Women’s Network to present ATHENA award at BC&S luncheon

by Danny Olson

February 24,2007

The Women's Network, a division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, will present the winner of the 2007 ATHENA Award March 6 in conjunction with the Business Conference & Showcase at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center.

The ATHENA, an international award presented locally in communities since 1982, is given to a businessperson who possesses "qualities of professional leadership and community service," Columbia Chamber of Commerce President Don Laird said. "We look for people helping women reach their full leadership potential."

In addition to the ATHENA International award, awards are presented at more than 500 local community ceremonies in the United States, Canada, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. More than 5,000 awards have been given out since 1982, according to the ATHENA International Web site.

Nominations are made throughout the year by members of the community, and from this list a selection committee chooses a winner, who does not have to be a woman, Laird said. In fact, Richard Mendenhall of RE/MAX Boone Realty won the award in 2003.

This ATHENA award has been presented in Columbia since 1995. Last year, Ellen Roper, circuit judge for Boone and Callaway counties, became the 12th winner of the award.

Laird said the award presentation is something that is important to the Women's Network because it highlights people who have been successful members of the business community.

"It's a very prestigious award, and people do not take it lightly," Laird said.

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