As the owner of Pierpont Place, I (Janice Boes) am excited for my second term as president of our local chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). As president, it is an honor to help women entrepreneurs create effective changes in business culture, to mentor other women business owners, and to help build strategic alliances.

In celebration of the amazing women in our community coming together, NAWBO presented our yearly awards to some incredible business women. It is my distinct pleasure to share the award categories and winners.

 Member of the Year – Annette Piper

Under Annette’s direction, NAWBO workshops and events have grown consistently and the mixer attendance has nearly tripled.  Annette is a professional speaker, author, coach, and trainer who inspires women internationally to create whole-life success.

Rising Star Award – Kathryn Christiansen

Kathryn’s most recent business venture, MyBusinessBar, is a true co-working facility.  This shared business environment enables business owners to connect, boost productivity and benefit from the creativity that comes from surrounding oneself with an expanded network of like-minded professionals.

Student of the Year – Diana Ballestero

Diana is an active member of DECA where she created the “Entreprecurious” event. Currently Diana is an intern with The City Launch helping with public relations, social media, graphic design, and blogging.

Corporate Chapter Sponsor of the Year/Zions Bank, Women’s Financial Group – Chantel Chase

Zions Bank, Women’s Financial Group (WFG) is an arm of Zions Bank that provides office space and support to our chapter and other community organizations. WFG has been NAWBO’s home base since 2004 and WFG recently offered two additional properties for NAWBO’s use as needed.

Women Business Owner of the Year – Mai Nguyen

Mai is a visionary and a licensed contractor. She plans to develop two major commercial properties that will add significant value and vibrancy to the community.  In addition, Mia is a restaurateur. Her her flagship restaurant, Sapa Sushi Bar and Grill, opened in 2009 in the middle of the recession yet Mia grew the restaurant into an incredible success. She has four restaurants that employ over 100 people and reached $3 million in sales last year.  In 2014, she expects sales to be over $5 million.

Time moves quickly being a mother, wife, business owner, and volunteer. But I love taking time to stop and reflect on all that was accomplished last year and think about all the possibilities to come. Thank you NAWBO members, board members, sponsors, partners, and friends! Cheers and congratulations to the 2014 awardees and to the board of directors! Individually we accomplished much in 2013, and together we can accomplish more!

I am looking forward to my second fiscal term as president serving women business owners, rolling out new initiatives, and continuing to grow NAWBO SLC.