Regional Business Community Celebrates 7th Annual Erie Athena Awards

Erie, PA, September 28, 2009 --(PR.com)-- ATHENA International, Inc., National City, now a part of PNC, and the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership celebrated the seventh annual Erie ATHENA Awards during a luncheon held today at Mercyhurst College. The event paid tribute to the economic power and leadership of local women, and the public and private partners who invest in their leadership growth.

The 2009 Erie ATHENA Award was presented to Linda Stevenson, senior vice president at National City Bank, now a part of PNC and chair of the ATHENA Governing Body. Stevenson was recognized for her work championing women business owners and personally supporting and mentoring women entrepreneurs and professionals across northwestern Pennsylvania. Ms. Stevenson started ATHENA Powerlink in Erie County and also coordinates the annual Women’s Economic Development Organization (WEDO) in western Pennsylvania.

Jim Dible, president Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership said, “By recognizing those individuals who assist women in attaining leadership positions in the community, we encourage others to follow their example – that is the true spirit of ATHENA. We’re pleased to be part of this excellent program.”

For the first time, the ATHENA Young Professional Award was presented to a regional college student. Gannon University’s Hannah Kirby was the 2009 recipient and was nominated by Dr. Karina Vernoza. Ms. Kirby is active in outreach activities for elementary and middle school students and is an advisor to young students for the Society of Women Engineers and serves as president of the chapter.

This is the first year that all five local colleges-Edinboro University, Gannon University, LECOM, Mercyhurst College and Penn State Behrend participated in the ATHENA Awards program.

Recipients of the ATHENA Award are selected for helping women develop a leadership role in their community; contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others; and excellence in their own profession. The award is presented annually across the nation by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities and in partnership with ATHENA International. The program has recognized more than 5,000 individuals in 500 communities since its inception in 1982.

National City, now a part of PNC and the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership presented the 2009 Erie ATHENA Award with the assistance of Erie Times News, Manufacturers & Business Association, Mercyhurst College, Gannon University Small Business Development Center & College of Engineering & Business, Edinboro University, Penn State Erie Behrend, LECOM, DeMarco Wachter & CO and Erie Insurance and Northwest Pennsylvania Advertising Federation.

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