Val hailed for leadership of “pro- active” Chamber
The head of Ayrshire’s Chamber of Commerce has been hailed for her two- decade contribution to business growth in the region.
Val Russell received a Women of Inspiration award, announced on International Women’s Day.
Awarded by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen ( ASB), the umbrella group for Scotland’s proliferating professional women’s clubs, the judging panel cited Ms Russell’s leadership of a “pro- active chamber that works with its members to initiate economic change, personally championing many initiatives to support education and employability for the future workforce.”
Judges cited Val’s achievement in “future- proofing” the Chamber by driving through a change in membership policy, adding that, after 19 years “her ability to lead, persuade and innovate has been crucial in establishing one of the most respected Chambers within the Network”.
The ASB’s annual Women of Inspiration Awards celebrate the achievement and contribution of women in leadership roles in business and in the wider community.
Announced at a reception hosted by Virgin Money, the awards went to 12 Scottish businesswomen nominated by their peers as an inspiration to others, role models or leaders in their professions; “Women who have excelled in their careers or who have encouraged others and impacted lives in the wider community”.
Liz Cameron OBE, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network, of which Ayrshire Chambers is part, was also recognised with an award.
Val said: “It’s a great honour to have nominated by my fellow Ayrshire businesswomen, and even more so to be given this award from ASB, a Scotlandwide network that has played a big part in the transformation in the confidence and achievement of women in business I have witnessed in the course of my career.
“Ayrshire itself is a showcase of female business talent in business and in wider society, and I am proud to be part of that network.
“Throughout business and public life more generally, Scotland has women of exceptional dedication and professionalism who have the country for the better, these awards are a chance to reflect on this achievement, and on what still needs to be achieved.”
ASB president, Wendy Maltman, added: “Our “Inspirational Women” are business leaders, chief executives, trailblazers, charity champions, entrepreneurs, mentors, motivational speakers and adventurers, women who are truly inspirational and worthy of these awards.”