Don't Ya Just Luv Women in Business??"

By Jim Smith

Our Women in Business (WIB) Committee continues to be one of the most active (maybe hyper-active) groups in our Davis Chamber.  Their luncheons are always well-organized and motivational.  Their fund-raising efforts for the Amber Alert program have won statewide recognition for the Davis Chamber and they are being considered for national attention as well.  This is an amazing group!

My first interaction with WIB came a few years ago when Chantel Chase (with whom I worked at the time) volunteered our bank to sponsor the Annual Athena Awards program.  As I learned about the wonderful, talented, and energetic women that were being considered for that award I came away with a newer, deeper appreciation for all that they add to our community.  Right then and there I became an advocate for the Athena Award!

I want to add my endorsement to the request you saw last week encouraging you to nominate someone for this prestigious award.  This is actually a national award and the recipient from Davis County will travel to represent us at the national conference.  THERE ARE WOMEN WE WORK WITH ON A DAILY BASIS THAT OUGHT TO BE CONSIDERED!!!

So . . . stop what you are doing for a moment and ponder which of the women you associate with are deserving of this recognition.  The actual wording for the award is as follows:

"The Athena award is given to an individual who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and who actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential."

You cannot tell me that you don't know someone who fits that description!!!  I can think of several right now as I am writing.  Past winners include women from business, politics, education, and service organizations, but don't let anything limit your thought process.  This generally is considered kind of a "life time achievement" award.

Take a moment and fill out the form.  DO NOT THINK "SOMEONE ELSE WILL PROBABLY DO IT"!  As you saw with our Awards Banquet it makes a BIG DIFFERENCE in the lives of the women who are nominated.  Take a moment - IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!

WARNING TO WIB LEADERSHIP:  I want this year's Athena Awards Banquet to be BIG!  I'd like to open it to the entire Chamber membership, not just WIB members.  We'll talk.

Thanks.  Jim