CorePurpose Chairman, Joan Koerber-Walker, named a national finalist for the 2007 Stevie Award for her work as CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association.

Ms. Koerber-Walker, was named a Finalist in the Best Executive – Service Businesses – up to 100 Employees category in The 4th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business, presented by Infiniti.

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 business world’s own Oscars.” (New York Post, April 27, 2005).

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word “crowned,” winners will be announced during a gala event at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Monday, November 12. Nominated women executives and entrepreneurs from the U.S. and several other countries are expected to attend.

More than 800 entries were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories, including Best Executive, Best Entrepreneur, and Best Community Involvement Program. Koerber-Walker is a Finalist in the Best Executive – Service Businesses – up to 100 Employees category.

ASBA’s efforts in delivering a wide range of growth oriented services to Arizona’s business community as well as the organization’s work in tackling hard issues like the accessibility and affordability of healthcare for small business with its Put the Health Back into Heathcare campaign and making workforce development tools available to growing businesses are some of the factors that led to Koerber-Walker’s being chosen for this honor. A new addition to the ASBA team, Koerber-Walker joined ASBA as CEO in December of 2006 and has been a catalyst for many of the changes that have cemented ASBA’s position as the leading business association in the state. A two-time national finalist, Koerber-Walker was previously recognized by the Stevies in 2004 as a National Finalist in the Best Entrepreneur – Services Business under 100 employees category.

Finalists were chosen by business professionals worldwide during preliminary judging. Members of the Awards' Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors and their staffs select Stevie Award winners from among the Finalists during final judging.

“Being named a Finalist in The Stevie Awards for Women in Business is an important achievement,” said Michael Gallagher, president of the Stevie Awards. “It means that independent business executives have agreed that the nominee is worthy of recognition. We congratulate all of the Finalists on their achievement and wish them well in the competition.”

“It is an honor to be chosen as a finalist for the Stevies” shared Koerber-Walker. “More importantly, it is a tremendous validation of all of the work that the entire ASBA team and our committed board of directors has done to support our Arizona Small Business community. ASBA serves over 3.000 businesses in our state and through them over 200,000 employees with fabulous products and services that connect our businesses, Amplify their voice, deliver. Resources like group health insurance and a wide range of business services, not to mention some of the best Educational offerings for small business owners and their employees statewide. ASBA CARES about Arizona Small Business and it shows!”

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 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 Selling Power Sales Excellence Awards. Honoring companies 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.

Infiniti is the presenting sponsor of The 2007 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Supporting sponsor is JetBlue. Media sponsor is Pink magazine. The Business TalkRadio Network will broadcast the ceremonies live nationwide.

About Infiniti Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe and Sedan, the M luxury performance sedan, FX premium crossover SUV, the QX full-size luxury SUV, and the upcoming EX luxury crossover inspired by coupe design. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience can be found at www.Infiniti.com.