Jean Thompson, CEO of Seattle Chocolate Company, is Named a Finalist in the 2008 Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year Awards Competition
May 19, 2008
(Seattle, WA – May 19, 2008) – Jean Thompson, CEO and Owner of Seattle Chocolate Company, has been named to one of five finalist positions in the 2008 Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year Awards Competition presented by Woman Business Owners, a Seattle-area professional organization. This competition recognizes and honors woman business owners who have enhanced the status of women entrepreneurs through their vision, perseverance, and fearless, relentless leadership in business and the community.
Candidates for the Nellie Cashman award are judged based on their entrepreneurial spirit, their ethics and community spirit, their financial and management skill, and the difficulty and risk they have endured to achieve their success. The other finalists for the 2008 award include:
• Kristen Betty of KBA, Inc.
• Lee Rhodes of Glassybaby
• Karen Say of Saybr Contractors, Inc.
• Tamara Wilson of Wilson PR
An awards banquet is planned for October to acknowledge Thompson’s accomplishments, along with the achievements of the four other award finalists. This winner will be named at the banquet. Over 300 people are expected to attend, WBO organizers report.
Jean Thompson is the owner and CEO for Seattle Chocolate Company (www.seattlechocolates.com). The company manufactures and brings to market quality and beloved brands such as Frangos, Choxie, and Chick Chocolates. Her intention is to create an extraordinary company that makes it convenient for lovers of delicious, quality chocolate to get their daily fix wherever they live and shop. Over 12,000 retail stores nationwide carry the company’s all natural, premium chocolates that brighten everyday experiences with the irresistible taste and flavors consumers crave. Best of all, distribution grows stronger every day. The products can be found in all 50 states, and soon premium chocolate lovers in smaller towns and cities will also be able to buy these delicious, premium brands where they live, work, and play. Since taking the helm at the company in late 2002, sales have more than tripled, the team has expanded to 75 employees, and the company has expanded its facilities to include a 65,000 square foot production and warehouse facility where everyone works collaboratively to create high quality, delicious chocolates they are proud to buy and share.
More about Nellie Cashman and the 2008 Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year Awards Competition:
In the late 1860's, Nellie Cashman came to America from Ireland. Known as a pioneer entrepreneur, she was a daring gold prospector and miner who also owned restaurants, a boarding house, a hotel and a grocery store. Her civic mindedness, bravery and charity earned her the reputation of being an Angel or Saint. She helped build numerous hospitals and churches, yet she is perhaps best known for leading a rescue mission to the remote Cassiar gold strike in northern British Columbia where fellow miners were stricken with scurvy. Confident and courageous, Nellie Cashman was an indomitable spirit who dared to dream and made those dreams come true.
Visit www.womenbusinessowners.org to learn more about the Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year Competition and to investigate event sponsorship opportunities.
More About Seattle Chocolate Company:
Seattle Chocolate Company manufactures premium 100 percent, all natural truffles, truffle bars, dessert shells, and chocolates under the Seattle Chocolates and Chick Chocolates brands, along with a wide range of private label brands. While the art of fine chocolate is the company’s undeniable passion, the biggest thrill is being able to share Seattle Chocolates with customers and have fun along the way. Seattle Chocolate Company uses the finest European chocolate and the purest, 100% all-natural flavorings. Blending together the world's highest-quality ingredients, expert chocolatiers craft a meltaway masterpiece that satisfies like no other. Seattle Chocolate Company products are beautifully packaged in stunning gift boxes and bags. Luxuriously smooth, unique, kosher-certified, 100% all-natural truffles are tasteful treats you can feel good about giving and enjoying every day. Learn more at www.seattlechocolates.com