Four women will win the honour of being an influential woman in business at Business In Vancouver's sixth annual Influential Women In Business Awards luncheon February 23 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

The event will honour IWIB's first lifetime achievement winner, veteran editor and educator Doreen McKenzie-Sanders.

"It's important to put a spotlight on the many B.C. women worthy of sitting on corporate boards," said Business In Vancouver director of sales and marketing Cheryl Carter. "We're recognizing amazing business people based on professional accomplishments, power and influence within their industry, advocacy for women in business and business community involvement."

Minerva Foundation chair Nancy McKinstry, Leading Edge BC vice-president of campaigns and partnerships Linda Thorstad, Business In Vancouver publisher Tom Siba and Miles Employment Group Ltd. president and CEO Sandra Miles judged from a shortlist of 10 finalists to pick 5 winners.

All nominees had to be active owners, partners, presidents or senior managers at a private- or public-sector company and either live or work in B.C.

Judges determined winners through assessing nominees' submissions in three areas: professional and entrepreneurial accomplishments, power and influence, and business community involvement.

CanWest Global Communications Corp. anchor Jill Krop will emcee the luncheon and Elizabeth Watson, the managing director of board resourcing and development in Premier Gordon Campbell's office, will give a speech about women's representation on corporate boards.

Last year's winners included McKinstry, Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre general manager Barbara Maple, consultant Catherine Osler, Fasken Martineau managing partner Sue Paish and University of Victoria vice-president of external relations, Faye Wightman.

Past winners have also included CBC chair Carole Taylor, University of British Columbia president Martha Piper and QLT Inc. founder Julia Levy.