2018 Influential Women in Business Awards

We are proud to once again celebrate Kootenay business women for their skills, entrepreneurial savvy and community contributions.

Kootenay Business is inviting you to nominate business women in the southeastern corner of B.C. Do you know a woman who deserves recognition for her business successes and serves as a role model in her community?

If so, we invite you to submit a nomination to a deserving candidate.

We will present awards to three accomplished women in the West and three in the East—recognizing them as the most Influential Women in Business for 2018.

Tracey Buckley of Revelstoke, B.C.
West Kootenay, Revelstoke, Technology, Influential Women in Business Tracey Buckley — a rare combination

An aptitude for technology, natural communication skills and an easy way with people have been key to Tracey Buckley’s success.

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Costa Rica-born Pilar Portela, CEO of Astra Smart Systems Inc. and i4C Innovation in the West Kootenay, is passionate about rural sustainability and the practical application of emerging technology
West Kootenay, Rossland, Trail, Small Business, Technology, Influential Women in Business Pilar Portela: Business leader, role model, mentor

Technology entrepreneur Pilar Portela shares her perspective on the leadership roles of women in business.

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Natasha Lockey was please to be recognized by Kootenay Business magazine as an Influential Woman in Business in the West Kootenay
West Kootenay, Rossland, Small Business, Tourism, Influential Women in Business Natasha Lockey, influential entrepreneur

Natasha Lockey is all about adapting to change, taking responsibility and grasping new opportunities.

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Rauni Naud was recognized by Kootenay Business magazine as an Influential Woman in Business in the West Kootenay region
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Financial, Influential Women in Business Rauni Naud: focused, balanced and fulfilled

Rauni Naud combines a single-minded focus, continuing education and passion for her community to achieve financial success and a balanced life.

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(L to R) Amie Lubbers, sales co-ordinator for Kootenay Business magazine, presents one of three Influential Women In Business awards to Stephanie McGregor, owner of The Paw Shop in Cranbrook.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Small Business, Influential Women in Business Stephanie McGregor has pawed her way to the top

Stephanie McGregor, owner of The Paw Shop in Cranbrook, B.C., has made it as a business owner through hard work and asking for help

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(L to R) Amie Lubbers, sales co-ordinator for Kootenay Business magazine, presents one of three Influential Women In Business awards to Brigitte Franyo, owner/operator of the Snowdrift Cafe in Kimberley.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Small Business, Influential Women in Business Brigitte Franyo deftly balances a heaping helping of responsibility

Brigitte Franyo, owner/operator of the Snowdrift Cafe in Kimberley, B.C., manages all aspects of her business—even the kitchen sink

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(L to R) Amie Lubbers, sales co-ordinator for Kootenay Business magazine, presents one of three Influential Women In Business awards to Grace Brulotte, president and program manager for FIRE: Fernie Adaptive Snow Program.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Small Business, Influential Women in Business Grace Brulotte has overcome disabilities and doubt to fulfill her vision

Grace Brulotte, president and program manager for FIRE: Fernie Adaptive Snow Program, is inspiring Fernie, B.C., with bright smiles and remarkable perseverance

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Pilar Portela, Natasha Lockey and Rauni Naud were given special recognition as influential women in business for 2018.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Small Business, Influential Women in Business 7 women who represent the spirit of Kootenay women in business for 2018

We applaud the Kootenay businesswomen who were nominated to our Influential Women in Business list for 2018.

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(L to R) Amie Lubbers, sales co-ordinator for Kootenay Business magazine, presents one of three Influential Women In Business awards to Grace Brulotte, president and program manager for FIRE: Fernie Adaptive Snow Program.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Health & Wellness, Influential Women in Business

Grace Brulotte has overcome disabilities and doubt to fulfill her vision

Grace Brulotte, president and program manager for FIRE: Fernie Adaptive Snow Program, is inspiring Fernie, B.C., with bright smiles and remarkable perseverance

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(L to R) Amie Lubbers, sales co-ordinator for Kootenay Business magazine, presents one of three Influential Women In Business awards to Brigitte Franyo, owner/operator of the Snowdrift Cafe in Kimberley.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Cuisine, Influential Women in Business

Brigitte Franyo deftly balances a heaping helping of responsibility

Brigitte Franyo, owner/operator of the Snowdrift Cafe in Kimberley, B.C., manages all aspects of her business—even the kitchen sink

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(L to R) Amie Lubbers, sales co-ordinator for Kootenay Business magazine, presents one of three Influential Women In Business awards to Stephanie McGregor, owner of The Paw Shop in Cranbrook.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Animal Care, Influential Women in Business

Stephanie McGregor has pawed her way to the top

Stephanie McGregor, owner of The Paw Shop in Cranbrook, B.C., has made it as a business owner through hard work and asking for help

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2018 Influential Women in Business graphic.
Influential Women in Business

See the entire list of 2018 Influential Women in Business nominees

These influential women were nominated for being outstanding Kootenay entrepreneurs

View our Influential Women in Business lists for other years