Black Press celebrated women making a difference in the business and Greater Victoria community with its 2012 Women in Business Awards and gala on Tuesday at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel.
The annual awards honour four of Victoria’s outstanding entrepreneurs in the categories of Woman Business Owner of the Year, Above and Beyond, Eco-entrepreneur and Rising Star, as nominated by Black Press readers.
Shawna Walker of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel was named Woman Business Owner of the Year. Above and Beyond went to Mandy Farmer, CEO of Accent Inns; Stephanie Papik, of Knotty By Nature was named Eco-entrpreneur; and Rising Star was Johanne Paquette, owner of Speakwell speaker's bureau.
Helping make the Women in Business event and awards possible is premier sponsor Thrifty Foods, along with the award sponsors – Women's Enterprise Centre, Nando's Chicken, Staples Advantage and Lalli Care Clinic.
Thanks also go to event supporters Canadian Western Bank, Aveda Institute, Island Savings, Salt Spring Coffee and, of course, Pacific Coastal Airlines for their grand prize of two round-trip plane tickets.
Check out the award-winning Women in Business special section in the Wednesday, Oct. 24 edition of selected copies of the Saanich News.
Readers will find the stories of this year’s remarkable award-winners, along with many others working tirelessly in the local non-profit, arts, sports and business sectors.
editor@saanichnews.com
