With the nomination deadline fast approaching on Friday (January 17), time is running out to illuminate the work of the inspiring local women in business in your life by nominating them for the inaugural Luminary Awards.
Whether she is a trailblazer, a barrier-buster, one-to-watch, an emerging entrepreneur, or has already built a legacy, the awards are an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and thank her by simply filling out a nomination form at www.luminaryawards.ca.
Unveiled by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce in September, the Luminary Awards will shine a light on the valuable contributions that women in business have made, continue to make, and inspire in others. With five categories open to any nominee who identifies as a woman and who lives or works in the City or County of Peterborough, award nominations close on January 17.
“The compounding impact of celebrating and supporting women is real — when one of us if lifted, we rise together in celebration,” says Sarah Lane, regional manager for Women in Enterprise at TD, lunch and panel sponsor for the awards.
“In my opinion, this drives the culture of the business community, and we all thrive when that culture is one of encouragement, empowerment, connection, and possibility. It’s incredibly important that we bring events like this to life to support to our business community and TD Women in Enterprise is thrilled to be a part of it.”
Fortunately, it’s easy to submit your nomination with the “speed nominate” option. The efficient process allows you to make a nomination even if you do not know all the accomplishments, accolades, and successes of the woman you are nominating. After receiving the speed nomination, the Chamber will work directly with the nominee to fill out the form in more detail for the judging committee.
To further ensure a thorough and detailed nomination, women are also encouraged to toot their own horns and self-nominate.
“People who opt for self-nomination often have tons more detail than what’s generally available when someone else is doing the nomination,” says the Chamber’s interim executive director Gail Moorhouse. “It’s an opportunity to pull out the file and see all the things you’ve done in your career that have made a difference and to see who you’ve impacted.”
If you have a female employee working for your business and helping to make it a success, nominating her for one of the employee award categories is a way to show appreciation and recognition for the work they continue to do in support of the business and community.
“You don’t have to be the person right in the front to be a massive contributing factor to a company,” says Ashley Flynn, CEO of Black Rock Developments, nomination and cocktail sponsor for the awards. “I would be nothing if it wasn’t for my employees, and I have 50 per cent female staff. Even though it can be hard to find in the trades, it’s so important to have that diversity and to recognize that, without them, all the leaders have nothing.”
The five awards categories and their descriptions are listed below.
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.
An awards luncheon for the Luminary Awards will take place on Thursday, May 8 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. in the Great Hall at Trent University’s Champlain College. The afternoon will include keynote speakers, networking, and a celebration of the award recipients.
“The award set-up, with not only the incredible recognition, but also the luncheon that supports networking, community, and collaboration with like-minded women and allies, is hugely impactful,” says Lane. “The Luminary Awards brings it all together.”
To complete a speed nomination or a full nomination by January 17, or to purchase tickets for the awards luncheon, visit www.luminaryawards.ca.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the presenting media sponsor of the Luminary Awards.
