WATERLOO, Iowa (June 18, 2018)—The nomination period for the 2018 HME Woman of the Year is officially open.

Now in its third 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, 38 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 where Barbara Smith was presented the award.  

Smith, 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.

“Everyone knows someone that deserves recognition for the endless hours and countless contributions that they provide for our patients and communities,” said Smith, CEO of Healthline Medical Equipment. “I encourage everyone to lift up a woman who has served in such a capacity and even if they don’t win, they have won by the simple acknowledgement you make for them. If you know anyone that has been an asset to HME providers and the customers we serve, they deserve your nomination!”

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 August 13 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 October 15–17, 2018, in Atlanta.