Winners Of Women Business Owners Awards Announced
NAWBO-SA To Recognize Winners At 20th Annual Awards Ceremony
SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2016, WalletHub named San Antonio first in the state and 21st nationally for the number of women-owned businesses. But have female business owners continued to flourish since then? According to San Antonio's chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the answer is a resounding yes. Each year the professional organization presents six awards to deserving recipients selected from a rigorous nomination and interview process.
NAWBO-SA President Shirley Crandall says this year's winners are so diversified. "We are so thrilled to present the winners with their coveted awards at our 2019 ceremony," she says. "It's always an honor to recognize the achievements of women business owners who assist not only in our community, but who work so tirelessly for our economy and the thriving enterprises they operate."
Among the winners this year is Deborah Bauer for the Lifetime Achievement Award. After founding Drake Commercial Group in 1989, Deborah has found local and national acclaim for her work in the commercial real estate field, a field typically dominated by men.
In the category of Women Business Owners of the Year, Dawn Lafreeda is the most prolific woman-owned family style restaurateur in the country, operating 81 Denny's restaurants in 6 states and based in San Antonio. She began her career at 16 as a waitress at Denny's and bought her first restaurant by age 23.
Allison C. Pyle is co-founder of WaterFleet with her husband, Alan. As the only woman on the board, she focuses on making sure there are no barriers to entry for women in their business or sphere of influence. Their invention, the Water Rig, has revolutionized the way business is done in the world of remote living at work sites.
Paula Waggoner is CEO of The Energy CFO, celebrating their 5th year in business and reporting a YOY revenue increase of 13%. She was also recognized as the best CFO for Private Medium-Sized Companies by the San Antonio Business Journal, and helped found the Women's Energy Network of South Texas.
Judith K. Zimmerman manages business operations for RVK Architects, where she was promoted to President in 2018. Founded in 1971 and now employing 53 men and women, Zimmerman has led RVK Architects to financial success and stability as one of the San Antonio Express-News' Top Places to work from 2012 to 2018.
Finally, receiving the posthumous Legacy Award will be Sally Cheever, whose daughter Joan will accept the honor on her behalf. Sally was a lifelong Girl Scout whose namesake The Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center, was opened by the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas in 2007. A proud Texan and former president of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, she also volunteered at the Alamo and served on the Alamo Committee. Sally's contributions to the San Antonio business and philanthropic community have deeply touched many, including hundreds of women entrepreneurs.
The honorees will be celebrated at an evening ceremony March 28th at the newly opened Security Service Federal Credit Union Events Center. Individual award recipients are available for interviews, as well as NAWBO-SA leadership.
About NAWBO
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of America's more than 10 million women-owned businesses representing the fastest growing segment of the economy. Headquartered in Washington D.C., NAWBO is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries; and boasts over 7,000 members and 80 chapters across the country.
About NAWBO-SA:
NAWBO-SA is the preeminent organization for over 53,000+ women business owners in our metropolitan and surrounding areas. For more than two decades, NAWBO-San Antonio has been a valuable resource for women entrepreneurs providing information, programs, and opportunities to network, learn and grow with their peers in San Antonio and across the United States.
NOTE: For interviews or media access to the NAWBO Women Business Owners Awards Ceremony, please contact Aquila Mendez-Valdez at 210.606.5251 or [email protected].
Media Contact:
Aquila Mendez-Valdez
P. 210.606.5251
[email protected]
SOURCE NAWBO-SA
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