 2010, 1,000 corporate executives, WBEs and government and nonprofit VIPs will acknowledge the tenacity, drive and inventiveness demonstrated by women’s business enterprise at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.
The 2010 WBENC Women’s Business Enterprise Stars are selected by WBENC’s 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) that conduct WBENC’s world-class certification of WBEs, in addition to providing skill-building educational programs and business development opportunities with major corporations.
“Our 2010 Women’s Business Enterprise Stars represent the best that our country offers in terms of innovation and long term success,” said Linda Denny, WBENC President and CEO, the leading advocate for and authority on WBEs. “They continually discover ways to meet their corporate clients’ complex needs in today’s environment.”
WBENC’s Summit & Salute is a comprehensive two-day program that offers strategic educational programs and access to thought leaders for corporations and women’s business enterprises. In delivering sophisticated resources and senior-level networking opportunities, WBENC enables the long term success of women’s businesses and the corporations they serve. Accenture is Presenting Sponsor at the Summit & Salute.
“The Summit & Salute illustrates why we say WBENC is The Opportunity Connection for women’s business enterprises,” Denny said. The Summit & Salute brings together America’s leading corporations, government agencies, women business owners and strategic partner organizations. This year’s keynote presentations and workshops will focus on business forecasts, market trends, best practices, and networking environments conducive to business.
The following 2010 WBENC Women’s Business Enterprise Stars will be recognized for leadership in their respective local business communities, inspiration to other women business owners, and active roles at the helm of successful certified businesses:
LaSonya Berry, CEO, McPherson, Berry & Associates, Inc., representing Greater Women’s Business Council. www.mcphersonberry.com
Sandy Hunter, President, Hunter Hawk, Inc., representing Astra Women’s Business Alliance. www.hunterhawk.com
Kari Heistad, CEO, Culture Coach International, representing the Center for Women & Enterprise. www.culturecoach.biz
Katherine Mlakar, Chairman of the Board, The Millcraft Paper Company, representing Ohio River Valley Women’s Business Council. www.millcraft.com
Terri Quinton, President, Q2 Marketing Group, representing Women’s Business Council -Southwest. www.q2marketinggroup.com
Kimberly Holstein, President/CEO and CIO (Chief Inspiration Officer), Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, representing Women’s Business Development Center – Chicago. www.kimandscotts.com
Claudette Stroble, President, Orlando Conference Management Group, Inc., representing Women’s Business Development Center – Florida. www.ocmg.net
Sue Pistone, CEO/President, Sue Pistone & Associates, representing Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance. suepistone@suepistone.com
Denise Kanaar, CEO, D & D Logistics LLC, representing Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Great Lakes. www.d-dlogistics.com
Judith Zimmerman, President & CEO, Artcraft & Foremost, representing Women’s Business Enterprise Council – PA-DE-sNJ. www.artcraftpromos.com
Michele Vignes, President/CEO, Universal Personnel, LLC, representing Women’s Business Enterprise Council South www.universal-personnel.com
Laurie Travis, President, LT Evention, representing Women’s Business Enterprise Council – West. www.ltevention.com
Jennifer Collins, President, The Event Planning Group, representing Women Presidents’ Educational Organization – DC. www.tepgevents.com
Julie Levi, President, Progressive Promotions, Inc., representing Women Presidents’ Educational Organization – NY. www.progressivepromotions.com
Source: The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)