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Standing Together: NAWBO-LA Hosts 23rd Annual Awards Luncheon
A celebratory and inspirational afternoon awaits the attendees at the 23rd Annual NAWBO-LA Leadership & Legacy Awards Luncheon, taking place Friday, March 13, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beverly Hilton Hotel

The gala luncheon will pay tribute to seven outstanding women achievers who have established a legacy of entrepreneurial excellence and contributed significantly to our communities:

• Leadership Award: Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles
• Legacy Award: Janice Bryant Howroyd, President and CEO, ACT•1 Group
• Woman Business Owner of the Year: Jane D. Wurwand, Founder, Dermalogica, Inc.
• Inspiration Award: Chef LaLa, Chef/Author/Nutritionist/Humanitarian/TV Personality, JSB Management
• Member of the Year: Bonnie Nijst, President and CEO, Zeesman Communications, Inc.
• Rising Star Award: Carmen Rad, President, CR&A Custom, Inc.
• Hall of Fame Honoree: Bettye Dixon, President and CEO, Concourse Concessions, Inc.

One of the most noteworthy and anticipated business events in Los Angeles, the luncheon is expected to draw a powerhouse gathering of more than 1,200 business owners, community leaders, media, dignitaries and celebrities – all interested in recognizing the ever-rising power of women entrepreneurs.

NAWBO-LA: Standing Together

The theme of the 2009 event, “Standing Together,” speaks to NAWBO-LA’s purpose in helping women business owners become an even greater force for influence and change when being driven by a common purpose and speaking with a collective voice. It also serves as a reminder of women entrepreneurs’ courage and willingness to take action – to take a stand in business, in life and in their communities.

Said new NAWBO-LA CEO Jane Pak, “The theme of ‘Standing Together’ is a call to action, and is especially timely given today’s challenging business climate. It speaks to our collective commitment to educate, communicate and engage in the important mission of propelling women into political, economic and social spheres of power. We’re proud to celebrate the interconnectedness of our past triumphs as women and as leaders, and the shared future we will create through our successes to come.”

Added NAWBO-LA President-Elect/Event Chair Daphne Anneet, a partner in the law firm of Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP, “This luncheon represents NAWBO-LA’s opportunity to shine the light on the brightest, bravest and boldest of women. The stories of our incredible honorees will electrify the room and create an atmosphere of celebration, inspiration and hope.”

Many innovative corporations support NAWBO-LA’s efforts to create opportunities for women business owners through their sponsorship of the Leadership & Legacy Awards Luncheon. Union Bank of California, a NAWBO-LA corporate partner for more than a decade, will once again serve as the luncheon’s Presenting Sponsor – a continuation of the bank’s three-year pledge to do so in an unprecedented level of commitment.

“This pledge reflects our strong belief in partnerships that embrace, inspire and support aspiring female entrepreneurs, as well as established women business owners,” said JoAnn Bourne, Senior Executive Vice President with Union Bank. “NAWBO-LA’s outstanding work to serve as a catalyst for the success of women entrepreneurs is integral to the bank’s mission to invest in the communities it serves. As a result of partnerships like this, the economic landscape of the greater Los Angeles region will change with the increase of thriving women-owned businesses.”

Additional event sponsors include DeDominic & Associates (Legacy Partner); Southern California Edison and Zeesman Communications, Inc. (Gold Sponsors); AEG (Silver Sponsor); and Dermalogica, Inc., Southern California Gas Company (a Sempra Energy utility), and Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (Bronze Sponsors).

For more information on the 2009 NAWBO-LA Leadership & Legacy Awards Luncheon, visit www.nawbola.org. Seating is limited at this “sellout” event and early registration is strongly encouraged.

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