WATERLOO, Iowa (June 20, 2019)––The nomination period for the 2019 HME Woman of the Year is open June 19 through Aug. 9, 2019.

Now in its fourth year, the award, sponsored by VGM, recognizes one woman in the industry who has made increasingly significant contributions throughout her career to her company, community and the home medical equipment industry.

“The HME Woman of the Year award provides recognition and visibility for exceptional leaders in our industry,” said Clint Geffert, president of VGM & Associates. “Whether through advocacy work, sharing expertise at industry meetings or by being innovative to grow business or streamline operations, this award recognizes a woman who is blazing a path for the future.”

Last year, 39 nominations were received from across the nation. Nominees included providers, manufacturers, association executives and other professionals in home medical equipment, rehab, respiratory and mastectomy. Of those, four finalists were selected to travel to Medtrade in Atlanta, Georgia, where Georgie Blackburn was presented the award.  

Blackburn, who is now an honorary selection committee member, is looking forward to having a part in motivating her peers to nominate a deserving candidate for HME Woman of the Year.

“There are so many women, so many individuals in this industry, that I take my cues from,” said Blackburn, VP, Government Relations and Legislative Affairs, BLACKBURN’S. “Everyone knows a woman who deserves to be recognized for her contributions—to our industry, our communities and our patients. And, I encourage everyone to nominate someone and shine a light on the exceptional people advancing our industry.”

HME Woman of the Year nominations are open to all women, regardless of title or position, who work within the HME industry. Nominations are due by Aug. 9 and can be submitted online by visiting vgm.com/hmewomanoftheyear. The winner will be announced during a special ceremony at Medtrade. The annual conference is Oct. 21–23 in Atlanta.