2009 Telstra Business Women's Awards

Women confident of overcoming tough economic times

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

The Telstra survey of working women(i) revealed that while 90 per cent of women who ownor operate their own business are concerned about the state of the economy, 88 per cent areconfident of leading their business successfully through the recession.

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

"Nominations for the Telstra Business Women's Awards are now open and we are lookingforward to recognising and rewarding some of Australia's leading business women whocontinue to excel in their respective fields despite the economic downturn," Ms Kramersaid.

"The fact that women across the country are confident of breaking through the worst globalfinancial conditions in living memory is testament to their courage and tenacity, and wecontinue 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 ownbusiness are taking positive action to combat the downturn. The most common actionswomen are taking in their business are cutting costs and improving efficiency (23%) andworking harder (18%).

"During these challenging times, programs like the Telstra Business Women's Awardsoffer successful business women the opportunity to raise their business' profile and berecognised for their success." Ms Kramer said.

"From entrepreneurs to innovators, young business women to corporate leaders, and thoseworking in the not-for-profit sector, the Telstra Business Women's Awards program hasrecognised 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 winningher 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 themuch-needed recognition for women in business all over Australia. I would encourage allwomen in business to participate in the program. Winning such a prestigious award was agreat 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:o Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award - for owners with a 50 per centshare or more in a business with responsibility for key management decisionmaking;

o Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award - for employees in the private andcorporate sectors, or owners with less than a 50 per cent share of a business;

o White Pages Community and Government Award - for employees ingovernment departments, statutory bodies and not-for-profit organisations;

o Nokia Business Innovation Award - for eligible business owners, private sectoremployees and entrepreneurs who answer the Innovation questions in the Entryform; and

o marie claire Young Business Women's Award - for entrants who are eligible inone 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 eligiblefor 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 10 July, 2009.

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(i) Research was conducted for Telstra by Pureprofile PTY Ltd between May 1 and 6, 2009.