Rachel Argaman, chief executive officer of Toga Hospitality Group, was named the 2008 Telstra New South Wales Business Woman of the Year at the annual Awards presentation in Sydney.

Group managing director, Telstra product management and Telstra Business Women’s Awards

ambassador, Holly Kramer, said the judges were impressed by the high calibre of entries in this year’s program and named Rachel the winner in recognition of her successful rise from humble beginnings.

“The judges commended Rachel on her ability to successfully integrate work life balance while showing a true commitment to her staff and pride in her business – all of which make her an outstanding winner and role model for women in business across New South Wales,” said Kramer.

Argaman also won the Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award which recognises employees in the private and corporate sector or owners with less than a 50 per cent share of a business.

With more than 16 years experience in the travel and tourism industry, Argaman’s main responsibility is to optimise the profitability and performance of Toga Hospitality Group in all markets.

She leads a management team of eight, and oversees and works to deliver the company’s future strategic growth strategy.

Also recognised at the 2008 Telstra New South Wales Business Women’s Awards were:

• Yellow™ Business Owner Award (for women with a 50 per cent or more share in a

business with responsibility for key management decision making):

• Naomi Simson – Founder and chief experience officer, RedBalloon Days, Pyrmont;

• Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award (for employees in the private and corporate

sector or owners with less than a 50 per cent share of a business):

• IBM Community and Government Award (for employees in government departments,

statutory bodies and not-for-profit organisations):

• Detective Superintendent Helen Begg – Local Area Commander St George, New

South Wales Police Force, St George;

• Nokia Business Innovation Award (for eligible business owners, private sector employees and entrepreneurs who answer the innovation questions in the Entry Form):

• Naomi Simson – Founder and chief experience officer, RedBalloon Days, Pyrmont; and,

• PricewaterhouseCoopers Young Business Women’s Award (for entrants in one of the above categories aged 34 years or under as at Friday 6 June 2008);

• Nyree Corby – founder and chief executive officer, The Topia Project, Chippendale.

The Telstra Business Women’s Awards have been celebrating the achievements of business women throughout Australia since 1995 and supports successful women from all backgrounds and business sectors.

Award winners from each state and territory will compete for the national award in their category at the National award presentation gala dinner in Melbourne on Tuesday 9 December 2008.

Overall winners from each state and territory will also be in the running for the title of 2008 Telstra Australian Business Woman of The Year.