Successful businesswomen receive community awards [Columbia Daily Tribune (MO)]

The Third Annual Columbia Daily Tribune Women in Business Awards program provided ample challenge to this year's judges as they chose 21 finalists and three award recipients from a pool of community nominations.

The program recognizes women who exemplify the highest standards in the Columbia business community, in terms of business success and community contribution. Awards are given in three categories: Business Woman of the Year, Emerging Business Woman of the Year and the Professional Excellence Award.

Five judges, chosen for independence, community reputation and diverse business experience, selected the 21 finalists and three award recipients. The identity of judges remains confidential to help ensure the integrity of the selection process.

"Columbia is fortunate to have a stellar population of business women who are second-to-none in terms of professionalism, commitment, determination and community involvement," Vicki Russell, Columbia Daily Tribune publisher and the event's chairwoman, said.

"The Women in Business Awards give us a way to pause each year and recognize the hard-earned success of these deserving business leaders."

Finalists and recipients were honored today at a luncheon at Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center. Astronaut Linda Godwin, veteran of four space flights, delivered the keynote address.

Award program sponsors are the Columbia Daily Tribune, Commerce Bank, Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center, University Catering & Event Services, Moresource Inc., Community Events and KFRU News Talk 1400.

Mid-Missouri's Outstanding Business Women

Jahnae H. Barnett

William Woods University

Jahnae H. Barnett began work at William Woods University in 1973 and assumed the presidency in 1990. Under her leadership, William Woods grew from a single-campus women's college with 500 students into a

statewide, co-educational university serving 3,600 students, with four permanent sites and an additional 150 graduate college programs across Missouri and in Arkansas.

Lisa Bartlett

Artlandish Gallery

Lisa Bartlett has started and run four businesses, including Artlandish Gallery. She is an artist with a

regular show record and sales since 1986. Bartlett is a leader in the Columbia arts community and promotes arts education through many venues, including the recent Blues in the Schools downtown

mural project for elementary students in Columbia's public schools.

Ann Bromstedt

Kilgore's Medical Pharmacy

Since Ann Bromstedt became an owner of Kilgore's Medical Pharmacy in 1999, employee count has

increased from under 20 to more than 120. Sales have increased between eight and nine times. Bromstedt's extensive community involvement includes the Voluntary Action Center, Woodhaven

Learning Center, Komen Race for the Cure and the American Cancer Society.

Mara Burghard

MacXprts

Mara Burghard joined MacXprts, one of the nation's largest independent Apple dealers, in 1998,

becoming CEO in 2006. Prior to joining MacXperts, Burghard taught in the Columbia Public School

system and was named Teacher of the Year. Burghard has served as a lay minister in her church and serves on several community boards.

Shelly DeVore

Columbia Insurance Group

Shelly DeVore has worked as an administrative supervisor at Columbia Insurance Group since 2007. In that position, Shelly has had a lasting impact -- as when she managed the implementation of a $1 million

paperless workflow system. Her community involvement includes First Chance for Children, Daniel Boone Little League, Chamber of Commerce and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Kristen Dickinson

Dickinson Law Firm

Kristen Dickinson has been an attorney for seven years and started her own firm two years ago. Kristen

is a member of Rotary, is on the Central Missouri March of Dimes board and is a Girl Scout leader. She dedicates her time pro bono to many cases.

Leela Jashnani

Executive Hospitality Inc.

Twenty-three years ago, Leela Jashnani co-founded Executive Hospitality Inc. with her husband, George. Today, the company owns a number of hotels/motels in several states. Jashnani's community involvements include the Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Public Schools, promoting an understanding

of Indian culture and the Hindu religion, and support of the arts.

Christina Kelley

Makes Scents

Christina Kelley has owned and operated Makes Scents, now on Ninth Street, since 2006, having worked there for the previous 15 years. Kelley is an active advocate for The District, contributing her time as a

charter member of the Downtown Community Improvement District board and sponsoring activities such as the True/False Film Festival.

Bridgid Kinney

Marathon Building Environments

Bridgid Kinney owned and operated August Systems for 14 years, achieving yearly growth, even in a

down economy. Marathon Building Environments acquired her company in 2010, and Kinney now serves

on the leadership team. Her community activities include leadership in the Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Town, Ronald McDonald House and Rotary.

