Women in Business celebrated

Women’s contributions to Niagara’s prosperity were recognized Friday in the 17th annual Women in Business Awards.

Held at the Crowne Plaza in Niagara Falls, the awards are presented by the Women in Niagara ( WIN) Council, a business council of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce ( GNCC) and founding partners, The Standard, The Tribune and The Review. They highlight the vital contributions by female business leaders to the region’s economy and communities.

“Women make incredible contributions to our business community every day,” said Nicole Regehr, chair of WIN Council. “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate and recognize these accomplishments through this annual event, The caliber of women in leadership roles in Niagara is no surprise to us, but it never ceases to encourage and inspire.”

The WIBAs are an annual event, honouring women from around Niagara whose contributions to the community go above and beyond the call of duty. The WIN council received over 70 nominations from around the region in many different sectors.

“We honour these women in our awards, but we recognize the achievements of so many more,” said Mishka Balsom, president and CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce. “The contributions to Niagara’s prosperity and community made by women are overlooked too often. I hope that the achievements of these extraordinary community leaders will lead to recognition of the work of others.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Verge Insurance Group, was presented to Margie Spence.

Spence is president of Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre Inc., an award- winning family firm serving the greater Niagara, Hamilton and Haldimand areas. The Royal LePage Niagara Real Estate Centre has become the largest real estate brokerage in the Niagara.

From the very beginning, Spence has been an active member of her community, giving back to countless charitable organizations like Gillian’s Place, South Niagara Women’s Shelters, Habitat for Humanity, food banks across Niagara region, and OneFoundation for Niagara Health System. Other 2017 Women in Business Award recipients are:

Business Leadership Award, sponsored by Niagara College: Jody Vizza Community Spirit Award, sponsored by Henley Honda: Ann MantiniCelima Cultural Arts Award, sponsored by FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre: Annie Wilson

Emerging Business Award, sponsored by Canadian Tire Bank: Lisa Carlomusto, Dental Hygiene of Niagara Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by St. Catharines Enterprise Centre: Jacquelene IgelDel Col, Tintern Road & Zooma Caters Tourism Award, sponsored by Linking Niagara: Emily Oriold, The Foster Festival Science and Technology Award, sponsored by RBC: Gina Collins Ramkissoon Social Enterprise Award, sponsored by Niagara Community Foundation: Jennifer Harper, Cheekbone Beauty Young Professional Award, sponsored by Enbridge Gas Distribution: Kelly Liddycoat