Launched just a week before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the country into lockdown, Stevie-winner Bluegrass Bottling started with only two employees and a single client. Despite the rough timing, the company has grown steadily, now serving over 75 brands and employing 22 people. Their customer-first mentality has allowed them to concentrate on meeting the needs of small craft producers, helping them bring their products to market.

A Challenging Beginning
Opening its doors just days before the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company faced immediate challenges. With the country in lockdown, their initial plan to bottle spirits was put on hold. However, holding a distilled spirits permit (DSP) provided an unexpected opportunity. As businesses were asked to pivot and help with public health efforts, the bottler was instructed to begin producing hand sanitizer.

Without hesitation, they shifted gears and began producing sanitizer at an unprecedented scale. Despite the crisis and rising costs of supplies, the company chose not to increase prices. Their ability to quickly adapt—finding suppliers, shippers, and additional staff with minimal contacts—was a testament to their flexibility and resourcefulness. As a result, they successfully navigated the pandemic's uncertainties and even managed to establish crucial relationships with bottle suppliers, label printers, and box makers—partners they still work with today.

A Return to Spirits
As the country began reopening and the demand for hand sanitizer waned, the company was quick to return to its original focus: bottling bourbon whiskey. They quickly expanded their services beyond bourbon, adding vodka, gin, rum, liqueurs, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages to their portfolio. With no minimum case requirements, the company offers even the smallest craft distillers a chance to bottle their products and bring their unique spirits to market.

Their services now include bottling a wide range of spirits and packaging sizes, from 50ml to 1.75L. In addition to their DSP, they also hold a wine permit, allowing them to offer bottling services in the wine industry. This diversity has helped them build a strong reputation in a competitive field while maintaining a commitment to their original mission—focusing entirely on their clients' success.

By eliminating minimum requirements, they give even the smallest distillers a chance to shine, helping their clients create standout products with exceptional packaging and great taste.

A Woman-Owned Business in a Male-Dominated Industry
As one of the few women-owned businesses in the spirits industry, this bottler stands out not just for their service, but for the leadership and vision of their founder. With deep respect for the bourbon industry and a desire to contribute to its growth, the founder has created a company culture focused on teamwork, research, and development. Every employee is encouraged to contribute ideas, fostering a sense of innovation and agility that has been key to their success.

From its early days producing hand sanitizer to becoming a major player in the spirits bottling industry, this company’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and a commitment to supporting the craft spirits community. With further expansions on the horizon and plans to boost local tourism, its story is far from over.

Bluegrass Bottling won a Bronze Stevie Award for Fastest Growing Company of the Year - Up to 100 Employees in The 2024 American Business Awards^®.

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As the co-founder and CEO of PissedConsumer.com, a leading review and reputation management platform, Michael Podolsky has dedicated his career to improving communication between consumers and businesses. With over 20 years of experience on Wall Street and a robust background in brand reputation, customer service, and IT consulting, he has cultivated a wealth of knowledge that informs his leadership approach.

The inception of PissedConsumer.com can be traced back to 2006, driven by Michael’s own experience as a frustrated consumer. After facing an unresolved issue that left him feeling unheard, he realized there was a critical need for a platform where consumers could voice their concerns and attract the attention of businesses. With only $200 to invest, Michael and his business partner launched the website from a humble kitchen in New York. What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a thriving community that empowers consumers to share their experiences and seek resolutions with brands.

Today, PissedConsumer.com boasts a dedicated team of nearly 100 employees who share Michael’s vision of fostering communication between consumers and companies. The platform serves as a vital resource for individuals seeking to air grievances and for businesses aiming to understand their customers better. By highlighting the real drivers of impact within organizations, Michael and his team have reshaped the conversation around customer feedback, moving away from traditional customer service paradigms.

Despite facing challenges, including multiple lawsuits from companies attempting to silence consumer voices, Michael remained steadfast in his mission. Rather than retreating, he leveraged these challenges to advocate for consumer rights, even alerting government agencies to issues regarding consumer feedback. His efforts contributed to regulatory changes that underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in business practices.

Michael's approach to leadership emphasizes collaboration and innovation. He believes that the best ideas come from a culture where every team member feels empowered to contribute. “A leader should not just drive the team but lead it,” he asserts, advocating for an agile workplace where individuals can make decisions autonomously. This philosophy has helped PissedConsumer.com maintain its status as a leader in consumer advocacy, despite its initially negative connotation.

