Welcome to Influential Women

IW Awards Luncheon & Tradeshow

Thunder Bay - Monday, June 3, 2013 • Valhalla Inn
Sudbury - Thursday, June 6, 2013 • Radisson Hotel

16th Annual Influential Women Of Northern Ontario Award Winners!

Publisher's Message

Many times I equate the birth of the Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards (IW) program with the birth of my youngest daughter. They were "born" within a year of each other, they were both difficult "births," and I lost many a night's sleep fretting over their trials and tribulations.

But I have watched them both flourish and find their place in this very competitive world of ours. Although my daughter's upbringing was joyful, wonderful, challenging at times and the most special thing I have ever done, nursing the IW program to a16-year anniversary has been challenging and rewarding, too.

This program was launched with a mission to seek out, profile and honour women who contributed to the economic growth, wealth and health of our region. We wanted to know who they were and what they do. We wanted to thank them for their contributions and for paving the way for other future generations of women.

Throughout the years we have honoured incredible women from Northern Ontario at two celebrity luncheons held annually in Thunder Bay and rotating to a different northeastern Ontario city. The IW Awards has become a much-anticipated event in our Northern cities where we are continually inspired and encouraged by the quality of the winners and the participation of delegates.

It is so good to meet new people and to greet our many supporters who come out to this event year after year. It is gratifying to see tables of young female students mingle with established entrepreneurs and executives who are incredible role models.

We are thrilled to present a scholarship to a graduating high school student each year and to encourage her to think about positive role models who have inspired her in her own life. The quality of the essays we receive are testament to the good work being done by many women and to the appreciation of the students for these successful role models.

Many essays are written about mothers who inspire their daughters while going about their daily lives. Others are written about teachers who have left lasting impressions on impressionable teenage girls.

Attendees to the events often tell us how uplifting it is to spend the lunch hour surrounded by like-minded individuals and how inspired they are by the personal stories of the IW winners.

Others have voiced their appreciation for an annual event that focuses on the business acumen and creativity of other women.

We have been fortunate to attract great sponsors, supporters and excellent nominations over the years. The quality of our judges is right up there with the quality of our award winners and our venue partners provide good service to keep us coming back.

We appreciate them all.

Thank you to everyone who supports and appreciates the achievements of others.

Patricia Mills
Publisher, Northern Ontario Business