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For immediate release: September 29, 2005
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE VEUVE CLICQUOT AWARD 2006
“We are seeking an Australian woman of vision ... innovative and tenacious ... a risk taker ... a leader ... a woman who has broken new ground and achieved extraordinary success in business ... a woman who exemplifies the values of La Veuve (the widow) Clicquot, a forward thinking, entrepreneurial woman ahead of her times.”
One of Australia‘s most prestigious business awards was launched today with nominations opening for The Veuve Clicquot Award 2006.
The global award, which was launched in France in 1972, honours the world’s most successful businesswomen, recognising females in 16 countries including Australia, who exemplify the extraordinary qualities of la Veuve (the widow) Clicquot. Previous recipients of The Veuve Clicquot Award include leading Australian businesswoman Janet Holmes à Court and the names behind many international brands such as Anita Roddick OBE, founder of The Body Shop.
Madame Clicquot (1777-1866) was arguably the world’s first female entrepreneur. Born Barbe Nicole Ponsardin, she married François Clicquot in 1798. Widowed at the age of 27, she took control of her husband’s business and built the international champagne house Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. With her trademark style, tenacity and commitment to perfection, ‘la Veuve’ built an empire, a legacy and a reputation as “La Grande Dame de la Champagne”.
Madame Clicquot was clever, bold, dynamic, imaginative and adventurous. She was a respected leader, an astute businesswomen and a risk-taker. She defied convention, embraced innovation and remains an inspiration and role model to women around the world.
The Veuve Clicquot Award 2006 aims to identify and celebrate the achievements of an Australian woman who, like Madame Clicquot, demonstrates the qualities of entrepreneurship, audacity and vision.
When the Award was reintroduced to Australia last year, Wendy Erhart was honoured for her tenacious and sustainable approach in growing – literally – one of Australia’s most successful businesses. Withcott Seedlings, which Erhart co-founded with her husband 26 years ago, is the largest supplier of vegetable, fruit and plant seedlings in the southern hemisphere. While Madame Clicquot operated in the difficult climate of the Napoleonic wars, Erhart battled a war of nature – crippling drought. With imagination and innovation, she beat the drought to build and expand a successful company, which produces more than 340 million seedlings each year for Australian farmers and also a baby leaf salad product, Smart Salads, for elite food markets in Australia and overseas.
“Winning the award was not only a great honour, it also provided many opportunities not only for my business but also to help others and hopefully make a difference,” said Erhart. “As a result of winning The Veuve Clicquot Award, I have been invited to join government committees and speak to a wide variety of different groups about our work culture and our approach to beating the drought. Hopefully I’ve been able to help and inspire some people and to have those opportunities has been the most rewarding part of winning the Award.”
As well as the honour of winning the coveted award, the prize package for the successful Australian candidate includes return business class tickets to France to attend the Annual Veuve Clicquot Businesswomen’s meeting in Champagne next June, along with past and present winners from other countries.
“The Award opened up incredible international networking opportunities,” said Erhart. “My trip to France, which was part of my prize package, was humbling in so many ways – as well as being treated to six-star luxury all the way, it was amazing to be in the company of many of the world’s most successful businesswomen. Since my trip I have remained in touch with several of them and that opportunity is one of the things that makes this Award so special. I truly believe the Award has provided an opportunity to showcase the good things happening in Australia and share and learn with others around the world.”
The winner will be announced at the Veuve Clicquot Award Ceremony in Sydney on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2006.
Nominations for the Australian recipient of The Veuve Clicquot Award 2006 close on December 2, 2005. The person who nominates the successful candidate will receive 12 magnums of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut.
Members of the judging panel include Chairman of Heytesbury Janet Holmes à Court, Federal Court judge The Hon. Justice Annabelle Bennett; Executive Director of Paspaley Pearls Pty Ltd, Marilynne Paspaley; Myer Managing Director Dawn Robertson; PBL Director of Corporate Relations and Events Deeta Colvin; and on behalf of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Robert Remnant.
Nomination forms and further information can be found at www.veuveclicquotaward.com.au.
FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES OR TO ARRANGE INTERVIEWS, PLEASE CONTACT
Brooke Tabberer – 0409 844 467 or Naomi Parry – 0411 623 423
Black Communications – 02 9211 1177
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