National Association of Women Business Owners Announces Finalists for Annual Awards Program

Las Vegas, NV, January 28, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Southern Nevada chapter announces finalists for its 13th Annual Women of Distinction Awards. Award recipients will be announced at a luncheon program on March 11 at Caesar’s Palace. A silent auction will begin at 11 a.m. and the program begins at noon. The Women of Distinction Awards recognizes women who are outstanding in their fields and have made significant contributions to the community both personally and professionally.

Women of Distinction Awards are given in several categories. Finalists include:

Communications & Public Relations: Juana Hart-Akers, J-Hart Communications; Kimberly Bailey Tureaud, Las Vegas Black Image Magazine; Melissa Warren, Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations

Education: Charlene Green, Clark County School District; Sandra Johnston, Community College of Southern Nevada; Dr. Janet Runge, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Government Services: Pamelia Atkins-Girouard, Salvation Army; Carol O’Hare, Nevada Council on Problem Gambling; Tina Quigley, RTC Southern Nevada

Human Resources & Training: Elaine Karl, Manpower of Southern Nevada; Betty Mahalik, Dynamic Solutions Coaching & Training; Millie Thomas, Cox Communications

Philanthropy & Community Service: Joni Flowers, Cultural Diversity Foundation; Bea Goodwin, Lanie’s Hope; Jacqulyn Shropshire, Philanthropist

Professional Services: Goesel Anson, Anson & Higgins Plastic Surgery; Dr. Debra Tony, TLC Health Care Services; Kathleen Nylen, Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern

Real Estate & Construction: Sabrina Ferry, The Mike Ferry Company; Sherrie Herman, CalPac Painting; Robyn Yates, Windermere Real Estate

Retail & Business Services: Debbie Banko, Link Tech Consulting; Traci Peterson, Allstate Insurance; Pamela Joy Ring, The Ring Retail Advisory

Glass Ceiling: Marissa Birch, Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Starla Lacy, NV Energy; E. Lavonne Lewis, Urban League

Rising Star: Dzidra Junior, MGM Resorts International; Melissa Orien, Holland & Hart; Francine Vazquez, MGM Resorts International

Entrepreneur of the Year: Mary Beth Hartleb, Prism HR & Insurance Services; Susan Spencer, Briefcase Essentials

The 13th Annual Women of Distinction Awards program supports women in business throughout Southern Nevada. Proceeds from the event will benefit women-owned businesses through the WODA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.

"Through the Women of Distinction Awards, NAWBO honors women who have made substantial contributions to the Southern Nevada community,” said Berna Rhodes-Ford, chair of the program and an attorney with Holland & Hart. “Each finalist's journey to success has undoubtedly been accompanied by two attributes: Sacrifice and Service. I am honored to serve as Chair of the program that recognizes such remarkable women."

For information about tickets, ads or sponsorships, contact Berna Rhodes-Ford at (702) 222-2582.

National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) is the voice of America's 10.6 million women-owned businesses. Since 1975, NAWBO has helped women evolve their businesses by sharing resources and providing a single voice to shape economic and public policy. National Association of Women Business Owners is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries.

NAWBO Southern Nevada is an organization that educates, empowers and promotes women business owners and invites its members to experience success in all economic, political and social arenas.

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