Frankenmuth, MI – May 4, 2011 – As Mother’s Day approaches, Americans across the country will be showering their moms with love and appreciation. And for one mom in Frankenmuth, Mich. -- Judy Zehnder Keller – this Mother’s Day will be particularly special. That’s because Zehnder Keller, President of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, has been ranked as one of 2011’s Leading Moms in Business by StartupNation.com. In fact, she’s been ranked 10th from among hundreds of contestants across the United States.

“My successes are a direct result of the people I get to work with each and every day – who are really like an extended family,” says Zehnder Keller, a mother of three. “Those are not only the employees at the Lodge, but the guests that visit us. We work hard to create enjoyable experiences for our guests, ourselves and each other by having fun at work every day.”

America has once again demonstrated its immense interest for moms building businesses as they also tend to their families, with millions of votes being cast in the annual competition. The winner’s profile for Judy Zehnder Keller, Bavarian Inn Lodge, can be found at http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/10239/index.php.

Judy Zehnder Keller is the daughter of the late William “Tiny” Zehnder, a native of Frankenmuth, Mich. and Dorothy (Hecht) Zehnder, who grew up in Reese, Mich. She is president of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, after planning and overseeing its construction. The Lodge opened Feb. 10, 1986 with 100 guestrooms, a restaurant and meeting rooms, one indoor pool and one whirlpool. Since then, the Lodge has undergone four expansions with each one adding more guestrooms and amenities for guests. Zehnder Keller also serves as president of the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Frankenmuth Gift Shop, Inc. and the Frankenmuth Motel.

Zehnder Keller was pregnant with son William while designing and developing the Lodge in 1985. At its grand opening in 1986, her children Michael, Martha and William (Woody) were ages 6 years, 3 years and 5 months, respectively. As they grew up, they each had their own miniature desks in Judy’s office and often spent time with mom at work. Both sons are now back in the family business and daughter Martha is a sales manager at the Sheraton in Chicago.

Millions of visitors travel to Frankenmuth annually. In 25 years of business, the Bavarian Inn Lodge has been an important destination for travelers, evidenced by the 1.25 million room-nights that have been booked there since its opening. To learn more, visit www.bavarianinn.com.

Learn more about StartupNation.com’s Leading Moms in Business by visiting www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business