From running a lakefront restaurant, an upscale hair salon to an English tea room, the Top 10 Business Women of the Year have been chosen.
In October, the Lake Media family of publications and Lake Lifestyles magazine asked the community to submit nominations for women who embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and are a positive influence in the community. Women representing nearly every industry in the lake area were nominated. More than 80 women were nominated for the honor.
After a month of calling for nominations, a panel of judges representing the business community chose the top 10 women. The criteria for being chosen included owning or running a business in Camden, Miller or Morgan counties; being at least 21 years of age and residing in Camden, Miller or Morgan counties; being actively engaged in business and having a presence in the community.
Judges looked for women with leadership, strong ethical and moral values, innovation and extraordinary vision; and those who have exhibited managerial savviness in the growth and operation of business.
This year's winners included: Selynn Barbour, Judy Blair, Karen Medders-Bowman, Donna Comelli, Trenny Garrett, Kym Ebling, Danna Kahrs, Jane Martin, Reba Starling-Silvey and Karen Zaborac.
The women were honored during a reception at Old Kinderhook’s Trophy Room on Jan. 5.
The nominees are featured in the January-February edition of Lake Lifestyles magazine with a cover photo shoot and feature story highlighting their accomplishments. The Top 10 Women in Business is in recognition of Lake Lifestyle’s 10-year anniversary celebration.
About the judges
Bobbi Bash, broker/owner Bobbi Bash Realty
Janice Gentile, managing partner of CURA Advantage, a women owned health care solutions consulting firm
Sara McElwee, accounting consultant for Lake Dental Clinic, and co-owner of JJs at the Cooper Pot
Jackie Rasmussen, Business Development Specialist for the University of Missouri Extension Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center
