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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 16, 2006

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Joni Eareckson Picture (small gif)

JONI EARECKSON TADA DISABILITY ADVOCATE RECEIVES THE “EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATIONS” AWARD
 
Dallas, TX – February 16, 2006- Women in Christian Media announced the recipients of the Excellence in Communications Awards to be awarded to Joni Eareckson Tada and Shirley Rose. The Excellence in Communications Award Ceremony will take place during the Women in Christian Media National Conference: Journey to Revival at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center on Friday, February 17, 2006 in Dallas, TX.  Women from Christian media identities such as television, radio, film, internet, publishing, and church media will come together for a one day event of revival, networking, and leadership training.  The awards will be presented by Janet Parshall during the Awards Ceremony of the evening event of the Women in Christian Media Conference in Dallas February 17, 2006. This event is open to the public.

“We feel Joni Eareckson Tada & Shirley Rose, have made a major contributions to expanding the role of being women in Christian media while building up of the body of Christ through their ministries. They are servant/leaders in the field of Christian Communications.” Suellen Roberts, Founder & President of WCM said.

Joni Eareckson Tada is the founder of Joni and Friends, with offices in Dallas, TX, an organization accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community.  A diving accident in 1967 left Mrs. Tada a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. During two years of rehabilitation, she spent long months learning how to paint with a brush between her teeth. Her high detail fine art paintings and prints are sought after and collected.

Mrs. Tada is now recognized by her first name in countries around the world following the distribution in many languages of her biography Joni and the full-length feature film JONI, in which she portrays her own life.  Mrs. Tada's role as a disability advocate led to a presidential appointment to the National Council on Disability for three and a half years, during which time the Americans with Disabilities Act became law.  Mrs. Tada, a disability advocate, author, conference speaker, and radio personality has been applauded for her efforts by many supporters including President George W. Bush, Larry King, and Chuck Colson.

Shirley Rose is the Executive Producer/Host for “Aspiring Women” a national syndicated TV show which airs weekly through the Total Living Network and broadcasted through Comcast, SkyAngel, and other affiliates. Among representing “Aspiring Women”, Shirley is also an author and conference speaker. Shirley is known for her books, “The Eve Factor”-newly released by Nav Press, “A Wise Women Once Said” and "Growing Your Dreams: 7 Keys for Success, Joy and True Beauty”.

About Excellence in Communications Award
Women in Christian Media™ recognizes outstanding achievements in the communications field by conferring annual “Excellence in Communication” awards of merit for National Achievement in Christian Media. The presentations of these awards is intended to be an incentive for the continued pursuit of excellence for those working in television, radio, film, internet, publishing & internet industries and to focus public attention on outstanding Christian cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news and informational achievements in media.

About WCM National Conference: Journey to Revival
WCM National Conference: Journey to Revival is a common ground where women professionals share spiritual and professional development. The event will be held on Friday, February 17, 2006 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.  WCM National Conference begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 9:30 PM.  Educational workshops and roundtables include topics such as “Don’t Sabotage Your Effectiveness” and “The Power of Influence: Foundations for Effecitve Leadership”. The day will culminate with the “Excellence in Communications” Awards Ceremony to be held at 7:30 PM.  The event is open to women professionals working in Christian media and all women in the local community. This event is co-located with the National Religious Broadcasters Convention & Exposition. Registration is available at the door.

About Women in Christian Media™
Women in Christian Media™ (WCM), is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting women working in Christian media including television, radio, film, internet, publishing and church media.  They provide a framework for networking, opportunities for professional and personal development, and work toward advancing Christian media - and the women in it.  Additional information about WCM and how to attend the National Conference: Journey to Revival visit http://www.womeninchristianmedia.org.