Staff
Nominees are being sought for the 14th-annual Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards.
With a nomination deadline of Feb. 18, the annual award looks to recognize women across Northern Ontario who have contributed to economic wealth, job creation, and growth in the region.
“There are a lot of people in the area who would be most deserving of an award,” said Angela Halvorsen, who was recognized last year for her work in the public sector as the business investment officer with the Rainy River Future Development Corp. here.
Halvorsen was nominated for the award by the local Business Women’s Network.
Six “Influential Women” awards are presented each year, with two women recognized each in the categories of Private Sector, Public Sector, and Young Entrepreneur.
Three women are honoured from Northeastern Ontario and three from Northwestern Ontario.
As well, an “Aspiring Achiever Scholarship Award” is presented to one Grade 12 student.
“I think it’s a great idea for people to nominate whoever they feel are influential in the community or within their organization,” enthused Halvorsen, encouraging people to make nominations.
Submitted nominations are narrowed down by a panel of judges. Then the six selected women are recognized during luncheons held in Thunder Bay or North Bay in late May and early June.
“It was just really nice to be recognized for all the work that I do,” Halvorsen said about her own award, noting people still come in and ask her about it.
“It’s something that follows with you,” she added.
Former Fort Frances and Atikokan resident, Teri Treftlin, also was recognized with a “Young Entrepreneur Award” in 2007.
More information about the awards, including the nomination packages, is available online at www.influentialwomen.ca
