VALERIE HARWELL NAMED AS FINALIST IN  8th ANNUAL STEVIE® AWARDS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS  Stevie Award Winners to Be Announced in New York on November 11

Tampa, FL – October 13, 2011

Valerie Harwell was named a 2011 Finalist in the Best Executive – Service Businesses – Up to 100 Employees – Business Services category in the 8th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. 

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, and the companies they run – worldwide.  The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards. 

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word “crowned,” winners will be announced during a gala event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Friday, November 11.  Nominated women executives and entrepreneurs from the U.S.A and several other countries are expected to attend.   The presentations will be broadcast live on radio in the U.S.A. by the Business TalkRadio Network. 

More than 1,300 entries – a record for the competition – were submitted this year for consideration in 75 categories, including Best Executive, Best Entrepreneur, Women Helping Women, and Communications Campaign of the Year.  Val Harwell is a Finalist in the Best Executive – Service Businesses – Up to 100 Employees – Business Services category. 

Val Harwell is President  & CEO of the Omnia Group, an employee selection and management consulting firm.  She was recently recognized as one of the top 3 finalists for the Greater Tampa Chamber’s 2011 Outstanding Business Leader of the Year Award and also for professional leadership and advanced knowledge by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. She serves on the Board of Directors for The Children’s Home, is a mentor in the University of Tampa’s MBA program, and was also named one of the Top 10 People To Watch (July 2010) by the St. Petersburg Times.   

“Val’s incredible contribution, foresight and thoughtfulness have made such an impact at Omnia,” said Heather Caswell, Chairman of the Omnia Group, Inc.  “We are honored that Val has been selected for this Stevie Award and wish her the best of luck…she is already a winner with us!” 

Finalists were chosen by business professionals worldwide during preliminary judging.  Members of the six final judging committees will select Stevie Award winners from among the Finalists during final judging. 

 “Women entrepreneurs and executives continue to innovate, excel, and impress,” said Michael Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards.  “Regardless of general economic conditions, the achievements of women-owned and –run organizations around the world remain high, and are reflected in this year’s impressive body of Finalists.”  

“I’m extremely honored to be a finalist for this award” said Val Harwell, President & CEO of the Omnia Group.  “I am passionate about my job and helping our clients  produce results that directly and positively impact their business objectives.”

Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/women.  

About The Omnia Group

Established in 1985, The Omnia Group is a behavioral assessment and employment consulting firm located in Tampa, FL.  The Omnia Group helps clients worldwide avoid bad hires, manage more effectively and retain top talent with remarkable results. 

About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.  Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.  Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com. 

Sponsors and supporters of the 8^th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business (as of October 12) include the Business TalkRadio Network, Coloredge, KeyBank | Key4Women, Melilea International Group of Companies, SDL, and Smart Reader Worldwide,

For more information contact:

Kerry Benik

813-280-3035 | kbenik@omniagroup.com 

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