Idaho Business Review IBR
They’ve come a long way, baby.
In 1900, women workers were just 18 percent of the labor market in the United States. Today that number is edging up to the 50 percent mark. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, women now make up the majority of professional and service occupations. And, for the first time, women outnumbered men in finishing college and holding advanced degrees in 2011.
The Idaho Business Review recognizes women in business and annually applauds them, from public, private and charitable business sectors, giving credence to work ethic, innovation and balance. The IBR is proud to name the 50 Idaho Women of the Year for 2012 and honors these women and their commitment to excellence.
“This is the seventh year we have celebrated professional women for their achievements, as business leaders and community builders and for their forward thinking,” said Sean Evans, publisher and vice president of the Idaho Business Review.
This year, more than 180 nominations poured in from Moscow to Idaho Falls – 50 more than in 2011. Half finished the extensive application process and then were rated by past Women of the Year honorees. Each applicant was ranked on a scale of 1 – 5 (with 5 being the best) in four areas: professional achievements, leadership skills, community involvement and long-term goals.
“The fact that we have so many notable business women in our midst is a testament to our business community at large. Every year, the number of nominations increases and every year the selection process becomes more difficult,” Evans said.
Through a days-long elimination process, the list was whittled down to 50.
“Judging was hard,” said Kâren Sander, executive director of the Downtown Boise Association and one of this year’s selection committee members.
Sander said the women’s stories were incredible, and many told of adversities they had to overcome.
“The overall strength of character was impressive – these are not just an elite group, not all women who went to college, got the degree and went to work,” Sander said. “I was constantly amazed at how they started their own business or to what heights they’ve taken their company. Many fought for where they are today – and they just keep giving back to the community.”
You can read all their stories – they will be featured in a special publication in the Feb. 24 issue of IBR. The 50 women also will be honored at an awards dinner and ceremony. For its second year, the Idaho Business Review will name one as the IBR Woman of the Year 2012 at the awards dinner. For tickets, go to the website: https://idahobusinessreview.com/events/woy/
Idaho Business Review Women of the Year 2012:
Katherine G. Aiken, University of Idaho
Lucia Asumendi-Mereness, Homedale School District
Sharon Bantrup, BRJ Distributing
Janine Bastian, Property MgMt & More
Patricia Canto, Degrann Products, LLC
Adrean Casper, American Heart Association
Maurine Collins, Blue Cross of Idaho
Jenalee Crawford, TQ Properties
Stacie Curry, Boise School District
Lynnette M. Davis, Hawley Troxell
JamieLou Delavan, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Beth Elroy, Micron Technology, Inc.
Marissa Emmons, McMillen, LLC
Jamie Gaythwaite, Peppershock Media
Kimberly Graime, Equity Advisors Consulting Group, LLC
Sylvia Hampel, Clearview Cleaning Service, Inc.
Brandi Hodnett, Deb Williams Insurance
Pamela Houston-Powell, EdWise, LLC
Britt E. Ide, Ide Law & Strategy, PLLC
Rachel Johnsen, International Association of Women Small Business Owners & SpringAhead
Laurie A. Kaufman, Associated Builder’s & Contractors Inland Pacific Chapter
Paula Kellerer, Northwest Nazarene University
Anne C. Kunkel, Givens Pursley LLP
Diane T. Kushlan, Kushlan Associates
Julie Larson, Meridian Entrepreneur Think-Tank Co-Operative
Melissa R. Lavitt, Boise State University
Cathy Light, Business Builders LLC & Assessment Leaders LLC
Laura K. Lineberry, Lineberry Orthodontics, PLLC
Sue Macartney, Your Color Image Center
Lauren McLean, The Confluence Group
Sylvia Medina, The North Wind Group
Maria Patrick, Micron Technology, Inc.
Terri R. Pickens, Pickens Law, P.A.
Michelle Points, Hawley Troxell
Christine Rood, University of Phoenix
Kimberly Evans Ross, Moffatt Thomas Barret Rock & Fields, Chrtd.
Heather P. Sabala, U.S. Bank
Jennifer M. Schindele, Bevis, Thiry & Schindele, P.A.
Terri A. Schorzman, City of Boise
Katie Sewell, Idaho Small Business Development Center
Deanna Smith, Idaho Smart Growth
Jennifer Stevens, Stevens Historical Research Associates
Vonna Torrey, Adecco, USA
Lisa Thorne, Lisa Thorne on Leadership
Allison J. L. Touchstone, University of Idaho
Karen L. Vauk, The Idaho Foodbank
Heather Wheeler, Community Transportation Association of Idaho
Anne B. Wilde, The HR & Benefits Advisor, PLLC
Linda Yanke, Yanke Machine Shop
Maryanna Young, Aloha Publishing
