Quota International of Weyburn, in partnership with the Weyburn Credit Union, has launched the 17th annual Women of the Year Awards, an event which recognizes the contributions of women to the Weyburn and district community.
Nominations are now open for the awards in four categories: the Weyburn Credit Union “Workplace Excellence Award”, the M. Isabelle Butters Quota International of Weyburn “Community Service Award”, the Access Communications “Entrepreneur Award of Excellence” and the Hoffman, Michel and Associates Private Wealth Management “Young Woman of Distinction Award”.
“The awards acknowledge the contributions of women to the community and the event provides Quota with an opportunity to raise funds for two worthwhile areas of service: disadvantaged women and children, and hearing and speech impaired persons,” said awards co-chair CindyAnn Boehm.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 10, with the nominees tea to be held on Sunday, March 26 at the Grace United Church Upper Hall, starting at 2 p.m.
The awards luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 11, featuring keynote speaker jewelry designer and entrepreneur Rachel Mielke, founder of Hillberg and Berk.
“Weyburn and area are full of possibilities for nominees,” said Tana Torkelson of the Weyburn Credit Union, which is the event sponsor as well as sponsor of the Workplace Excellence Award. “I can’t wait to be inspired and hear about Weyburn women who are ‘killing it’.”
Longtime Quotarian Jean Fahlman urged past nominees to consider letting their names stand again.
“Wherever you excel in your job and in your life, you qualify as a Woman of the Year. We have so many good candidates in this community,” she said.
“It’s a sad situation when a woman is nominated and doesn’t win, and sometimes they don’t want to run again. There’s so many I wish would run again,” said Fahlman, noting that the late Isabelle Eaglesham was nominated one year and didn’t win, and at first didn’t want her name to stand again. She was convinced to let her name stand a second time, and she won that year in her category.
“Our projects are dear to my heart,” said Fahlman, noting that a sister has a deaf grandchild, and years ago she lived with a deaf grandfather, making this cause particularly important to her.
The Workplace Excellence Award will be presented to a woman who supports the diverse needs of the workplace, and is a role model in best workplace practises by implementing innovative initiatives and being progressive to employee needs.
The Community Service Award will be presented to a woman who as an unpaid volunteer, mentors and inspires others through involvement in community programs and organizations. The Exceptional Entrepreneur Award will be presented to a woman who has successfully launched a business, product or service and who remains active in the business, and possesses exceptional leadership, creativity and ingenuity.
The Young Woman of Distinction Award is presented to a woman between 18 and 30 years of age who has made a significant contribution to the life of her community, demonstrates outstanding leadership, has inspired her peers to follow her example, and has shown maturity, perseverance, innovation and compassion.
Tickets for the awards luncheon will be made available at the nominees tea, with tickets for the nominees being paid for by a sponsor. Luncheon tickets will be $30 each, with a limited number available at Expressions in the Metro Centre.
