Minister sponsors NLOWE Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, is pleased to sponsor an award recognizing the extraordinary achievements and contributions of Newfoundland and Labrador women in business.

The award was presented Tuesday night at the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneur�s (NLOWE) Entrepreneur of the Year awards gala. NLOWE is a non-profit organization which fosters the success of women in business by providing business support services throughout the province.

Approximately 34 per cent of all self-employed individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador are women. In addition, women-owned small and medium enterprises are one of the key forces driving employment and income growth in Atlantic Canada.

"Last year, NLOWE helped 65 women establish or grow their business in this province and I would like to congratulate executive director, Nena Abundo, her board members and staff for their success," said Minister Burke. "As Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, I am pleased to have participated in this important event and I am well aware of the many challenges and opportunities women face in business."

2004 NLOWE Entrepreneur of the Year Award winners for the evening included Bonnie Cook, owner/operator of AbbyShot Clothiers Limited; Jean Chatman, owner of Chatman�s Bakery; Margaret Kelly, owner/operator of Hotel Placentia Limited; Linda Saunders McLean, owner/operator of Linda�s Gift Baskets; and mother/daughter team Bella Hodge, owner of Valhalla Lodge Bed and Breakfast and Gina Noordhof, owner/operator of The Norseman at L�Anse aux Meadows and Gaia Gallery and operator of Valhalla Lodge Bed and Breakfast. The Youth Entrepreneur of the Year went to Angie Dalley, owner/operator of Gander Massage Therapy Clinic, while the 2004 Champion of the Year Award went to Edwina Hutton, Managing Editor of Atlantic Business Magazine.

"The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is very interested in seeing women participate in the economic development of the province," said Minister Burke. "Congratulations to all of the winners of the NLOWE Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and I look forward to hearing more about their successes in the future."

The Women�s Policy Office plays a key role in ensuring provincial government programs and initiatives are developed which reflect the needs of women.

Media contact: Kelly Foss, Women�s Policy Office, (709) 729-6225

2004 06 02                                        5:25 p.m.