Executive Virtual Associate™ has been named the winner of a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Startup of the Year category in the 11th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honours for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organisations they run. All individuals and organisations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. The 2014 awards received entries from 22 nations and territories.

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the awards were presented to winners last night during a dinner event attended by more than 400 people at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. The presentations were broadcast live across the U.S.A., and simulcast around the world, by Biz Talk Radio, and will be featured in a television special on Biz TV in January.

More than 1,200 nominations from organisations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in more than 90 categories, including Entrepreneur of the Year, Executive of the Year, Company of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Women Helping Women, and Communications Campaign of the Year, among others. Executive Virtual Associate won Bronze in the Startup of the Year category.

Founded in 2012 by Sam Spence, Executive Virtual Associate is a Virtual Assistant Business supporting busy business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs get back their valuable time, by taking care of their administration activities.

“Since our journey began just over 2 years ago, we have celebrated many milestones”, Sam said. “Including successfully passing the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) Ethics Check Exam, a certification that supports our commitment to operating with integrity and honesty at all times. Our business has grown to include 10 subcontractors, inspiring at least one of our subcontractors to start her own Virtual Assistant business, and we are rewarded to see her growth in the industry. We give back to our local community and uphold our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.” In short, Sam has a lot to be proud of as a Start Up business.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be included with such an elite class of internationally recognised women and leaders of their industries” said Sam Spence. “I hope my recognition inspires other women in business to follow their dreams. Just as other women have inspired me during my journey so far.”

Stevie Award winners were selected by more than 160 executives worldwide who participated in the judging process this year.

“In the 11 years of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, we have never had as many impressive women entrepreneurs, organisations, and executives nominated as we did in 2014. Their stories of success and innovation will be an inspiration to women around the globe who dream of starting and growing a business and making a difference.” said Michael Gallagher, founder and president of the Stevie Awards. “We congratulate all of this year’s Grand, Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners for their achievements.”

Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Stevie Award winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women.

For more information about partnering with a Virtual Assistant, contact Sam Spence.

Sam Spence – Founder & Principal Executive Assistant, Executive Virtual Associate.

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