Jane Pollak Chosen as Recipient of 2009 Woman of Distinction

New England Women Business Owners Announces Selection, Call for Nominations for Quest Awards

Newton, MA (PRWEB) March 2, 2009 -- New England Women Business Owners (NEWBO) announced today that entrepreneur, author, speaker and business coach Jane Pollak will receive the 2009 Woman of Distinction at the 2nd Annual Quest Awards to be held on May 13, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel, Waltham, MA.

"Jane's story of the struggle and triumph of pursuing her entrepreneurial dream and then her transformation to a coach helping other business owners achieve their dreams embodies all the values NEWBO holds dear," said Cheryl Garrity, NEWBO President. "We are privileged to have Jane participate in the 2009 Quest event and share her story and thrilled that she has accepted this honor of being named Woman of Distinction."

The Woman of Distinction award recognizes one woman for her achievement in business and her dedication to helping other woman succeed. The recipient is chosen from a field of dozens of qualified nominations by the NEWBO Board.

"I am so honored to be the recipient of this award," said Ms. Pollak. "I have had the pleasure of speaking at NEWBO many years ago and have always admired the organization and its members. I am looking forward to being part of this annual celebration as NEWBO recognizes entrepreneurial success."

Call for Quest Award Nominations

Along with announcing Jane Pollak, NEWBO is also calling for nominations for the Quest Awards. On May 13, 2009 the Quest Awards will recognize the accomplishments of five talented business leaders in the following categories:

1.    Outstanding female entrepreneur

2.    Innovative company led by a woman that has proven it can create, grow, and develop products or processes that improve the commercial performance of the company

3.    A company that demonstrated excellence in marketing for or by women

4.    Woman-led company that demonstrates significant and sustained community involvement and corporate social responsibility

5.    A NEWBO member who demonstrates generous support of other women in the growth and leadership of their businesses.

Anyone is welcome to nominate an individual or company, or you may nominate yourself. Deadline for submitting nominations is March 27, 2009. For more information visit http://www.newbo.org/questawardsgala.aspx

2nd Annual Quest Awards Gala

NEWBO's annual Quest Awards Gala serves to honor individuals and companies throughout New England which consistently strive for excellence - something that NEWBO has done since it was founded over 30 years ago.

The Master of Ceremonies for this year's event is Julia Fox Garrison, author of the critically acclaimed book "Don't Leave Me This Way…or when I get back on my feet you'll be sorry." Ms. Garrison's inspirational story of surviving a major stroke and going on to become a popular speaker and humorist has led to an appearance on Good Morning America, a feature in People magazine and guest interviews on NECN News, Fox25 News, and Take5ABC News.

Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Voodoo Combo and the Grand Prize Raffle Sponsor is Jane Aransky of La Residencia Day Spa in Newton Upper Falls, MA. The grand prize drawing will be for a $600 spa package at La Residencia.

About New England Women Business Owners

New England Women Business Owners is the premier organization for women business owners in New England, where an open and honest environment fosters growth through networking, education, and peer support. Founded in 1978, NEWBO provides outstanding professional resources, educational programs, and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Its richly diverse membership comprises women business owners in a range of industries, from startups to large corporations. More information can be found at http://www.newbo.org.

About Jane Pollak

Jane Pollak is a successful entrepreneur, public speaker and business coach who launched her business career in the unlikely field of egg decoration. Jane's journey led her from remote crafts fairs to an invitation to the White House and appearances on NBC's Today Show. Her lessons along the way led her to share her story and give advice to struggling entrepreneurs - work she continues today as a business coach. Jane published Soul Proprietor: 101 Lessons from a Lifestyle Entrepreneur in 2001, has been featured in The New York Times, and was named the 2002 Home-Based business Advocate for New England by the Small Business Administration. Jane was recently interviewed by CNN.com on what it takes to be successful while working from home. More information about Jane can be found at http://www.janepollak.com.

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