The WMB Conference & Awards 2009 allows for the opportunity to recognise businesswomen for the great contribution that they make to our economy and to society.
 Anne Dooley, Director, Winthrop Engineering & Constructing Ltd. — Winner of O2 WMBUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD 2008
 “I was surprised but delighted to win and be presented with the O2 WMB Businesswoman of the Year award last September although I would say that our business success in Winthrop was the result of the team of people that work here. Whilst professionally the Award has brought some positive profile to myself and to our Company, Winthrop, it has happened in a business environment that has somewhat exceeded the usual "challenging" euphemism. However the resulting contacts with other business people, outside our own sector, has shown that every sector and every business have been working to the same ends to identify strategies to ensure survival whether it be cost cutting, streamlining, "right-sizing" or focused marketing to ensure survival until the economy starts to lift.”
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Mary Lawlor, Executive Director, Front Line — Winner of Irish life WMB Social Entrepreneur of the year Award 2008
 “It came as a great surprise to me to find I had been nominated for the WMB Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2008. In fact I didn’t believe it and contacted Women Mean Business to find out if it were true. To then win the award was a most unexpected privilege. Of course it is always nice to be acknowledged because it allows you to reflect on how far the organisation has come, but it is even more important to me to create awareness of the vital work of human rights defenders who build civil and just societies at great personal risk. Getting the award meant I didn’t have to say how good Front Line was myself but rather let the fact that the work had been independently evaluated act as a reference. It was a great boost to my morale and gave me a fierce determination to continue.”
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Nicola Byrne, Managing Director, 11890 — Winner of County & City Enterprise Boards WMB Breakthrough Award 2008
 “It’s hard to believe a year has nearly passed since Women Mean Business awarded the Breakthrough Award to 11890. The Award is the first ever award we won in 11890 and so meant so much. The real value though came not from the award on the day but from the network of amazing people we met at the conference and who helped us bring the business a step further. We are now the largest Irish Directory Enquiry service and without the support and recognition of our peers we could not be where we are today.”
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Anni Kilgallon, Managing Director, Chocolate Heaven — Winner of Accenture WMB Big Idea Award 2008
 “Like all things it started with a thought ‘Men love chocolate so why not make a box of chocolates exclusively for men and give them what they want. Thus ADAM — handmade chocolates for men was created. EVE, the soulmate chocolate selection followed for the ladies. Although not at all hopeful I nominated Chocolate Heaven for the Accenture WMBig Idea Award last Sept. When the famous envelope was opened and I was called to the stage to receive the award I felt a great sense of pride yet wonder — I had dreamt this idea up and people thought it was fantastic! Press and radio interviews followed and the brand Chocolate Heaven was becoming recognised. Access to the keen insightful mind of Gavin Maxwell and his able team at Accenture has been the highlight of winning the award. I am told that in difficult times we all turn to chocolate for comfort and reward so I think I’ll forge ahead with the new products I just can’t wait to excite the Irish public with. Yes, I’ll go for it!”
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Rosie Sheehan, Director, Broadway Bagels — Winner
of WMB Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2008
“As I didn’t go to college, running my own business was not something I saw in my future. Winning an award for running my own business was beyond the realm of probability! It has been the best endorsement I have ever been given in business. I still can’t believe that with all of the successful women entrepreneurs in the country, this award has been given to me. My colleagues and business associates are delighted and the feedback we have received has been phenomenal! As a multi-tasking mom running a family business, I often just focus on the day to day tasks, and I have to be reminded (by my husband, usually) to see the bigger picture... to recognise how far we have come. Winning the WMB award has been the biggest pat on the back of my career!”
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