Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has unveiled brand new awards that will recognize local women in business, including both business owners and employees.
During a launch party event Wednesday night (September 18) at Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses in Peterborough, the chamber announced nominations are open for the Luminary Awards.
The awards are intended to celebrate the valuable contributions of women in the local business community, including those named in leadership positions as well as women who lead from behind the scenes.
“Women in business face many unique hurdles and challenges,” said chamber president and CEO Sarah Budd when introducing the awards. “We are excited to launch this inaugural event that will not only recognize women, but also celebrate their amazing feats and achievements.”
The Luminary Awards are open to anyone who identifies as a woman and who lives or works in the city and county of Peterborough. Business owners, managers, and employees at all levels can be nominated, although some of the awards categories have specific eligibility criteria.
There are five categories of the Luminary Awards, listed below with their descriptions.
Trailblazer (Entrepreneur) – “Celebrating a business owner who has created innovation and success through her leadership, vision, courage, and commitment.”
Barrier Buster (Employee) – “Celebrating the achievements of a remarkable woman who has excelled in her field/place of employment, embraced new ideas, technologies, or ways of working, and demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication, and perseverance when faced with adversity.”
One to Watch (Employee) – “Future leader known for their innovative, meaningful contributions to their workplace, proven professional success, and shows outstanding potential for the future. Nominee may hold entry to mid-level management positions in their workplace.”
Emerging Entrepreneur – “Owner engaged in a new successful, innovative, and inspiring business venture that shows outstanding potential for the future. Nominee must have been in business for a minimum of two years and no more than five years.”
Legacy – “She has spent her successful business career inspiring others and giving back to her community. She strives for business excellence and through realizing their vision, the nominee has provided a host of opportunities for others for employment, growth, philanthropy, etc.”
More details about the awards, as well as nomination forms, are available at luminaryawards.ca.
The chamber is encouraging everyone to visit the site and submit nominations for the women they know in the business community who deserve recognition. The deadline for nominations is January 17, 2025.
An awards luncheon for the Luminary Awards will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 8th in the Great Hall at Champlain College at Trent University. Tickets are available now through the website, with an early bird price of $75. Table sponsorships, including eight tickets, are available for $1,000.
The sponsors of the inaugural Luminary Awards include:
- Sullivan Law Ptbo as presenting sponsor
- kawarthaNOW as presenting media sponsor
- Black Rock Developments as nomination and cocktail sponsor
- TD as lunch sponsor
- Scotiabank as spotlight and award sponsor
- Paro Centre For Women’s Enterprise as reception sponsor
- Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas and Peterborough County as silver sponsors
- Baker Tilly as speaker sponsor
- Cambium, Engage Engineering, and Darling Insurance as award sponsors
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the presenting media sponsor of the Luminary Awards.
