25 November 2011
Veuve Clicquot's Ultimate Networking Opportunity
This week, Champagne House Veuve Clicquot awarded three talented women, from across the country, the ultimate business
networking opportunity.
As part of the Champagne’s global initiative to encourage, support and celebrate women in business, Veuve Clicquot
invited members of its esteemed businesswomen’s network to gather for a lunchtime event to share their knowledge and
experience with the winning three entrepreneurial women.
The three winning guests were; Karen Bender, of Wellington based start-up, Footfalls and Heartbeats; Sandra Finlay, of
Auckland based ezlunch and Lucy Cruickshank of Masterton based Pure Wairarapa, who beat off tough competition from an
impressive caliber of entries, each of which demonstrated inspiring business propositions.
Each woman was given the opportunity to talk about her business and then receive advice, critique and feedback on their
business direction.
“It was an incredible opportunity”, said Sandra Finlay following the lunch.
“It is hard doing it alone, making decisions about which path to go down and which risks to take. In that room I had a
wealth of experience at my fingertips, I received advice and knowledge on how I can achieve the aspirations I have for
ezlunch and affirmation that I do have a great product, which can be successful – and that others believe in it too!”
Special guest Alexandra Lovato, Veuve Clicquot Business Development Manager for Asia-Pacific headed the lunch, which
included two past winners of the Veuve Clicquot Award; Owner and Director of Stretton Group, Annah Stretton and Chair of
legal firm Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, Cathy Quinn as well as multiple company director, Rosanne Meo OBE and founder of
Pumpkin Patch, Sally Synott.
Prior to and following the lunch, Bender,Finlay and Cruickshank were given time to network with the other
attendees,drawing on their experience and swapping war stories about their respectivebusiness journeys.
General Manager Moët Hennessy New Zealand, Ashley Powell said the event was a unique opportunity for three women finding
their feet in their respective enterprises, to rub shoulders with some serious players in the New Zealand business
landscape.
“The success of Veuve Clicquot was built on the strength of one woman, Madame Clicquot, who took control of the company
in 1805 as a widow at the age of 28 and established Clicquot as one of the finest champagne houses, renowned the world
over.
“We endeavor to continue this legacy by creating opportunities for women in business to meet, network and champion each
other to achieve all that they can. Inviting these three women to a lunch event with the Veuve Clicquot businesswomen’s
network is a small contribution, but one that could make a profound difference to the future success of their
businesses.
“Sometimes it is meeting that one person, or receiving an incredible piece of advice which can be the missing link that
can turn the corner for you and your business. It was inspiring to hear from Karen, Sandra, and Lucy and I wish them all
the best with their respective ambitions.
Powell received thanks and positive feedback from the three guests, about their experience, the opportunity and
potential business contacts it provided them.
Other attendees included: Rachel Taulelei, Owner of Yellow Brick Road and 2010 Veuve Clicquot Award Finalist; Petrea
Vela, Managing Director of New Zealand Bloodstock; Sara Tetro, Owner of 62 Models and Talent; Claire Sullivan, Magazine
Editor and Publisher; Kathryn Wilson of Kathryn Wilson Shoes and Rachel Gardner, Director of Great Southern Television.
Veuve Clicquot will continue to look for ways to offer ongoing support the New Zealand businesswomen’s community.
ENDS