A celebration of inspiration.

• Position: INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2011

The Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards is much more than an event honouring those who contribute to the wealth and economic growth of the region. It's an opportunity to be inspired by the drive and determination of the award winners, to connect and network, and to celebrate the vital role women play in their communities.

The 14th Annual Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards and Trade Show luncheons were held in Thunder Bay May 31 at Valhalla Inn and in North Bay June 2 at Best Western. Both were sold-out events that included a trade show with various exhibitors.

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"The very fact the program has existed for 14 years is a testament to the need in our region to acknowledge women's contributions to creating wealth and jobs," said Patricia Mills publisher of Northern Ontario Business. "The statistics are out there - many small business owners are women and they go about doing their daily work and they don't expect to be recognized for it And when you do recognize thern, they are genuinely awed by the fact that someone took the time and cared enough to say thank you and I think that is why the program has continued to grow and be important."

The northwest winners included Nipigon's Levina Collins of Collins Consulting Services for the Private Sector Award; Dr. Nancy Luckai, Associate Professor at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay for the Public Sector Award; and Thunder Bay's Marija Harp, owner of Sweet Pea's Home Catering for Young Entrepreneur.

In thei northeast, the Private Sector Award was given to North Bay's...