Six outstanding female entrepreneurs awarded out of a record-breaking 5,500 nominees
TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The 24th annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards have named six winners of this year's prestigious awards, including: two business partnerships comprised of sisters; the founder of Canada's leading wellness brand; and the CEO of one of the country's leading mortgage firms with over $20 billion dollars in assets.
"RBC is honoured to recognize women entrepreneurs and their immense contributions in the Canadian and global economies," says Neil McLaughlin, Executive Vice President, Business Financial Services, RBC. "Through their passion and dedication, these dynamic women are leaving their mark on the marketplace and their communities. They are an inspiration for other Canadian business owners."
Presented by Women of Influence, the awards recognize the country's leading female entrepreneurs who have made impressive and substantial contributions to the local, Canadian or global economy. This year's judging panel is comprised of twelve of Canada's top business leaders, including: Ian Portsmouth, Publisher & Editor of PROFIT Magazine; Tracie Crook, COO of McCarthy Tétrault LLP; Rajini McRae, Head of HR Mergers and Acquisitions, RBC Royal Bank; and Raymonde Lavoie, Co-Founder and Partner, DesArts Communication.
The announcement was made at a gala reception on November 16 hosted by Diane Francis, editor-at-large for the Financial Post. Following a record-breaking 5,500 nominees, this year's winners are:
Alicia Skalin, Co-CEO and Head of Events and Programming, Women of Influence Inc., praised the winners for their dedication and drive, and for paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs. "We are honoured to recognize the contributions of women entrepreneurs in Canada, helping to inspire new generations of innovators and leaders," explained Ms. Skalin.
"The number of women-owned businesses continues to grow, and our nominee numbers reflect that—every year we're setting a new record. The 2016 winners have turned their personal passions—from health and wellness to the sustainable production of rice - into thriving businesses. They have earned the esteem of their peers and their communities, and are truly paving the way for future female entrepreneurs."
For more information on this year's award winners, visit www.womenofinfluence.ca/rbc-cwea.
About the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards
The 2016 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are presented by RBC and sponsors ADP, Deloitte, TELUS, and PROFIT Magazine and are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country's leading female entrepreneurs. Now in its 24th year, award recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, level of innovation, profitability and community impact. For more information, please visit: www.womenofinfluence.ca/rbc-cwea
About Women of Influence
Women of Influence, now in its 22nd year, is one of North America's leading organizations offering solutions to further women's career advancement. With courses in executive leadership, global events, and print and digital content, Women of Influence annually reaches over 200,000 professional women and men across Canada and internationally. Signature events include the Women of Influence Luncheon Series and the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. For more information, please visit www.womenofinfluence.com
SOURCE Women of Influence Inc.
Image with caption: "RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award winners (CNW Group/Women of Influence Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161117_C2718_PHOTO_EN_821134.jpg
For interview requests or further information please contact: Madelaine Dean, Women of Influence, 416 629 9144, [email protected]; Rob Merk, Corporate Communications, RBC, 416-955-6665, [email protected]
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