Michelle Ishmael

Jenny Craig Weight Management Center

Michelle Ishmael has been center director with Jenny Craig Weight Management Center for two

years. Ishmael had a long and successful career as owner of Express Personnel Services, sold that business and has started over with Jenny Craig.

Kelsey Meyer

League of Innovators

As director of awesomeness, Kelsey Meyer helped launch and now runs the League of Innovators. As the new VP of Digital Talent Agents for AdVentures, Meyer is already securing new clients just two months

after hearing the business idea. Meyer volunteers with Mizzou's Alumni Mentor Program and the Columbia Area Career Center's IT Academy.

Dr. Arminta Phelps

Achieve Balance Chiropractic

Arminta Phelps opened Achieve Balance Chiropractic in 2008. She has seen a near-monthly increase in the number of patients since that time. Phelps is active with her church and volunteers with a variety of other community organizations.

Jena K. Randolph

Columbia Public Schools

Jena Randolph is changing the world for children with autism. Even before her current position in District Support in Behavior and Autism for Columbia Public Schools, she created what has become Columbia's

predominant elementary curriculum for students on the autism spectrum and those with behavioral needs. Now, she is doing the same for middle and high school students.

Cathy Richards

Boone County

Boone County's public administrator since 2008, Cathy Richards exceeds expectations for the more

than 420 citizens in her care. For example, Richards helped to pass a city ordinance requiring landlords

to check on empty houses during winter so indigents will not freeze to death. On call 24/7, she still makes time to pursue her master's degree and volunteer in the community

Nelly Roach

Caledon Virtual & KimberMedia

Nelly Roach co-founded and helps lead two companies, serving as executive director at Caledon Virtual

and a partner at KimberMedia. Her community activities include leadership positions with Rotary, Voices,

Carousel Play School and Woodcrest Chapel. She has contributed hundreds of pro-bono service hours to various local organizations and causes.

Betty Schuster

Schuster Financial Services

Schuster has been a Certified Financial Planner with Principal Financial Group for 23 years and has owned Schuster Financial Services since the mid-90s. She consistently ranks in the top 5 percent of agents with the Principal Financial Group. Among many others, Schuster has a long history of leadership with the Chamber of Commerce, United Way and King's Daughters.

Doris Scribner

Executive Advantage

Doris Scribner is a business consultant at Executive Advantage. Her accomplishments include developing a 360-degree performance review that has been used by MeM and MSTA for top-level personnel. Outside of work, Scribner serves on the Youth Empowerment Zone board, is a member of Centralia REDI and is a translator for Russian- speaking patients at University Hospital and Clinics.

Eva Trabue

Columbia Family Medical Group

Eva Trabue has served as Columbia Family Medical Group's COO for more than 20 years. She has overseen the growth of the practice and countless transitions -- including a company name change, expansion to a second facility and ever-changing health care regulations and technologies. Trabue is a frequent community volunteer, particularly to the school system and her church.

Lili Vianello

Visionworks Marketing & Communications

Lili Vianello has been owner/president of Visionworks Marketing & Communications for 16 years. Visionworks has grown from a two- person graphic design firm into a full-service advertising agency. Vianello serves on the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, Mid-Missouri Alzheimers Association, Missouri Symphony Society, Woodhaven and Access Arts.

Helen Wade

Harper, Evans, Wade & Netemeyer

Helen Wade is a family law attorney and a partner at Harper, Evans, Wade & Netemeyer. She serves as a board member for Voices, serves as secretary for the Boone County Bar Association and is a member of the Columbia Public School Board, where she was elected with more votes than any other candidate.

Tamra Washburn

Cannery Row Preschool

Tamra Washburn started her own business in 2008 with an in-home daycare service. After several expansions, Cannery Row Preschool is now licensed to serve 99 children. In addition to running her business, Washburn is a full-time college student and contributes to the community through the Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer at her daughter's school.

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This article was published on page A3 of the Tuesday, October 25, 2011 edition of The Columbia Daily Tribune. Click here to Subscribe.