BUSINESS Businesswoman of the Year nominees announced

And the nominees are…


Network Mayo has announced the nominees for its 2011 Businesswomen of the Year Awards. The awards, which are in their third year, have produced three shortlisted candidates and two winners at the Network Ireland national awards – a coup for the Network branch which boasts over 30 members from a range of sectors and professions around the county.
Speaking about the awards, current President Olwen Dawe highlighted the importance of the awards to the group: “We set about to inspire and support our members this year with a range of events tailored to the different interests represented within the group. I feel the awards are a great way in which we can recognise the immense talent within our Mayo branch. I’d also like to acknowledge the support of The Mayo News, which is one of the sponsors for this year’s event.” 
Dawe also explained that the awards have proved to be a great mechanism for small business owners and employees alike, helping them to develop and promote their business. Nominees and winners alike stand to gain both opportunities and recognition from being involved in the event.
The entries will be judged by a panel comprised of SeΡn Staunton, former Editor of The Mayo News; Toni Bourke, Editor of the Mayo Advertiser; and Joan Fahey, Project Manager, Mayo Ideas Lab.
“I’m very proud of our group this year as we’ve grown our membership despite more ‘challenging’ times … I wish them the very best in their interviews,” said Dawe, adding that she believes they are all winners. “It’s a case of ‘first among equals’ in my opinion, as they’re all excellent candidates.”
The Businesswoman of the Year Awards cover three categories: In Employment, Self-Employed and New Business. The nominees in the In Employment category are Eithne Cosgrove, Sales and Marketing Manager, Hotel Westport; Clare Hallinan, Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager, Knockranny House Hotel; and Maria Moran, Business Development Manager, Nampak Healthcare.
In the Self-Employed category, the nominees are Sarah Flood, Owner/Director, Snap Mayo; Victoria Foutz, Proprietor, Victoria Foutz Bijoux; Caroline Gordon FCCA CPA, Proprietor, Caroline Gordon Accountants; and Registered Auditors, Lillian McNicholas, Proprietor, Beverly Hills Boutique.
The New Business nominees are Jenny Brennan, Proprietor, Virtual Office Worx; Carmel O’Brien, Proprietor, Tutor Doctor; and Christina Swift, Proprietor, Rainyday.ie.
The winners will be announced at an exclusive luncheon taking place in Newport House on  June 24, featuring ‘recession busting’ MD and founder of 11890 Nicola Byrne as guest speaker.

For more information about Network Mayo or the Businesswoman of the Year Awards, visit www.networkmayo.ie.