We all know one: a powerful, determined businesswoman who, honestly, would be a little intimidating if she weren’t so damn good at her job. That’s the type of woman Biz 417 has shed the spotlight on since our first class of Women Who Mean Business in 2016. Strong candidates are women who are leading the way in their fields, running boardrooms or giving back in big ways.

The formal nomination period opens each September and includes a finalist round. Honorees are profiled in the March/April issue of the following year.

This award series highlights 10 individuals in various industries who are under the radar, poised for growth and getting the job done well. The group represents the leaders of tomorrow. As the name suggests, we're looking for 10 people to lead 417-land into the next decade. There are no age restrictions and no industry requirements for nominees.

The formal nomination period opens each January and can include a finalist round. Selected individuals are profiled in the July/August issue.

Since 2016, we have recognized the most powerful and influential business leaders in 417-land in our annual Biz 100 list. Each year, we evaluate current and prospective honorees based on their individual business success, their impact on the local business community and their community involvement. Current honorees are eligible to appear again, but as people retire, leave the area or otherwise take a step back, they can be taken off the list. Leaders can come from any industry and hold any title; however, we are looking for people who truly have the ability to move the needle in one or more of the areas listed above.

We accept nominations for Biz 100 on a rolling basis and decide on the current year’s group of honorees each May. The feature appears in each November/December issue.