National Home-Based Business Award Changes Name to Broaden Participation

The only national award recognizing the significant contributions of home-based businesses has changed its name to better reflect the broad scope of home-based business owners. Formerly The Ruby Slipper Award, award creator, Janet Drez, felt the name limited participation by male home-based business owners. Now called "The Home Business Crown Jewel Award," the award seeks to crown the achievements of an outstanding home based business owner.

Chandler, AZ (PRWEB) September 7, 2004 -- Last year, Janet Drez created a prestigious national award to honor one outstanding home-based business owner. This year, the award will fulfill its purpose under a new name: the Home Business Crown Jewel Award.

"Over the past year I've received feedback that the original name -- the Ruby Slipper Award -- might limit participation by male home-based business owners who represent a substantial number of home-based businesses, so I decided it needed to change," said Drez, a veteran home-based business owner of A Perfect Solution, SBA Home-Based Business Advocate of the Year, and chairwoman of the Home-Based Business Council.

Drez wants the award to raise the awareness about the substantial and growing economic, cultural and relational impact of home-based businesses. While the original name was selected because There's No Place Like Home for home-based business owners, the new name represents Leading the Home-Based Business Renaissance. The new name more accurately reflects what's taking place in today's marketplace.

"There is a new economic Renaissance occurring now in the United States led by home-based businesses. We need to recognize this momentum with an award not focused on revenue and employee criteria which preclude most home-based business owners from winning business awards," Drez explained.

The only requirements an applicant must meet to be eligible for the Home Business Crown Jewel Award include:
• Owning a home-based business.
• Running a current business for at least two years.
• Membership in a community, business or women's association.

The application questions include business overview and personal story, leadership of the company, community involvement, the most rewarding aspect of owning a home-based business, the greatest challenge faced by the business owner, and any advice the applicant would give to someone considering starting their own home-based business.

The 2005 Home Business Crown Jewel Award recipient will be selected by an independent, national judging panel.

A $25 application fee covers administrative and prize costs. Deadline for applicants is Nov. 1, 2004. The award will be presented during a special luncheon presentation at the Entrepreneurs Small Business Boot Camp on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at the Scottsdale Hilton in Scottsdale, Ariz.

All Home Business Crown Jewel Award applicants will receive a free autographed copy of Drez's book, Putting The Pieces Together. One winner will receive:
• Round trip airfare to Phoenix, Arizona for the winner (or a travel voucher for Phoenix-area winner)
• One night's hotel accommodation at the Scottsdale Hilton
• Free admission to the Small Business Boot Camp
• Presentation of the Home Business Crown Jewel Award; a jeweled circlet or crown in the Renaissance style.

Kathy Sweeney, owner of The Write Resume, was the 2004 recipient.

For more information and to apply, visit www.aperfectsolution.com and click on The Home Business Crown Jewel Award; or call Drez at (480) 899-3090.

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