Laura Menechella, Niagara Falls hotelier and dedicated community volunteer is the recipient of the 2007 Women in Business Award.

"It is truly an honour just to be nominated. But I feel simply blessed to be selected for the award from amongst so many talented and successful women," said Ms. Menechella, Chief Operating Office of the Niagara 21st Group, which owns the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel and Spa and the Niagara Falls Courtyard by Marriott.

The Women in Business Award honours the achievements of Niagara business women who not only succeed professionally but also contribute to the betterment of their community.

A former teacher, educated in Canada and the United States, Ms. Menechella, 37, joined the family business in 1997 when her father, Cosmo Menechella opened the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview hotel.

"Laura has faced challenges in her work venue in that she was a young woman in a man's world, and she faced obstacles and succeeded," said Ann-Louise Branscombe in support of Ms. Menechella's nomination. "This success speaks to both her talent and her effectiveness."

Since entering the hospitality business she has been instrumental in the hotel's ongoing success, including the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott, TGI Fridays, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Serenity Spa by the Falls and the wedding Chapel Overlooking the Falls.

Describing Ms. Menechella as "humble and honest," Tim Terceira, VP of Market Operations for Marriott Hotels and Resorts Canada, said "she knows her strengths and is not afraid of what she does not know. She is constantly learning, challenging herself and speaks to the point."

In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Menechella has been involved in several community-based groups and causes. She is a board member of the G.N.G.H. Foundation, Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce and is also a member on the Board of Governors of Niagara College.

The mother of three has also given her time and effort to support a number of local charities including the United Way, Project SHARE, Hospice Niagara, the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara Falls.

"Ms. Menechella's steadfast commitment to our community through her business practices, philanthropy and volunteerism has touched the lives of thousands of Niagara's citizens," said Niagara Falls Mayor Ted Salci.

In its eighth year, the 2007 Women in Business Award, is sponsored by Sears, Calvin Klein, Meridian Credit Union and Osprey News.