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| Written by Marie Johnson, CMP

Governor Scott Walker Announces 2014 Trailblazer Awards for Women In Business 13 Woman-Owned Companies Selected From Across Wisconsin to Receive Awards

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sara O’Neil
Marketing and Public Relations
marketing@meetings-incentives.com

Madison, Wisconsin (February 26, 2014) – Governor Scott Walker, Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, and the Wisconsin Women’s Council are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2014 Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business, recognizing women pioneers in the business community. Award recipients will be honored in a ceremony at the State Capitol on April 9, 2014, followed by a Trailblazer Luncheon sponsored by BMO Harris Bank.

“Private sector businesses are key to our state’s job creation strategies,” said Governor Scott Walker. “We are fortunate to have many women who have started a business and now employ their fellow Wisconsinites. I commend these nominees for serving as role models to other women who are considering opening a business and creating jobs.”

This year’s 13 Trailblazer award recipients represent six counties and a wide range of industries – including non-traditional industries for women. These businesses have sustained families and anchored communities. Our 2014 Trailblazers bring leadership and lasting economic benefits to communities across our state, providing jobs and promoting innovation.

“Women-owned businesses are leading the way in our new economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. “As our state regains its economic strength, it’s critical that we recognize the leadership these women have demonstrated in running their own businesses and creating family-sustaining jobs. They are truly role models for taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to moving our state forward.”

Trailblazer Awards are given to businesses statewide to recognize the legacy of women’s business ownership in Wisconsin. Categories include family-owned businesses that are currently majority woman-owned and have been in operation for three generations or more, and businesses with sole or majority ownership by a woman, or series of women, for 25 years or more.

Since the award was established in 2007, Governor’s Trailblazer Awards have been given to 57 Wisconsin woman-owned businesses across 23 counties.

“The value of these winners is not just in the past accomplishments we celebrate today—it is also in the women their trailblazing example will inform and inspire in the future to follow their own entrepreneurial passions and dreams,” said Mary Jo Baas, Chair, Wisconsin Women’s Council.

Woman-owned businesses were nominated for Trailblazer Awards through an open nomination process, including nominations from business and professional associations, elected officials, friends, colleagues, and employees. For more information about the Trailblazer Award program, visit the Women’s Council web site at www.womenscouncil.wi.gov/trailblazer. Information on the award program will be available on the Council’s web site closer to the program date.