Enterprising Women of the Year Award

Peoria, IL – Mary Ardapple, owner and CEO of Apple’s Bakery, was recently named one of the 2009 Enterprising Women of the Year by Enterprising Women magazine.
Nominations for the award poured in throughout October and November and the magazine's editorial team narrowed the field to a group of semi-finalists. A committee made up of members of the magazine's prestigious National Advisory Board conducted telephone interviews with candidates in order to finalize the selection of winners and finalists. Ardapple was one of five winners in the category of “Up to $1 Million in Annual Revenues.”
"The caliber of honorees for the Enterprising Women of the Year Award is amazing. These women are all leading fast-growth businesses, while assuming leadership roles in their communities, and mentoring other women in business. We are so proud of each and every one of them," Monica Smiley, Publisher/CEO of Enterprising Women, said.
Winners and finalists will be recognized at a gala dinner held in their honor during the 7th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration, March 11-13, 2009 at Disney's Yacht Club Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. The celebration has been planned to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of these honorees.
Since 1989, Apple's Bakery has worked to carve out a niche as a gateway to Midwestern hospitality. In recent years she has grown her business and explored new market segments. She has recently launched a new line of gluten free products which are sold regionally throughout the Midwest. Ardapple ships her products nationwide with customers in 49 states. With the best customer service and farm-style scratch baked goods in Central Illinois, Apple’s Bakery strives to facilitate conversations through their “smiles made from scratch” philosophy.