In addition to running PissedConsumer.com, Michael actively engages with the business community. He has spoken at various conferences and events, sharing practical insights on improving online reputation, customer service, and brand awareness. His contributions as an influencer on platforms like Forbes Business Council and INC further amplify his commitment to educating businesses about the value of customer feedback.

Michael Podolsky’s journey exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship grounded in a genuine desire to make a difference. Through PissedConsumer.com, he continues to bridge the gap between consumers and businesses, advocating for a more transparent and communicative marketplace.

Michael Podolosky won a Gold Stevie Award for Best Entrepreneur in Consumer Services in The 2024 American Business Awards^®.

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Stevie-winner Dexatel specializes in digital communication innovation. It offers an omnichannel inbox solution designed to streamline interactions between businesses and their customers.

This platform, launched through a Conversational API and enhanced with a user-friendly interface in 2023, focuses on making advanced communication technologies accessible to a wide range of users.

At the core of Dexatel's offering is the integration of various communication channels into a single platform. This integration allows businesses to maintain personalized, real-time conversations with customers across their preferred messaging services. By facilitating direct and immediate dialogue, Dexatel fosters a sense of connection and trust, which is increasingly important in today’s digital landscape.

The omnichannel inbox solution also features an intelligent agent assignment system that efficiently routes inquiries to the most suitable representative based on predefined rules and expertise. This capability not only enhances the customer experience but also boosts the productivity of customer service teams.

Additionally, advanced filtering options allow businesses to prioritize conversations based on urgency and topic, significantly improving response times and overall customer satisfaction.

With a strategic focus on affordability, Dexatel employs a cost-effective pricing model that charges businesses per message rather than per seat. This approach makes their advanced features accessible to companies of all sizes, aligning with their mission to enhance customer communication without financial strain.

The company’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident through its strategic partnerships with tech giants such as TikTok and Alibaba, which further demonstrates its adaptability in the global communication landscape.

Dexatel won a Gold Stevie Award for Innovation in Technology Development in Telecommunications Industries in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

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Stevie-winner Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) is a major player in the beverage industry in the Philippines, primarily engaged in the production, marketing, and distribution of non-alcoholic beverages, including Coca-Cola and its wide range of brands.

The company operates bottling plants throughout the country, ensuring that a diverse portfolio of beverages, from soft drinks to juice and water products, is available to meet consumer demands.

In addition to its core beverage offerings, CCBPI is dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company implements initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and improve water efficiency in its operations. For example, it focuses on using recycled materials for packaging and actively participates in community programs aimed at promoting recycling and waste management.

CCBPI also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and social responsibility. The company actively supports various local initiatives, including education and health programs, to improve the quality of life for communities across the Philippines. Through partnerships with non-governmental organizations and local governments, CCBPI contributes to the economic and social development of the regions where it operates, making it not just a beverage provider but a committed community partner. 

Nationwide Collection Program
Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! (“Discard to Earn: If It's Clear, It's a Win!”) is Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc.'s (CCBPI) nationwide collection program for post-consumer clear PET plastic bottles, regardless of brand. This program is in line with Coca-Cola's global World Without Waste commitment—to collect and recycle every single bottle and can we sell by 2030.

“Tapon to Ipon” seeks to strengthen communities’ waste management systems through the establishment of collection and recycling centers for used plastic bottles. It takes its name from a play on Filipino words—tapon means “to throw away” or “discard” and ipon, which can mean “collect” or “earn,” and points to the incentivized nature of the program.

CCBPI taps its own commercial network to promote recycling and packaging circularity. All plastic bottles collected from Tapon to Ipon are diverted to and given new lives at PETValue Philippines – a pioneering bottle-to-bottle recycling facility. PETValue is CCBPI’s joint venture with Indorama Venture – a global leader in recycling and green technologies.

Launched in 2021, the program taps traditional trade outlets or sari-sari stores, to become collection hubs where consumers can drop off (tapon) their used clear PET plastic bottles and get incentives in return (ipon). Coca-Cola leverages its vast network of sari-sari stores to reach more communities— these outlets that serve as community landmarks that help bring Coca-Cola products closer to Filipino homes are now also collection hubs where people can return used clear plastic bottles of any brand. The program has a two-fold effect of heightening recycling education and collection within communities while contributing to the livelihood of a sector integral to the country’s economic recovery. To date, they have almost 700 sari-sari store collection hubs nationwide.

The support of local government units (LGU) has been key in the success of Tapon to Ipon. It has reached almost 170 cities and municipalities and is growing. In May 2021, CCBPI signed with the LGU of Basco, Batanes, to collect plastic bottles that have accumulated in their eco-center. Through this partnership, they collected over 10MT of used plastic bottles.

