Five women will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to local business at Business in Vancouver’s eighth annual Influential Women in Business Awards luncheon taking place on Wednesday, March 7 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

The event will also honour former deputy premier Grace McCarthy, winner of our third annual Lifetime Achievement Award, who began in business with her own flower shop before lighting up B.C.’s political stage.

“The awards were created to draw attention to B.C. business women who make a significant contribution to their company and industry at a senior executive level. They have the clout and success to be appointed to corporate boards and be influential within our thriving business community,” said Cheryl Carter, director of sales and marketing at BIV Media Group.

“With changing demographics and increased diversity within our population, businesses should recognize that appointing and encouraging women to leadership roles within their companies and corporate boards makes good business sense. Increased gender diversity around the boardroom table reflects the realities of our society.”

Judging this year’s awards were: Doreen McKenzie-Sanders, prevous winner of IWIB’s Lifetime Achievement Award; Lois Nahirney, partner at Western Management Consultants; Sue Paish QC of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, a 2004 Influential Women in Business winner; and Tom Siba, president and CEO of BIV Media Group.

More than 70 nominations were received. All nominees had to be active owners, partners, presidents or senior managers of a private- or public-sector companies or non-profit organizations, and either live or work within B.C. Winners were chosen following an assessment of their professional and entrepreneurial accomplishments, their influence through corporate governance, and their business community involvement.

“The women the judges chose to honour this year have achieved extraordinary success and stand as pioneers and champions within their respective businesses and industry sectors,” added Carter.

TV news anchor Jill Krop of CanWest Global Communications Corp. will emcee the luncheon. Tickets are available through www.biv.com/iwib.

Last year’s winners included: Kazuko Kamatsu of Pacific Western Brewing Co., Judy Rogers of the City of Vancouver and Lis Welch of the Welch Group. Wendy McDonald of BC Bearing Group was the lifetime achievement winner.