Sheena Rawcliffe: Network Woman of the Year 2009

This year's woman of the year is awarded to someone who is an ex-president of Network. As well as being an esteemed businesswoman in the Algarve, throughout the last two years, I and the whole admin council have experienced her as helpful, thoughtful, challenging, caring, compassionate, and indeed funny on occasion - a woman of much depth of character and a woman who executes her trade skilfully and ethically and who constantly supports Network.

She is a great ambassador for women everywhere, and is determined to succeed. I would go so far as to say that she has a Tiger like quality, bouncing up even when adversity strikes, beating them into submission so that she can continue her business and to support her family, who I know are very dear to her, and who have been brought up and worked in the Algarve over a considerable period. In her usual way, I think she will be very surprised to receive this award.

I am told that she loves her dogs, and that doesn't really surprise me, as she is a great trainer of people, also, bringing them to heel when she needs to, and equally rewarding them with a bone or two on many fronts when appropriate. If the staff are happy, then production is high and the work environment is a harmonious one. It can be said that she's a tough cookie but fair, and she believes in the truth. She has brought a world of knowledge and experience to Network and, knows the association as well as, if not better than anybody else. This year, she has headed business clinics, provided advice, supported meetings, helped to mediate tricky situations, been ambassador between us and other organisations such as BPCC, and secured a huge amount of sponsorship and publicity for us. She's very knowledgeable of the country's legislation and strives for improvement within the association. In sum she's always ready to help and support Network whenever possible and in which ever way.

She's highly respected within the business world and runs several very successful business, divided into different areas, publishing, advertising, exhibitions, and has recently spread her wings by securing the Oracle, the English speaking publication in Ayamonte, now renamed Costa de Luz - this in addition to the very well known Resident, and of course the recent acquisition of DLA - MMS publishing.

Yes, Sheena, we are talking about you - the first board member to be elected to the Woman of the Year, and, I believe the first woman to receive the award for a second time. This year, as ever, you have done all that you can overtly and behind the scenes with Network, and your ongoing support in every sense of the word, is of limitless value.

It is with huge pleasure that I ask you to accept the title of Woman of the Year 2009, by unanimous vote of this year's Administrative Council. We're very proud to have you in our midst. Congratulations and all good luck for the future.