NOMINATIONS for the Influential Women in Business Awards opened at the Empowering Women in Business Networking breakfast on Wednesday.
The breakfast was also an opportunity to recognise outgoing board members, while welcoming new faces to the role.
Departing board members Ali Villani and Sam Rothall were recognised for their contribution and dedication to the board at the breakfast.
Ms Villani said she was grateful for the experience she has had with WiBRD and explained she was initially taken out of her comfort zone.
“It was a scary experience at first meeting many different people, however magic happens outside of your comfort zone,” Ms Villani said.
Ms Rothall said the journey had been incredible and she would encourage others to engage and invest their time in the community.
“We all have one common goal, which is supporting others who are in business and making connections,” Ms Rothall said.
She said her first breakfast was a special experience as she made many friends and it had been a privilege to be a board member.
New members Lauren Milich and Jacinta Jones were also welcomed and introduced to members at the event.
Guest speaker Rachel Alexander of Windon Park Belted Galloways and the winner of the 2015 young business woman of the year award spoke to members about her business journey.
Ms Alexander discussed how her cattle business changed direction as she initially focused on breaking into the meat market.
“Due to three of the butchers I supplied to falling through, I was left with animals I had purchased in a paddock,” Ms Alexander said.
However, she found people interested in buying calves for their own land or to have on bed and breakfast accommodation properties.
“I began to sell calves to buyers in Daylesford and Kangaroo Island,” she said.
Ms Alexander said her business and goals had changed since she received her award in 2015 and this resulted in her having to adapt by changing her breeding strategy.
“I learnt that your business can change and that you should always be open to new ideas,” Ms Alexander said.
Meanwhile, the 2017 business awards are expected to be bigger than ever.
Categories include best small business, best business, entrepreneur of the year, business woman of the year, community leader and a new award for employee of the year.
Those who enter will be in the running for more than $10,000 of prizes focused on personal and business development.
“This year we have made the nomination process simple with the launch of a new online application,” Ms Villani said.
“Nominees will simply need to answer a few questions about their business or role within an organisation, along with their experiences in no more than 500 words.”
The biannual awards will be presented at a gala dinner at The Barn in Mount Gambier on August 4.
Nominations close June 25.
