Michele Merhib Named Finalist In 6th Annual Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs

Michele Merhib, founder of elements therapeutic massage, was named a Finalist in the Best Entrepreneur category for service businesses with up to 100 employees in The 2009 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs.

The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs, is an international awards competition recognizing the accomplishments of women executives and business owners. The awards are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards.

More than 1,100 entries were submitted for consideration in 54 categories, including Best Entrepreneur, Best Executive, Best Young Entrepreneur, Best New Product and Mentor of the Year. Merhib was named as a Finalist in the category for Best Entrepreneur.

Eleven years ago, Merhib, now 46, was looking for career satisfaction when she quit her job in the corporate world and went back to school to learn how to give massages. With her first massage studio’s quick success, Merhib sold the concept to Fitness Together who franchised the company. Today, elements therapeutic massage has sold more than 100 Franchises and has more than 75 independently owned and operated studios open in 22 states.

“The Winners and Finalists in The 2009 Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs comprise the most dynamic women in business today. These executives and entrepreneurs have accomplished innovative and extraordinary things while building their businesses and serving their communities,” said Michael Gallagher, president of The Stevie Awards. “We congratulate all of them on their achievement.”

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are governed by a Board of Distinguished Judges and Advisors that features many leading women entrepreneurs and luminaries in business.

About elements therapeutic massage, inc.:
elements therapeutic massage, is headquartered in Highlands Ranch, Colo., and owned by Fitness Together Holdings, Inc. The parent company oversees Fitness Together Franchise Corporation, a one-on-one personal training Fitness Franchise that began Franchising in 1996, and elements therapeutic massage, a massage therapy franchise that began franchising in 2006. Today, the combined franchise network has sold hundreds of franchises across the United States, Costa Rica, Israel, Ireland, and Canada.

About The Stevie Awards:
The Stevie Awards are conferred in three programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, and The Stevie Awards for Women Entrepreneurs. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide.