Daytona Beach News-Journal Honors Local Businesswomen

The annual ceremony recognized 37 women for their professional achievements and community contributions.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Business — General

Bold vector editorial illustration of an abstract crystalline sculpture on a pedestal, representing professional leadership and achievement. — The Daytona Beach News-Journal recognized 37 regional leaders for professional and community excellence at an annual awards ceremony held recently. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe local awards programs are a meaningful way to recognize contributions in your community?

The Daytona Beach News-Journal recently awarded Teresa Rand the Most Influential Woman in Business title at a ceremony held at The Shores Resort & Spa. The event honored 37 women from Volusia and Flagler counties for their work and leadership.

Why it matters

The program highlights the contributions of local female leaders to the regional economy and community life. It serves to celebrate professional excellence and civic engagement among women operating within the area.

The awards program has recognized 530 women over its 21-year history. A total of 37 women were honored during the 2026 event, including seven individuals who received specific category awards.

The players

Teresa Rand

She is the founder of the Boss Lady conference and was named the Most Influential Woman in Business.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal

This is a local media outlet serving the Daytona Beach region that co-hosted the awards ceremony.

Michelle Bartlome

She received the 2026 Civic Leader Award during the ceremony.

Machelle Vallance

She was honored with the 2026 Most Charitable Award.

LocaliQ

This marketing and advertising agency co-hosted the awards event alongside the local newspaper.

The details

Co-hosted by the News-Journal and LocaliQ, the event celebrated leaders across various sectors including the private and public fields. Honorees were selected from nominations submitted by News-Journal readers to recognize those who have made significant impacts on the local community.

The awards program first started 21 years ago in 2005.
Teresa Rand founded the Boss Lady conference in 2021.
The 2026 ceremony took place on October 22, 2026.

Market Landscape

These annual awards underscore the growing focus on acknowledging female leadership within regional economic frameworks. The program continues to cement the status of local media as a central facilitator for business recognition in Volusia and Flagler counties.

Residents can follow the ongoing recognition of regional leaders to identify influential figures and organizations within their community. The event highlights local networking opportunities and the visibility of female-led small businesses.

The takeaway

Recognizing local leaders helps foster a stronger professional network and encourages civic engagement within the community. Readers looking to contribute to local growth can monitor these awards to identify emerging leaders and charitable organizations.