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. won two Silver Stevies and a Bronze Stevie Award for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility, the Award for Innovation in Sustainability - Reuse and Recycle, Climate Protection and Sustainability Campaign of the Year, respectively, in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

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Sixteen outstanding technology executives across North America have been named Finalists in four categories of HCLTech's Women in Technology Awards in the Stevie® Awards for Women in Business, the world's top honors for women entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run.

All finalists are clients of HCLTech and were nominated by HCLTech. The list includes some of North America's most prominent women in technology. 

The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Award placements among the finalists will be revealed at the awards dinner in New York City on November 8, and all the winners in these categories in attendance will be recognized on stage that evening.

The Finalists are:

Adaptive Leadership in Technology
Finalists:
Jefferies LLC, New York, New York United States: Radhika Radzik Mathur, Senior Vice President
Microsoft Digital, Redmond, Washington United States: Monika Gupta, Partner GM, Engineering
Warner Bros. Discovery, Duluth, Georgia United States: Roxanne Cloutier, Executive Vice President and Head, Enterprise

Digital Strategy Excellence
Finalists:
Johnson Controls, Plano, Texas United States: Sobha Mulukutla, VP & CIO, Global Products and Supply Chain
Syneos Health, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina United States: Viji Karunakaran, Vice President, Products, Strategy & Customer Success
Verizon, Basking Ridge, New Jersey United States: Kalyani Sekar, Chief Data and AI Officer
Western Union, New York, New York United States: Sheryl McKenzie, Chief Product Officer

Excellence in Emerging Technologies
Finalists:
Johnson & Johnson, New York, New York United States: Deepika Sinha, Senior Director - Product Group Leader AI/ML/Generative AI
Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc., Frisco, Texas United States: Tania Martinez Castillo, Vice President IT, Corporate and International
Mattel, El Segundo, California United States: Robin Alexander, Vice President, Global Technology Organization
Northwestern Mutual, St. Louis, Missouri United States: Anju Gupta, Vice President, Artificial Intelligence
Portland General Electric, Portland, Oregon United States: Hema Sundaram, Division Chief Information Officer

Excellence in Transforming Business
Finalists:
Dell Technologies, Sterling, Massachusetts: Jennifer St Pierre, Senior Vice President, ISG Transformation
Eaton, Cleveland, Ohio United States: Katrina Redmond, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Medtronic, Reno, Nevada United States: Rashmi Kumar, Senior Vice President and CIO
Rogers Bank, Toronto, Ontario Canada: Olya Sanakoev, Chief Technology Officer

Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller commented on the 2024 Finalists: “We’re privileged to have HCLTech as a sponsor of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and to have so many accomplished technology executives as Finalists for Stevie Awards. We look forward to welcoming them on stage to receive their due recognition on November 8.”

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 218,000 people across 59 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. They work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, and Public Services. To learn how they can supercharge your progress, visit https://www.hcltech.com.

The Stevie® Awards for Women in Business are the world's premier business awards for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run. 

The full list of 2024 winners will be posted on the website after November 8 at http://www.stevieawards.com/women.

About the Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in nine programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Each year more than 12,000 nominations from more than 70 nations are judged by more than 1,000 professionals in Stevie competitions. Honoring organizations 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 http://www.StevieAwards.com. 

HCLTech is a supporting sponsor of the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

Founded by Audrey Bevan, Stevie-winner Accent HR emerged from a keen observation of the limitations within conventional HR practices, which often reflect an Anglo-Saxon cultural bias. Recognizing that standardized HR approaches frequently do not resonate with diverse worldviews, Bevan set out to create a solution that embraces cultural differences rather than sidelining them.

Since its launch in 2022, Accent HR has positively impacted over 40,000 workers across the Asia-Pacific region. The organization acts as a trusted advisor for businesses struggling with cross-cultural communication. By helping clients turn multiculturalism into a strength, Accent HR aims to enhance engagement, lower attrition rates, and reduce workplace conflicts.

A Focus on Cultural Sensitivity
At the core of Accent HR’s philosophy is the understanding that effective communication must be culturally sensitive. The organization has shifted corporate communication strategies to align with the cultural norms of the communities it serves. A notable example includes a project with an Australian Indigenous organization, where Accent HR redesigned communication practices to prioritize oral traditions over written documents. This approach emphasized direct interactions, such as face-to-face meetings and phone calls, thereby strengthening connections between employees and the organization. 

