Meredith Bushell, Co-Founder and Sales Director of Vital Software has been nominated as a finalist in the Telstra Business Women's Awards in the marie claire Young Business Women's Awards category. Since backpacking to Australia 12 years ago, she began her career as a receptionist for an IT distributor. Her persistence led to her promotion into a sales role and from then on the floodgates opened. Within 18 months she was recognised as one of Australia's top IT sales people and is now co-founder of her own hugely successful multinational IT company.

Holly Kramer, Telstra Product Management Group Managing Director and Telstra Business Women's Awards Ambassador said "We have received entries of an exceptionally high standard this year and these finalists represent some truly inspirational and talented Victorian business women."

"This year has been exceptionally challenging for Australia's business community. Victorian business women have faced these challenges with tenacity and a positive approach across their diverse range of industries," Ms Kramer said.

Victorian are in the running to win the Telstra Business Women's Award in their category and possibly become the Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year to be announced Tuesday 6 October 2009 at the awards presentation luncheon at Crown.

The judges commented that finalists had been selected for representing a balance of business acumen and financial success, work life balance, outstanding leadership and a commitment to being the best they can be.

Now in its 15th year, the awards recognise the achievements of women in business of all types and sizes, from up-and-coming young business women to corporate leaders and those working in the not-for-profit sector. The Awards have recognised over 400 business women since their inception in 1995.

For more information visit www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com

Update: 08 October 2009

Team members and guests attended the awards ceremony at Crown Casino in Melbourne. Meredith was congratulated on her outstanding achievement and whilst missing out on the overall category winner, represented Vital Software in the company of her peers. Meredith thanked those for attending and felt proud to be selected as a finalist from over 4,400 entries.