May 16, 2026
The return of the Vernon Women in Business awards this June marks the continuation of a tradition that has recognized leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service in the North Okanagan for decades.
On June 4, 2026, the Vernon Women in Business (VWIB) will once again honour outstanding women in the community, presenting awards in the categories of Changemaker, Community Impact, and Entrepreneur of the Year. The event marks the first time in nine years that the organization has presented the awards, continuing a tradition that ran from 1988 to 2017.
During that time, the VWIB’s Woman of the Year award recognized a wide range of women who helped shape Vernon through business, public service, volunteerism, and community leadership. Past recipients have included Jean Koening (1988), June Rigby (1994), Betty Selin (1999), Val Heuman (2006), Min Sidhu (2011), Ruth Hoyte (2013), and most recently Sue Beaudry (2017), among many others.
Recipients were honoured for contributions that had a lasting impact on the broader community. Claudette Everritt, recognized in 1990, was the first female president and later executive director of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and played a key role in the establishment of Community Futures North Okanagan. Joan Jacobi, the 1996 recipient, served for many years as executive director of the Vernon Women’s Transition House and advocated for expanded services for women in need. Marie Fleming, honoured in 2001, helped lead the establishment of the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre, while Carol Wutzke, recognized in 2008, founded the Vernon and District Immigrant & Community Services Society.
The awards themselves emerged during a period of significant change for women in business and professional life in Vernon and across Canada.
Prior to the mid-20th century, legal and social barriers made it difficult for many women to independently own or operate businesses. Access to loans and financial services often required male guarantors, while social expectations frequently limited women’s opportunities outside the home. Although many women worked within family-run businesses, fewer were able to establish enterprises independently.
One important milestone in Vernon’s history came with the establishment of the Vernon Business and Professional Women’s Club in 1932. The organization provided opportunities for women to network professionally, advocate for greater equality, and support one another in navigating a largely male-dominated business environment. Beyond professional development, the club also contributed to changing public attitudes about women’s roles in business and economic life.
By the 1980s and early 1990s, women were increasingly visible in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional careers throughout the community. This shift is reflected in the 1992/93 Vernon Women in Business directory, which listed 78 female business owners and professionals working in a wide range of industries and occupations. The establishment of the Vernon Women in Business awards in 1988 grew out of this changing landscape, recognizing women whose contributions were helping shape Vernon’s economic and community life.
After a brief hiatus, the awards will once again recognize women making significant contributions to the community, continuing a tradition that has highlighted leadership and service in Vernon for nearly four decades.
Archives Manager, Gwyneth Evans