The success of this initiative showcases how culturally adaptable communication can significantly improve workplace interactions and foster growth.

Innovations in HR and Employee Development
Accent HR is redefining the HR and employee development landscape by addressing the often-overlooked cultural challenges in the workplace. Instead of merely celebrating diversity, the organization focuses on practical strategies to engage employees from various backgrounds.

Recruitment: Recognizing that candidates from different cultures may express their experiences differently, Accent HR assists organizations in accurately interpreting these responses, considering the cultural context.

Leadership: The organization educates HR teams and managers on the nuances of cross-cultural behaviors. For instance, avoiding eye contact may be a cultural norm, and understanding these differences can lead to more effective management practices.

Leave Entitlements: Accent HR promotes an understanding of cultural obligations, such as traditional ceremonies and family commitments, ensuring that diverse employees feel recognized and valued.

Through these initiatives, Accent HR not only enhances workplace harmony but also fosters a culture where every employee's background is respected and celebrated. Clients report improved team performance and satisfaction, leading to longer retention rates and a deeper connection to their leadership teams.

Accent HR aims to revolutionize the field of HR by turning traditional practices on their head. By reimagining the approach to cultural diversity in the workplace, the organization positions itself as a leader in fostering inclusive environments where every cultural background is not just acknowledged but cherished.

As businesses navigate the complexities of a global workforce, Accent HR's innovative strategies serve as a valuable resource for achieving true cultural integration and enhanced organizational performance.

Accent HR won a Bronze Stevie^® Award for Excellence in Innovation in Business Product & Service Industries - Up to 20 Employees in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

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Stevie-winner CaRelief Pty Ltd is an Australian company that has been making waves in the disability sector by providing a wide range of support services designed to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Their approach focuses on catering to the individual needs of clients, offering services in areas such as accommodation and tenancy, personal activity assistance, transport, household tasks, and support coordination.

Additionally, CaRelief provides community nursing, rehabilitation, and life skills development, creating a comprehensive care network that supports both day-to-day activities and long-term well-being.

A Holistic Approach to Independent Living
At the heart of CaRelief's services is their accommodation support, which includes options for short-term, medium-term, and long-term housing. They offer specialized programs such as Supported Independent Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation, designed to create comfortable, safe environments that foster independence for their clients. By tailoring these living arrangements to everyone’s unique requirements, CaRelief ensures that their clients have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Beyond housing, CaRelief helps individuals engage with their communities through support in managing daily tasks and fostering community participation. Their services include assistance with personal activities like meal preparation, shopping, and household maintenance, all aimed at helping clients maintain a high level of autonomy.

CaRelief also facilitates transportation services, organizes group activities, and creates opportunities for clients to participate in leisure and social events, further encouraging a sense of belonging and independence.

Focus on Health, Rehabilitation, and Life Skills
CaRelief places a strong emphasis on health and rehabilitation, providing professional support in areas such as medication management, community nursing, and tailored rehabilitation programs. 

These services help individuals regain or enhance their physical and mental abilities, with therapy sessions and life skills training offered to improve overall well-being. Whether it’s learning new skills or recovering from an injury, CaRelief ensures that its clients receive the care necessary to lead healthier and more independent lives.

Founder Melissa Pierre commented that what began as a small venture to care for her mother has evolved into a thriving community dedicated to enhancing the lives of people living with disabilities. To date, they have positively impacted hundreds of people and their families.

CaRelief won a Gold Stevie^® Award for Excellence in Innovation in Business Product & Service Industries - Up to 20 Employees in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

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Founded in 2018, Stevie-winner Megamind IT Solutions is dedicated to driving digital transformation within the healthcare sector. Their mission focuses on harnessing the power of digital technologies to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiencies, and foster meaningful engagement between healthcare providers and patients.

Strategic Differentiation Through Digital Technology
One of Megamind's core objectives is to utilize digital technology for strategic differentiation in healthcare interactions. By improving doctor-nurse-patient engagement through innovative solutions, Megamind has successfully streamlined patient health interactions.

This focus not only enhances the quality of care but also results in significant time and cost efficiencies in medical and therapy management. With a small, dedicated team, they built an in-house Health Information System that serves as the foundation for their growth in the healthcare IT space.

Proprietary Health Assets and AI Integration
Another critical aspect of Megamind's approach is the development of proprietary health assets using AI, data analytics, and software solutions. By integrating AI into their systems, Megamind empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions more rapidly and accurately.

