RE:RE:RE:This won’t help the price, but...Let’s not diminish the value of this honour or the institution that has been established to provide this recognition. This is a good thing... for Melinda, for women, and for our investment.
Among others, RBC is a supporter / sponsor of this, but is (and must be) arms length from the process... the RBC Eve loan can’t constitute any foundation of the nomination or award. Same premise elsewhere, eg that favouritism can not be paid to an applicant who has a big Telus business plan, to help them be nominated or win the Telus Trailblazer award.
These are independent unbiased processes. There is also quite a bit of scrutiny. And just so it is clear that this isn’t just me spouting, below are some great excerpts from the site confirming this, then I added a few more excerpts from the site to give some nice colour in other areas (criteria for the awards).
So, here is what it comes down to... in a nutshell... some of the most savvy, successful, well-established women / business leaders in our country have evaluated (judged) Melinda (and Eve)... including the person, the community impact, and even into their business plan / finances... to confirm that this is a solid woman (and business) deserving of a top spot in terms of recognition, out of all applicants and nominees coast-to-coast. PS by the looks of the list, she is also in good company!!!
Ummmm... yeah, that’s solid. Big props to Melinda.
Excerpts:
1. “Nominations are open to the public and are not screened at this stage. A nomination does not constitute an endorsement by WOI or RBC. In order to become a finalist, nominees must complete a rigorous application which is then reviewed and vetted by independent judging committees.
Once the top regional applicants in each category have been selected, they and their business will undergo a thorough due diligence audit to verify not only the accuracy of the information provided, but positive standing in their community.
Only when an exemplary due diligence audit has been completed will the top regional applicants be named as official Award Finalists.”
2. “The financial information is an important and quantifiable indicator of success for our judges. It is required that this section be completed for all Award categories. All the information submitted is confidential. Our judges are bound by a strict confidentiality agreement and this information is not shared with the public or any sponsors.”
3. “The judges are comprised of past lifetime achievement award winners, business leaders, and other professionals fluent in evaluating business plans and financial statements. The judges are women from across the country”
4. “We know that women entrepreneurs work hard, and are one of the most modest groups of people we have come across. The benefits of being nominated include recognition for hard work, immediate business credibility, and the opportunity to advertise your nomination on your website and other marketing materials. This is an invaluable opportunity to take your business to the next level by making new connections with fellow women entrepreneurs from across Canada.”
5. “Entrepreneurs... who demonstrate incredible potential through their innovative ideas, keen business sense and solid plans for future profitable growth.”
Lots of benefit. Lots of affirmation. All of it is good...
Of course there is still risk to holding Eve!!! But, I gotta say, #3 and #5 help to instill higher confidence with respect to the (long) shares I am holding... in this nomination process, they opened up Eve’s business plan and financials to the judges who are “fluent in evaluating business plans and financial statements”, and landed an award... on the premise of “innovative ideas, keen business sense and solid plans for future profitable growth.”
Despite Stockhouse. Let’s not taint this.
Peace, congrats Melinda (and all other nominees and winners), long Eve!