Troy, Mich., March 14, 2011 -- The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Greater Detroit Chapter on March 17 will honor the Top 10 Michigan women business owners and women in leadership roles for their contributions that are making a difference in the business arena, their communities and support in uplifting Michigan’s economy.
The 17th Annual NAWBO Top 10 Michigan Business Women Awards luncheon will take place at the San Marino Club, 1685 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy. A Business-to-Business Showcase kicks off the event at 10:00 a.m.; the luncheon and awards program will begin at noon, with the showcase continuing after the program until 2:00 p.m.
The NAWBO Greater Detroit Chapter was the first women’s organization in the Detroit area to recognize women business owners and leaders for their contributions in the business community. A winner from each category will be announced at the awards luncheon. Following is a list of the Top 10 finalists by award category:
Breakthrough Award -- honors a woman business owner who has overcome obstacles or removed obstructions for other women in the workplace.
Sheila Jensen, Visotek, Inc.
Crystal Williams, Crystal Vision Communications, LLC
Diversity Champion Award – recognizes a woman, organization or business that has promoted and facilitated diversity
Rolanda Heard, Chrysler Group, LLC
Linda Ware, General Motors Supplier Diversity
Giving Spirit Award – celebrates a commitment to bettering the community through volunteerism and/or philanthropy
Jeanette Abraham, JMA Logistics, LLC
Molly MacDonald, The Pink Fund
Global Business Award – recognizes doing business across borders
Felicia Chang, Global Wave Today
Rona Lum, Law Offices of Rona M. Lum, P.C.
Pinnacle Award – honors a woman who has owned one or more businesses for 25 years or more
Michelle Cortright, Harbor House Publishing
Andra Rush, Rush Trucking
Rainmaker Award – recognizes significant financial growth
Lori Blaker, TTi Global
Jami Moore, JEM Tech Group
Red-Tape Buster Award – recognizes government representatives that have consistently demonstrated commitment to helping women business owners
Tammi Hart, State of Michigan
Frances Savickis, Social Security Administration
Up and Coming Award – honors and emerging and promising woman business owners who has owned her business for five years or less
Cheryl Chorazewitz, Bottle Docker, LLC
Jennifer Willemsen, Curl Up & Dye
Warrior Award – commends a woman business owners who has persevered through business loss and currently owns a successful business
Michelle Richards, Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED)
Pam Rodgers, Rodgers Chevrolet
Words of Wisdom Award – applauds a woman who has been instrumental in educating and mentoring women toward achieving their careers or dreams of business ownership
Kathi Boyle, Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED)
Prudence Cole, Being@work, Inc.
NAWBO Greater Detroit Chapter Corporate Partners include: Comerica Bank, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Sam’s Club. Visit www.nawbogdc.org to purchase tickets for the event. Tickets are Top 10 Alumnae, $25; member, $35; and non-members $45.