The Governor's Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business	2009 Trailblazer Awards      Meet the 2009 Award Recipients click here for 2009 winner biographies
Download a Nomination Form (.pdf) or Complete it Online (Nominations will next be accepted in Fall 2010) Download a Flyer	Click here for 2009 Photo Album   Press Release (April 9, 2009)
Nominations   Nominations are closed for Wisconsin's 2009 Governor’s Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business, recognizing women pioneers in the business community.    Business and professional associations, elected officials and others were invited to nominate businesses for Trailblazer Awards and business owners may also self nominate for awards.    About the Awards   Trailblazer Awards recognize the rich legacy of women's business ownership in Wisconsin.  Wisconsin's women-owned businesses have provided family supporting, community enriching jobs for generations. By starting and sustaining businesses, exploring markets, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth, Wisconsin women business owners play a leading role in our economy.  The Trailblazer Awards celebrate women's long history of entrepreneurship and deep roots in Wisconsin's business community.                   Award Eligibility Candidates for the award must be Wisconsin residents and own a registered business that is not a franchise or non-profit. The business must be:  woman-owned, defined as 51% or more ownership or stock; in compliance with state and federal laws and guidelines; and founded and located in Wisconsin and since its founding has conducted business in Wisconsin continuously for the number of years of the recognition sought.	Trail· blaz· er  'trAl-"blA-z&r'  noun  1. one that blazes a trail to guide others; 2. one that discovers a way; 3. a person that originated or helps open up a new line of thought or activity or new method or technical development.                 Awards Categories   Torch Awards: recognize businesses founded by women that have been run continuously by women through at least three generations and family businesses started by men or women currently run by the female relative of the founder, that have been in continuous operation for at least three generations.   Trailblazer Awards: recognize women-owned businesses that have been in continuous operation for 25 years or more.  (The generational component is not required for Trailblazer Awards.)   Awards Winners & Events   Trailblazers in the News: Five Dane County businesses given Governor's Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business, Wisconsin State Journal, April 16, 2009 Trailblazer keeps family business trucking, Janesville Gazette, April 29, 2009               Trailblazer Archive                           2007 Awards             Meet the 2007 Recipients                       2007 Photo Album    For more information or to submit a nomination form, contact:   Christine Lidbury Executive Director phone: 608 / 266-2219 fax: 608 / 267-0626 email: womenscouncil@wisconsin.gov
"Wisconsin’s home-grown businesses are really what drive our economy, and the role women play in these businesses is vital to the state’s economic success.  I am honored to help to recognize these women who have started their own business, and the great success they’ve had – strengthening a core part of our economy, and building strong communities in the process." Governor Jim Doyle
Trailblazer Sponsors   Jim Doyle Governor State of Wisconsin       Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce   M&I Bank Click on the image to learn more about our corporate and organizational sponsors.   The Trailblazer Award Luncheon is Generously Sponsored by M&I Bank.                              2009 Governor's Trailblazer Awards Organizing Committee                            Kris Martinsek, Chair                          Carol Dunn, Wisconsin Department of Commerce                          Sharon Cook, City of Milwaukee                          Christine Lidbury, Wisconsin Women's Council                           Vickie Wenzel, Target Commercial Interiors