A message from the Publisher of Northern Ontario Business.

There have been few professional achievements over the years that have brought me as much pleasure, and as much pride, as the annual Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards program.

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Launched at a time when women were really just starting to influence policy, economic development and business, the program's primary mandate was to seek out, profile and honour women in Northern Ontario who contributed to economic growth and development in our region.

We were looking for women who were innovators, entrepreneurs, involved citizens and positive role models, and we have not been disappointed with the results of our mission.

Over the last 10 years, the IW program has attracted hundreds of quality nominations from across this vast region and we have honoured incredible women leaders. Their stories of success have been shared through the pages of our souvenir magazines and with literally hundreds and hundreds of delegates who have attended the IW luncheons since their launch.

It seemed only fitting that on our 10th Anniversary we would introduce a special award to honour the Woman of the Decade, in addition to the 2007 IW winners.

What a very difficult job it must have been for this year's judges--two from the northeast and two from the northwest--to only select one of the incredible nominations we received, to arrive at their independent decision on who should receive this special honour.

But after adding up their scores, Louise Paquette is the strongest advocate of Northern-Ontario. She has championed many initiatives and led the way for economic growth throughout the region. Her influence will be felt for many years to come.

This year's winners of the public and private sector awards, and our young entrepreneur winners, are all accomplished women who have committed tremendously to their communities and to the region. Their stories, on the pages that follow, are sure to inspire us as well.

The IW program would not be possible without the continued support of our many sponsors, judges, nominators, delegates, community champions, and supporters who have worked with us to grow this program over the years into the successful event it has become. Thank you so much.

A very special thank you to my co-hosts from CBC Radio One, who have shared the stage with me for many years, Lisa Laco and Sherry Drysdale.

And, I would be remiss if I didn't thank some influential women I know who have worked alongside me to bring this program to life. Thank you to Kimberley Wahamaa, Tiana Di Pasquo, Roxanne Kneer, Sheila O'Neill, Kelly Louiseize, Monica Lebiedz, Jennifer Walton, Aleisha Hart, Karen Teddy, Nicola Macey and Lynn Laird.

Patricia Mills

Publisher