FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2024
Contact Information:
NAWBO Kentucky Chapter
[email protected]
NAWBO Kentucky Celebrates Trailblazing Women Entrepreneurs at the 2024 EPIC Awards
Louisville, KY – March 25, 2024 – The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Kentucky chapter marked another milestone in celebrating the spirit of female entrepreneurship at the EPIC Awards held on March 12, 2024, at The Olmstead, Louisville. The annual event, known for recognizing the exceptional achievements of women entrepreneurs in the state, underscored the theme “Empowering Potential, Inspiring Change.”
This year’s EPIC Awards spotlighted the extraordinary talents, resilience, and innovation of women who are not just running businesses but are also making significant contributions to their communities and industries. The awards luncheon was a confluence of inspiration, networking, and celebration, attended by distinguished business leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates from across Kentucky.
2024 EPIC Awards Highlights:
The ceremony was graced with compelling stories of success, determination, and innovation from the finalists, making the selection process challenging for the distinguished panel of judges. However, the day belonged to the exceptional winners who have made remarkable strides in their respective fields:
Legacy Award: Shirley McVay Wiseman, The McVay Group
Woman Business Owner of the Year: Melia Hord, Melia Realty with Keller Williams Bluegrass Realty
Public Policy Award: Dee Dee Taylor, 502 & 812 HEMP
NextGen Women Business Owner: Taylor Cook, Taylor Belle & Burgers
Member of the Year: Basha Roberts, LexTech
Corporate Partner: KCTCS (Kentucky Community & Technical College System)
Hall of Fame Inductee: Lois Gray, Gray (Construction)
Keynote and Presenter Highlights:
The event also featured an inspiring address by Congressman Andy Barr, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, Dr. Ryan Quarles, President of KCTCS, and Representing Bank of America, Title Sponsor, Jill Calabrese Bain, Managing Director and Executive Sponsor of Bank of America’s relationship with the National Association of Women Business Owners among the presenters.
Vanessa Pennoyer, President of NAWBO Kentucky, stated, “8-months of planning took a small village to make the event happen. We are blessed to have the support of great corporate partners, sponsors, members, board directors, and volunteers who believe in the mission of NAWBO.”
The EPIC Awards serves not only as a platform for recognition but also as a beacon of motivation for the next generation of women entrepreneurs, emphasizing NAWBO Kentucky’s role in empowering women to achieve their full business potential. A twist to the member of the year category, candidates Joanna Sherrow, Savvy Chic Design and Taylor Pennoyer, Steel Shed, were also recognized as the chapter Rising Star recipients.
For more details on the event and the winners, please visit NAWBO Kentucky at www.nawbokentucky.org.
About NAWBO:
Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of over 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States. NAWBO aims to advocate on behalf of all women entrepreneurs, fostering their growth, economic stability, and community impact. NAWBO Kentucky is dedicated to empowering women to thrive in business through advocacy, networking, and resources.
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Grab Your Tickets Now
March 12, 2024
Location: The Olmsted, Louisville
*NOTE: No walk-in sales day of event. Must have a ticket by March 9th when sale ends or event becomes sold out*
Networking: 11:00 – 11:30 am
Event Time: 11:30 – 1:30 pm
More Networking/Cash Bar: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Mark your calendars for the upcoming EPIC Awards ceremony where we will announce and honor the deserving winners in each category. Stay tuned for more information on the event date and how you can participate.
At NAWBO Kentucky, we are proud to have been a beacon of support for women in business for the past 32 years, and we look forward to many more years of empowering and celebrating the incredible women who shape our business landscape.
Thank you for being a part of our journey as we champion the cause of women in business in the Bluegrass State. Together, we can achieve greatness, one EPIC woman at a time.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
32 YEARS OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
Welcome to NAWBO Kentucky, where we celebrate 32 years of unwavering support for women in business in the Bluegrass State.
Our commitment to empowering and uplifting women entrepreneurs has been at the heart of our organization since its inception. This year, we are thrilled to mark this remarkable milestone as we continue to champion the cause of women in business.
The EPIC Awards: Honoring Outstanding Businesswomen
At NAWBO Kentucky, we believe in recognizing and celebrating the incredible achievements of women in the business world. The EPIC Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge the remarkable contributions made by women entrepreneurs across various categories. These awards highlight excellence, professional accomplishments, innovation and creativity, civic engagement, and community involvement.
Award Categories
Corporate Partner of the Year Award
This award is presented to Corporate Partners who have offered financial support and actively engaged their corporate personnel to advance the welfare of women business owners.
NAWBO Member of the Year Award
Bestowed upon individuals who, exhibit unwavering support and active involvement in activities that enhance NAWBO's presence in both the public and private sectors
Next – Gen Woman Business Owner of the Year Award
This award recognizes exceptional young entrepreneurs, aged 30 or under. Successfully launched and actively manage a business.
Public Policy Catalyst of the Year Award
This award is given to someone who is pivotal in driving transformative change in local, state, or national public policies that have proven advantageous to women business owners.
Woman Business Owner of the Year Award
Presented to a sole proprietor, partner, or corporate director who assumes daily management responsibilities and demonstrated exceptional excellence as a business owner.
Epic Award for the Legacy Award
This award will be determined by the NAWBO Kentucky Board of Directors. Winner of this award has demonstrated qualities that make her an outstanding role model for other women.
*AWARD NOMINATED BY THE NAWBO BOARD ONLY
Join Us in Celebrating Women in Business
We invite you to be a part of this inspiring event and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in business. Your involvement and support help us empower women business owners and strengthen our partnerships within the community. Together, we can continue to create opportunities for women to thrive in the business world.
EPIC Event Sponsorship:
Presented by
Bank of America
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