Megamind also emphasizes the importance of enhancing the capabilities of healthcare staff through better technology integration. By training doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare executives, Megamind ensures that these professionals are equipped to leverage technology effectively across various healthcare functions. This investment in workforce development is crucial for adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of the healthcare industry.

A Growing Presence in the Middle East
Since its inception, Megamind has expanded its operations significantly, establishing a software development company in Manila and undertaking numerous IT infrastructure and enterprise software projects across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. To date, Megamind has successfully completed hundreds of IT projects, supporting hospitals with over 6,000 beds.

Megamind’s contributions to healthcare have profound implications. Their digital transformations enable quicker access to care, enhance the quality of services, and reduce costs. With features like chatbots for patient self-service, advanced diagnostics, and improved electronic health records, Megamind empowers both patients and healthcare managers to connect efficiently.

Megamind IT Solutions won a Gold Stevie^® and three Silver Stevie Awards in the 2024 Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards.

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Every organization has achievements worth celebrating, but turning those accomplishments into an award-winning Stevie® Awards nomination can be a challenge. Whether you’re looking to highlight your company’s innovation, leadership, or team success, it’s essential to tell your story in a way that resonates with the judges. Many organizations have what it takes to win, but struggle with the finer details of crafting a compelling narrative.

On 17 October 2024 at 2:00 PM (GMT +3) / 7:00 AM (EST), we will host a free webinar, "Secrets to Success: How to Create Impactful MENA Stevie Awards Nominations." This webinar is designed to help you overcome those challenges and boost your chances of success in one of the most prestigious business award programs in the region.

During the webinar, you’ll hear from the Stevie Awards Founder & Executive Chairman, Michael Gallagher, and two business awards consultants who will share proven strategies for winning. You’ll learn about the behind-the-scenes judging process and get tips on how to craft a standout submission, including how to ensure the judges see the full value of your work. You'll also gain insight into the Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Grand Stevie distinctions and what sets each apart.
Whether you’re an experienced entrant or considering entering for the first time, this webinar will walk you through every step of the process, from creating an entry account to finally submitting your nominations.

Now in its 6th year, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards honor innovation across 18 nations in categories ranging from Company and Organization Awards to New Product Awards. With more than 150 categories available, this webinar will give you the tools and insights to select the right categories, organize your entries, and present your achievements in the best light.

At the end of the webinar, audience questions will be answered during a live Q&A. Attendees will have access to the webinar replay (on-demand) and presentations through the end of 2024.

Don't miss this chance to get free expert advice on how to put your best foot forward!

Stevie-winner Chum is a Dubai-based price comparison app designed to help users save money and time by allowing them to compare prices across various stores for products ranging from groceries to tech gadgets.

By aggregating data from major retailers, Chum helps users find the best deals without the need to visit multiple websites. The app is particularly helpful for frequent purchases, like groceries, where it shows price comparisons across supermarkets, allowing users to select the cheapest options.

Additionally, Chum extends its service to travel bookings, offering comparisons for flights, hotels, and car rentals, making it a versatile tool for budget-conscious consumers. Its user-friendly interface enables shoppers to quickly identify price drops, with some products seeing discounts as high as 60% to 70% from retailers like Carrefour, Amazon, and Noon.

Chum also offers valuable features tailored to enhance user experience beyond simple price comparison. For instance, the app allows users to set price alerts for specific products, so they are notified when prices drop, making it easier to snag the best deals.

The ability to create and save wish lists ensures that users can revisit and purchase desired items at their convenience, without having to search for them again. Chum also provides cart comparison across supermarkets, helping users ensure they are getting the best deals on their grocery orders from various retailers.

What sets Chum apart from its competitors is the integration of multiple verticals, combining various categories like electronics, groceries, fashion, and even travel services (flights and hotels) within a single platform.

The app stands out in the UAE market as it utilizes AI-driven tools to compare millions of products, which gives it a significant edge in ensuring accurate and up-to-date price listings. This comprehensive approach, combined with user-friendly features like deal alerts and cart comparisons, offers customers a one-stop solution for efficient and budget-conscious shopping. 

Since winning a Stevie, they are now launching a Cashback feature, which will help customers get cashback on Chum for any shopping they do. This fuels their vision of being the first touchpoint in the region—no matter where a customer shops from, they want them to first come to Chum to see the best prices and deals and initiate cashback before buying the product they want from the respective stores.

Chum won two Gold Stevie Awards for Most Innovative Startup of the Year - Consumer Service Industries, and the Award for Innovation in Shopping or E-commerce Apps in the 2024 Middle East & North Africa Stevie^® Awards.

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