Akran Executive Nominated for WBN Business Women of the Year Award

April 16, 2010 - PRLog -- Monica Channa is one of three finalists in the corporate category for the 2009 Business Woman of the Year awards, presented by the Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Ottawa. "I'm honoured to be recognized alongside some of the area's most influential and respected businesswomen," says Channa.

Canada is a global leader in women’s entrepreneurship. In recognizing Channa’s accomplishments, the WBN is also giving recognition to the women who play a vital role in small and mid-market business throughout the National Capital Region. Between 80% and 90% of all companies in Canada are small to medium-size businesses. They generate nearly half of the country's GDP and are responsible for 60% of all employment.

As Executive Director of Operations and head over the Akran Foundation, Channa’s entrepreneurial skills have been integral in transforming the company from a small business into a profitable, award-winning leader in supplying branding services to corporations worldwide. Channa’s value-based leadership, conviction, passion, and drive have provided the impetus behind an entirely Canadian owned and operated company transitioning from an idea into an industrial strength, multi-million dollar corporation with offices in Canada and United States.

“The traditional way of looking at a corporation and measuring success by mere profitability no longer applies in today's business world,” according to Channa. “As Canadian business women, our identities inform the way we think about ourselves, our companies, others, and about the world as a whole. Today’s corporations need to be grounded in our values to be successful. Beyond profitability, companies need to bring these values to the world by contributing to the communities in which they operate and by protecting the environment.”

As head of the Akran Foundation, under Channa’s direction, the company contributes 10% of its profits to over 25 different charities.

Channa holds a B.A. in Commerce from York University. She was the youngest owner of Treats and three Second Cup franchises in the GTA, all ranked top 10 in sales across Canada.

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About Akran Marketing

Akran provides promotional product branding, marketing and trend consulting, sales promotion and specialty advertising solutions to corporations worldwide. The company has a North American network for sales and support. Akran powers some of the most successful branding campaigns for fortune 500 companies, NGOs, and the education, industrial, retail and public sectors.