News

Nominations sought for 10th Athena award

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 3, 2017

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Athena Award, which will be presented at the annual Business and Professional Women’s Luncheon on Wednesday, May 10, at Kenmure Country Club. Pardee Hospital and Morris Broadband are sponsors of this year’s award and luncheon.
Named for the Greek goddess, the Athena award honors individuals who strive to achieve the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and forge leadership paths for other women to follow.
Nominees must be at least 21 years old and live and/or work in Henderson County. Nominees will be honored May 2 at an event at Burntshirt Wineries sponsored by the Judy Stroud State Farm agency.
The Athena nominations are reviewed by a panel of judges who live outside Henderson County and in some cases, in other states. The judges rate the nominees based on the Athena award’s values such as mentoring, collaborating and nurturing women.
The Athena award was introduced in Henderson County by Vanessa Mintz, a local business leader, chamber volunteer and community advocate. After Mintz’s tragic death in 2011, a local Athena Steering Committee has worked to keep the award alive. Previous local Athena recipients include:
• Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance, 2016
• Judith Long, Executive Director of The Free Clinics of Henderson County, 2015
• Caroline Long, Executive Director of St. Gerard House, 2014
• The Rev. Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church, 2013
• Myra Grant, former Executive Director Pardee Hospital Foundation, 2012
• Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 2011
• Pat Shepherd, owner of Pat’s School of Dance, 2010
• Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank, 2009
• Robin Reed, Bares It All for breast cancer, 2008
To download and submit an application, visit the chamber website. Nominations are due April 7.