NAWBO Southern Nevada Names 2011 Women of Distinction

Online, March 17, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Southern Nevada chapter held its 13th Annual Women of Distinction Awards on Friday, March 11 at Caesar's Palace. The Women of Distinction Awards recognizes women who are outstanding in their fields and have made significant contributions to the community both personally and professionally.

Women of Distinction Awards are given in several categories. Award recipients included:

• Communications & Public Relations: Kimberly Bailey Tureaud, Las Vegas Black Image Magazine
• Education: Dr. Janet Runge, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Government Services: Tina Quigley, RTC Southern Nevada
• Human Resources & Training: Millie Thomas, Cox Communications
• Philanthropy & Community Service: Jacqulyn Shropshire, Philanthropist
• Professional Services: Dr. Debra Tony, TLC Health Care Services
• Real Estate & Construction: Sherrie Hermann, Cal/Pac Painting
• Retail & Business Services: Pamela Joy Ring, The Ring Retail Advisory
• Gaming, Hospitality & Convention Services: Dzidra Junior, MGM Resorts International
• Glass Ceiling: E. Lavonne Lewis, Urban League
• Rising Star: Melissa Orien, Holland & Hart
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Mary Beth Hartleb, Prism HR & Insurance Services

Proceeds from the event will benefit women-owned businesses through the WODA Foundation, a non-profit organization.

"Through the Women of Distinction Awards, NAWBO honors women who have made substantial contributions to the Southern Nevada community," said Berna Rhodes-Ford, chair of the program and an attorney with Holland & Hart. "Each finalist's journey to success has undoubtedly been accompanied by two attributes: Sacrifice and Service. I am honored to have served as Chair of the program that recognizes such remarkable women."

National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) is the voice of America's 10.6 million women-owned businesses. Since 1975, NAWBO has helped women evolve their businesses by sharing resources and providing a single voice to shape economic and public policy. National Association of Women Business Owners is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries.

NAWBO Southern Nevada is an organization that educates, empowers and promotes women business owners and invites its members to experience success in all economic, political and social arenas. Learn more at www.nawbosnv.org.