The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women:

Minister Congratulates Newfoundland and Labrador Women Entrepreneurs

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to congratulate the women who play a vital role in our province’s business community and make a valuable contribution to our province’s economic development.

Earlier this month, the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) held its annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards gala. For the past 15 years, NLOWE has recognized women whose successful businesses contribute to the provincial economy and their communities. These women are using innovative technologies and expanding into new markets. They are leaders in their fields and respected in their industries. They are the best and brightest entrepreneurs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Premier was in attendance to present the awards to the winners. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the 2012 award recipients and offer them my sincere congratulations on their outstanding achievements.

• Winner of the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year award was Katherine Hiscock of Beautiful Rock soaps in Gander;
• Winner of the Start-up award was Melanie Caines of Nova Yoga in St. John's;
• Winner of the Entrepreneurial Excellence award and the Community Impact award was Cathy Bennett of Bennett Group of Companies in St. John’s; and,
• Winner of the Innovation award and the Visionary award was Debra Feltham of Feltham-Attwood Certified General Accountants in Mount Pearl.

Mr. Speaker, as a government, we value our partnership with NLOWE as we understand the importance of advancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs. We continuously work with NLOWE to advance women-owned businesses into traditionally male-dominated industries such as mining, oil and gas, and energy sectors.

Our government is grateful that we have an organization like NLOWE to provide strong supports for new and established women entrepreneurs through a wide range of services.

Once again, I congratulate the 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipients.
I look forward to our continued partnership with NLOWE to advance the success of women in business in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2012 11 29                                  1:55 p.m.