Media Release:

Women confident of overcoming tough economic times - Telstra Business Womens Awards

Women who own or operate their own business overwhelmingly believe they can successfully weather the tough economic times, according to new research commissioned for the 2009 Telstra Business Women's Awards.

The Telstra survey of working womeni revealed that while 90 per cent of women who own or operate their own business are concerned about the state of the economy, 88 per cent are confident of leading their business successfully through the recession.

Ms Holly Kramer, Group Managing Director, Telstra Product Management and Telstra Business Women's Awards Ambassador, said the survey results showed women in business were determined to succeed.

"Nominations for the Telstra Business Women's Awards are now open and we are looking forward to recognising and rewarding some of Australia's leading business women who continue to excel in their respective fields despite the economic downturn," Ms Kramer said.

"The fact that women across the country are confident of breaking through the worst global financial conditions in living memory is testament to their courage and tenacity, and we continue to see the resilience and strength of Australian women shining through."

The survey also revealed that 75 per cent of women who own and operate their own business are taking positive action to combat the downturn. The most common actions women are taking in their business are cutting costs and improving efficiency (23%) and working harder (18%).

"During these challenging times, programs like the Telstra Business Women's Awards offer successful business women the opportunity to raise their business' profile and be recognised for their success." Ms Kramer said. "From entrepreneurs to innovators, young business women to corporate leaders, and those working in the not-for-profit sector, the Telstra Business Women's Awards program has recognised more than 400 exceptional business women since its inception in 1995.

"We are calling on all Australians to nominate deserving women, whose business journey, hard work and dedication to their chosen field have been an inspiration to others."

2008 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year Leanne Wesche, said that winning her Award was an incredibly rewarding experience that would always remain with her.

"Women are often not good at highlighting their achievements and the Awards provide the much-needed recognition for women in business all over Australia. I would encourage all women in business to participate in the program. Winning such a prestigious award was a great honour and has opened many doors and raised my profile," Ms Wesche said.

In 2009, there are five Award categories open to Australian business women:

• Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award - for owners with a 50 per cent share or more in a business with responsibility for key management decision making;
• Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award - for employees in the private and corporate sectors, or owners with less than a 50 per cent share of a business;
• White Pages Community and Government Award - for employees in government departments, statutory bodies and not-for-profit organisations;
• Nokia Business Innovation Award - for eligible business owners, private sector employees and entrepreneurs who answer the Innovation questions in the Entry form; and
• marie claire Young Business Women's Award - for entrants who are eligible in one of the three qualifying categories who were born on or after July 30, 1974.

Awards are offered in each category in every state and territory with the winners eligible for the national finals in November.

To nominate yourself or other inspirational business women visit: www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com or call 1800 817 536 during business hours.

Nominations close 10th July 2009.

Mum Zone Release Date: 26th May 2009

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