**Wendy C. Warren
CEO & Executive Director**

The Nominations Committee for this year’s Financial Services Industry Excellence Awards has submitted its slate of finalists to the 2006 Blue Ribbon Panel.

BFSB congratulates the well deserving individuals and their firms for exceptional accomplishments that resulted in their respective nominations. *(See list attached)*

CEO & Executive Director Wendy Warren says the programme was introduced as an integral part of the organisation’s Financial Centre Focus (FCF) outreach, and is designed to recognise role models in the industry for outstanding performance and contribution to the growth and development of the sector.

Also to be recognised at the upcoming Awards Banquet is the individual chosen to receive the **“Minister’s Award”**. Since 2002, the Minister of Financial Services and Investments has presented this award, basing selection on excellence in financial services. The Ministry says individuals recognised *”exemplify excellence in all of its aspects and go above and beyond the call of duty.”*

**Industry Excellence Awards**

Finalists are selected based on the following criteria:

**EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR** – *exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities, with significant contribution to the growth and development of the financial services industry*

**PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR** – *displays leadership qualities, with consistent contributions made to his/her organisation*

**ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR** – *demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and professionalism in executing duties, accomplishing personal and corporate goals*

The Blue Ribbon Panel also has received a nomination for the **2006 Financial Services DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION AWARD**:

• Bank of the Bahamas International

in recognition of the institution’s achievements in *”advancing financial services for individuals and institutions”* while bringing *“prestigious honour to The Bahamas through back-to-back awards for Country Bank of the Year from The Banker and Euromoney”.*

The Blue Ribbon Panel selects the Executive, Professional and Achiever of the Year for announcement at the annual Awards Banquet. This year’s event is being hosted on October 21st, in the Balmoral Ballroom of the Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island.