Regional business leaders honoured

HALL OF FAME: Women in Business and Regional Development hall of fame inductees Elizabeth Hodges, Tammy Whitehead and Wendy Richardson were celebrated at Friday’s masquerade gala dinner. The biennial hall of fame recognises individuals for their contribution and influence towards WiBRD. Picture: GEORGIA PAIGE PHOTOGRAPHY

THREE influential business women were inducted into the Women in Business and Regional Development (WiBRD) Hall of Fame at a masquerade gala dinner at the Commodore on the Park on Friday night.

This year’s hall of fame inductees – Wendy Richardson and former WiBRD chairs Elizabeth Hodges and Tammy Whitehead – were celebrated between performances by entertainer Matt Tarrant and live music by local band Sugar Loaf.

The biennial hall of fame event recognises individuals for their contribution and influence towards WiBRD.

Elizabeth Hodges was chair of the organisation for four years and is a current member who maintains a strong presence in the community.

Redgum Country owner Wendy Richardson is a long-term member and valued sponsor of WiBRD and was the inaugural winner of the 2010 Influential Business Woman of the Year award.

Tammy Whitehead – who now resides in Portland – chaired WiBRD for two years, was treasurer for two years and is a current member and sponsor.

WiBRD chair Cathy Lunnay said the event was an opportunity to reflect and celebrate how the network had evolved over the past 20 years.

“Nights like this are a testament to our mission to ignite, support, advocate and celebrate through our community,” Ms Lunnay said.

“I would like to say thank you to our past board members – your tireless volunteer hours have kept us going throughout the last 20 years and allow us to participate tonight in a legacy that we hope will surpass us.

“As your current chair, I could not be prouder of where the future is taking this network and I must also thank our current board members.

“You fundamentally hold true the values and characteristics of WiBRD and are evidence of the talent, enthusiasm and achievement of women empowering women.”