Women in Business awards laud business savvy, involvement
Four business women—all pioneers, leaders and trailblazers in their fields—were honored at the 21st annual Women in Business Awards luncheon on Wednesday, April 25, 2007.
A top health care administrator, a railroad company executive, an insurance agency franchisee and an owner of an advertising agency received kudos for their achievements in business as well as their contributions to the community.
“I’m honored, I’m humbled, I’m surprised and I’m in tears,” said Mary Fisher, who was dubbed 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year. Fisher, president of Mary Fisher Design, beat out finalists K. Dawn Blackledge (Aerostar Environmental Services Inc.) and Melissa Hong (Visual Solutions).
Franchisee of the Year went to Maggie Deese of Allstate Insurance. Susan Hamilton, who has worked at CSX Corp. for 27 years and now serves as the company’s diversity and equal employment officer, accepted the Corporate Leader Award.
The women were nominated by the community and selected by a team of judges that consisted of past award winners, business leaders and corporate sponsors.
Women Business Owners of North Florida and the Professional Women’s Council, both Jacksonville-based organizations, presented the awards.
Excerpt from the April 26, 2007 Florida Times Union, By Alison Trinidad
