Finalists Release
Contact: Patrick Kowalcyzk, patrick@mkpr.com
Jill Feldman, jill@mkpr.com
Michael Kaminer Public Relations, 212.627.8098
STEVIETM AWARDS FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
ANNOUNCE 2004 FINALISTS
Bill Rancic, Winner of The Hit TV Series “The Apprentice,” To Host
October 22nd Awards Ceremony in New York City
New York, NY – September 27, 2004 – Shining a spotlight on outstanding women behind the fastest-growing segment in small business today, The 2004 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs today unveiled finalists in 18 categories including Best Entrepreneur and Best Overall Company.
The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs, www.stevieawards.com/women, is a new national awards competition recognizing the accomplishments of women small business owners in the .
Nicknamed the Steviesfor the Greek word “crowned,” the awards ceremony and reception will take place on Friday, October 22 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in
More than 600 nominations from small companies in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in 18 categories. Complete lists of finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/women.
The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs are governed by a board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors that features many leading women entrepreneurs and luminaries in American business, including Carrie Fitzmaurice, publisher for Entrepreneur Media, Inc.; Edie Fraser, President of the Business Women's Network; and Dr. Betty Spence, president of The National Association for Female Executives.
Advanta Corp. (NASDAQ: ADVNB; ADVNA) is the exclusive sponsor of The 2004 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs, and has been committed to supporting the success of women in business for over 50 years. Founded as Teachers’ Service Organization, originally providing needs-based loans to teachers – mostly women – at a time when banks often did not, Advanta is now one of the nation’s largest issuers of MasterCard business credit cards to ’s small businesses through its subsidiary Advanta Bank Corp.
“The Finalists for the first-ever Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs comprise the most dynamic women in business today,” said Dennis Alter, chairman and CEO of Advanta. “As part of our long-standing commitment to help women entrepreneurs build their businesses, we congratulate all of the Finalists on their achievement.”
Leading the list of women-owned small companies among the Finalists are Digital Frames of Mulberry, FL and The Homemaker’s Idea Company of
“Since we began the Stevie Awards, our goal has been to shine a spotlight on ordinary businesspeople who accomplish extraordinary things every work day,” said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of The Stevie Awards. “We look forward to honoring the outstanding women entrepreneurs who are reshaping and re-invigorating the American business landscape.”
Nominations were rated by scores of business professionals nationwide during a two-month round of preliminary judging in July and August, and their average scores determined the Finalists. For more information on the awards, please visit: www.stevieawards.com/women.
About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in three programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, and The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.
###