WOMEN OF INFLUENCE ANNOUNCES 2010 RBC CANADIAN WOMAN ENTREPRENUER AWARD
FINALISTS

TORONTO, Oct. 25 /CNW/ - Women of Influence Inc. is pleased to announce the names of the finalists for the 2010 RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards (CWEA). 

This annual event, in its 18^th year, recognizes women entrepreneurs from across Canada who make increasing contributions to the local, Canadian or global economy. All nominees share a strong entrepreneurial vision, a relentless passion in pursing their dreams and are positive role models for young women.  And for the first time recognizes finalists in each of Canadians 3 major regions: East, Central and West. 

The 2010 RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards finalists are:

Deloitte Start-Up Award
EAST: Mufaro Chakabuda, Maritime Centre for African Dance Inc.
WEST: Leah Davis, Robyn Smith, Jenn Turner, Moveo Sport & Rehabilitation Centre
CENTRAL: Virginia Poly, Poly Placements

HKMB HUB Impact Award
WEST: Shannon Bowen-Smed, BOWEN Workforce Solutions
EAST: Rhonda Skanes, East Coast Beauty Inc.
CENTRAL: Jane Shanab, Spark Inc.

RBC Momentum Award
CENTRAL: Maria Vandenhurk, Banyan Work Health Solutions Inc.
EAST: Anne Whelan, CareGivers Inc.
WEST: Kim Weimer, Fastener Warehouse Inc.

TPH Sustainability Award
EAST: Robin Maloni, Oasis Bags
CENTRAL: Jean Eng & Kristen Ma, Pure & Simple
WEST: Lisa Will, Stonz Wear Inc.

BELL Trailblazer Award
WEST: Carole Herder, Cavallo Horse & Rider Inc.
EAST: Janice Parente, Ethica Clinical Research
CENTRAL: Sally Daub, VixS Systems Inc.

PROFIT Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship
EAST: Aileen Reid, A.P. Reid Insurance Stores Ltd.
CENTRAL: Connie Clerici, Closing The Gap Healthcare
WEST: Margot Micallef, Oliver Capital Partners

Over 2,000 women entrepreneurs were nominated for the Awards, the highest number of nominations since the creation of the program. Candidates were required to complete a thorough application and all qualifying applications were reviewed by a prominent Canadian judging panel of successful business leaders from across the country. Following the due diligence process completed by Deloitte's Private Client Services, the winners will be selected by the judges.

All finalists will be honoured at the annual Awards Gala Dinner on Monday, November 29, 2010 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ontario.  Diane Francis, the National Post's Editor-at-Large, will serve as host for the evening.

"It is vital to recognize and celebrate the successes of women among their peers," says Carolyn Lawrence, president, Women of Influence Inc. "We believe that building awareness around the successes of Canada's female entrepreneurs will provide these growing companies with the right leverage and key opportunities to increase their chances of success and resulting contribution to the Canadian economy.".

About the RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards
The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country's leading female entrepreneurs. The awards are an initiative of Women of Influence Inc., an award-winning organization dedicated to advancing and fulfilling the needs of Canadian women in business. Women of Influence Inc. leads many national women's initiatives including the Women of Influence Luncheon Series, Young Women of Influence Evening Series, Senior Executive Dinner and Women of Influence Magazine. For more information, visit www.womenofinfluence.ca or www.theawards.ca

For further information:

To book an interview with one of the entrepreneurs listed above, or for more information on the program, contact: 
Carolyn Lawrence, President and CEO, Women of Influence Inc.
O: [phone]
C: [phone]
E: [email protected]