Home-Based Business Receives National Crown Jewel Award

Ann Videan, owner of the home-based marketing firm, Videan Unlimited, LLC, was named the recipient of the 2005 Home Business Crown Jewel Award, the only national award recognizing the significant contributions being made by home-based firms.

Chandler, AZ (PRWEB) December 13, 2004 -- Ann Videan, APR, owner of Videan Unlimited, LLC in Mesa, Ariz., was named the recipient of the 2005 Home Business Crown Jewel Award. The national award was created by Janet Drez, owner of Chandler, Ariz.-based home-based business consulting firm A Perfect Solution. It was created to recognize the significant contributions home-based businesses make today. The 2005 award marks the second year the award has been given.

From her second-floor home office overlooking a neighborhood park, Ann N. Videan, APR, has helped businesses with their communication for more than two decades. With a corporate background in banking and high-tech PR, plus a three-year power lesson in high-tech agency PR, she now owns eight-year-old Videan Unlimited Marketing Connections Ann's passion is helping businesses Evoke the Power of Connections™; linking people and ideas through creative and effective writing, marketing and public relations. This involves a virtual team of small businesses with an unlimited ability to nurture powerful ideas. Some of her clients include: Rhino Internet, Del Webb, Phelps Dodge, America West Airlines and the filming of the Jerry Macguire movie at Sun Devil Stadium.

"According to information from the most recent U.S. Census, 54% of American businesses operate out of the home. These business people, as part of the majority of U.S. business, are doing amazing work in all areas of our economy. We may be small companies individually, but our combined contribution is huge. . .and growing,” commented Videan. “We need to raise the awareness and credibility for this highly skilled body of workers, representing the business model on which our great country was founded. I couldn't be more delighted to be part of this groundswell as the recipient of the 2005 Home Business Crown Jewel Award,” she added.

Out of a pool of 24 applicants, 14 finalists were selected. They included: Michel Whitaker, Waterless Carwash & More, Chandler; Dave Lastinger, On the Spot Detailing, Phoenix, Lola Kakes, Professional Administrative Services, Inc., Tucson; Clare Willis, Clare’s Coloring Cottage, Queen Creek; Valerie Simpson, A to Z Organizing Pros® also dba Daughter4Rent in Phoenix, Edna Smith, Write Turns, Etc., Chandler; Barbara Floyd, The Country Register, Inc., Phoenix; Jen Rooney, C2 Creative Consulting, Chandler; Sherry Harrison, Reunion Name Tags and Just Tags, Nevada; Tina Miller, Obadiah Press, Wisconsin; Cathy Begun, The Elegant Bead, Colorado.

The applicants were judged on their business overview and personal story, leadership of the company, community involvement, the most rewarding aspect of owning a home-based business, and the greatest challenge faced by the business owner. The judges’ panel included Ron Wacks, President, Minnesota Homebased Entrepreneurs Association and 2003 SBA Home-based Business Advocate of the Year, Marybeth Henry, Executive Director of WAHMfest.org, the Work At Home Moms expo based in Virginia, Susan Ratliff, President Exhibit Experts in Phoenix and producer of the upcoming Women Entrepreneurs' Small Business Boot Camp, Suzan Spivey, president, Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce in Georgia and Kathy Sweeney, owner The Write Resume and 2004 recipient of the Home Business Crown Jewel Award (formerly Ruby Slipper Award).

On Saturday, January 8, 2005, Videan will receive a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Crown Jewel Award at the luncheon of the Women Entrepreneur’s Small Business Boot Camp at the Scottsdale Hilton. The Boot Camp will run from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. providing keynote presentations, power-packed seminars, continental breakfast and lunch.

---