The Arizona Small Business Association Announces the First Annual ATHENA Award Celebration of Southern Arizona August 26, 2010, in Tucson

Tucson, AZ, June 04, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The Southern Arizona Regional Office of the Arizona Small Business Association (asba) is pleased to announce the first annual ATHENA Award Celebration in Tucson, AZ. The ATHENA Award is the most prestigious recognition a successful woman in business can receive. This award is bestowed upon an exceptional woman who has achieved and embodies the highest level of professional excellence in her business or profession; has devoted time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community through volunteer efforts; and actively assists and mentors women in realizing their full leadership potential and attainment of professional goals. The award is highly respected and well-known throughout the United States and the world.

“We are honored to have Martha Mayhood Mertz, Founder of ATHENA International and Author of ‘Becoming ATHENA: Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership’, as our special guest keynote speaker,” states asba CEO Donna Davis. In addition, all attendees with receive a copy of Mertz’s engaging new book, which offers a distinctive, transforming approach for leading in the 21st century, including survey research and real-life stories.

Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Award which will be presented at an inspirational and celebratory luncheon on Thursday, August 26th at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort. Ten finalists will be selected and the 2010 ATHENA Award Recipient will be announced and recognized at the luncheon.

“Tucson already enjoys the presence of the inaugural State of Arizona ATHENA Recipient, Carmen Bermúdez, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Mission Management & Trust Company” stated Martha Mertz. In addition to her leadership role with Mission, Bermúdez currently serves as the Honorary Consul to Costa Rica.

“We are honored and thrilled to have the rights to the ATHENA Award® Program for Southern Arizona as there are so many amazing, accomplished women in business who are deserving of this recognition,” states asba CEO Donna Davis, a 2004 ATHENA Recipient. “It’s like the “Oscars” for women in business. Besides its iconic status, this award is different than other awards because the recipient has to demonstrate success and significant contributions in three selection criteria: is at the pinnacle of success in her chosen career or profession; actively mentors other women; and is highly involved in serving her community.”

The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan and has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada, China, Russia and the United Kingdom. The award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture symbolizing the strength, courage and wisdom of the recipient.

The Greater Tucson Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) will proudly present the ‘NAWBO Business Woman of the Year Award’ during the ATHENA Award® Program.

The Southern Arizona ATHENA Recipient will be invited to join the thousands of ATHENA Award Recipients worldwide, along with other business owners and professionals, at the annual International ATHENA Leadership Conference.

Nominations will be accepted through Friday, July 9, 2010 and forms may be obtained by contacting the Arizona Small Business Association (asba) at 520-327-0222, or visit www.azathena.com. For more information about ATHENA International and the ATHENA Award program, visit www.athenainternational.org.

The ATHENA Awards® Program is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and partners, including Tucson Newspapers Inc./Arizona Daily Star, SCF Arizona, Arizona Small Business Benefits (asbb), BBB of Southern Arizona, National Bank of Arizona, Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona, and NAWBO® Greater Tucson.

About asba – For nearly 40 years, asba has been creating opportunities for businesses to make money, save money and achieve amazing results. With a membership of almost 5,000 businesses representing over 300,000 employees, asba is the second largest trade association in the state and the only statewide association dedicated to serving small businesses. From outstanding value to an extensive range of support and services, asba is committed to making Arizona the best place for launching and growing your business. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please call 520-327-0222, or visit www.asba.com. Join asba. Be amAZed®.

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