The Women’s Business Council (WBC) of Marion, Ohio is honored to again sponsor the ATHENA Leadership Award®. The ATHENA was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment – qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model®. The Award is unique in both scope – local, national and international – and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to a woman – or man – who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
ATHENA nominations are solicited from community members. The WBC honors all nominees with a luncheon and awards the beautiful ATHENA sculpture to the final recipient. The ATHENA sculpture is to honor an individual in the community who meets specific criteria. Recipients are individuals who have achieved the highest level of professional excellence, contribute time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.
The 2016 ATHENA will be presented at a noon luncheon Monday, March 7, 2016 in the Harding Room of META Solutions, formerly TRECA. Last year’s recipient was Jody Demo-Hodgins, Executive Director, Crawford-Marion Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services.
“Once again we have such a strong list of nominees, I know the judges will have a difficult time narrowing it down,” said Diane Glassmeyer, chair of the Marion Women’s Business Council board. “The quality of women in leadership positions throughout the Marion community is strong, and we are honored to provide a forum for those accomplishments to be recognized.”
Local companies championing the ATHENA recognition include Cummins Building & Maintenance, OhioHealth, All Occasion Catering, Allstate Insurance Rob Hyburg, BMX Imaging, Fahey Bank, iHeart Radio, Marion Community Credit Union, Marion Flower Shop, Marion Star, Marion Technical College, Marion Wealth Management, McDaniel Motors, Tom Milligan Agency Nationwide Insurance, Nucor Steel, Ohigro Inc., POET Biorefining – Marion, Sims Brothers, Sisler & Associates, Stifel Nicolaus & Company, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University Alber Enterprise Center, The Union Bank, Wyandot Inc., Affinity Insurance, Aqua Ohio, Carroll’s Jewelers, Custom Professional Accounting, The Power Factory.
Modern Woodmen of America has committed to matching the funds, up to $2500, raised from the silent auction which will then be presented to the ATHENA Leadership Award® recipient’s non-profit charity of choice.
Marion Women’s Business Council is dedicated to inspiring women to reach their full potential through mentoring, networking education and recognition. Visit www.WomensBusinessCouncil.com for more information on the ATHENA or how to become a part the Marion Women’s Business Council. Athena luncheon reservations are $18 each and may be made by sending an email to mrn.wbc@gmail.com or by calling Elaine Evans, Membership Chair, at 740-389-9960, ext. 307.
Cynthia Bentley
Owner, Curves for Women – Marion
Nominated by Terri Malone
Non-profit donation choice: Voice of Hope – Marion
As owner of her own Curves for Women franchise, Cynthia Bentley demonstrates excellence on a daily basis building Curves for Women – Marion into a flourishing business in just over three years. By creatively showcasing other women in business at Curves, she has created an environment which empowers women to become “Curves Strong.”
Bentley has voluntarily taken Curves for Women to the Marion Senior Center where it has been very well received. She has also participated in numerous community events such as the Scioto Shoe Mart Fun Run, Touch a Truck , Voice of Hope 5K, Heritage Christian School Annual Fund Raising Auction, Goodwill Wheel-A-Thon, as well as devotes a great deal of time in serving as Treasurer of the Women’s Business Council.
Bentley has also won The Fuller Brush Company’s 1st President’s Award for Significant Contribution to the Success of the Business in 2000, Curves International Rookie Club of the Year in 2012, and served on the Curves International Franchise Advisory Board in 2013 and 2014.
Terri Malone, who nominated Bentley said, “Cindi is a natural leader. She leads by example and encourages women to be their best and attain their personal goals. She exhibits a sincere interest in each of her Curves clients … going above and beyond in being a good listener.”
Malone continued, “It is a joy to work for Cindi as a Curves Coach. She creates a positive, uplifting, Christian environment where all of her clients and staff feel at ease. Cindi is willing to put in the necessary work hours to keep her business at its best, while always being available to assist both her family and her church family.”
Paige Filliater
CEP, Fred Darling Studio
Nominated by Megan Anthony
Non-profit donation choice: Turning Point
Paige Filliater is CEP of her own business, Fred Darling Studio. She has worked hard to accomplish a high level of success growing her business not only locally, but also regionally through her online presence.
Currently, Filliater helps any person (especially women) who is interested in starting their own business by working with them for free, and introducing these entrepreneurs to anyone they need to talk to in order to make their dreams happen.
Filliater has worked with a local economic developer to help market the city to investors and bring more jobs to the Marion area, as well as worked with the Marion City Police Department to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. She also volunteers her summers at the historic Marion Palace Theatre by serving as a producer for their musicals.
As Ms. Marion Popcorn Festival 2015, Filliater has represented the Marion community at a number of festivals and events, as well as recently served on the planning committee for the New Year’s Eve Winter Wonderland Gala Fundraiser.
In nominating Filliater, Megan Anthony said, “Paige represents the very future of the Marion area. Without up and coming business owners and professionals like her, Marion’s future would not be as bright as it is.”
Bev Ford
Executive Director, Marion Palace Theatre
Nominated by Mike Stuckey, Kenny Spafford
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Palace Theatre
Currently the Executive Director of the Marion Palace Theatre, Bev Ford began working at the Palace in 1998 selling tickets part-time in the Box Office. Since then, she has worn many hats including Volunteer Coordinator, Arts Palace Coordinator, School Matinee Coordinator, Marketing Director and Operations Manager.
Some of Ford’s accomplishments during that time include writing numerous grants for the theatre and securing $1.46 million in grant funding since 2000; being instrumental in the planning, fundraising and oversight of the $1.8 million dollar renovation to the Palace’s deteriorating façade and marquees since 2013; obtaining a Digital Projection System in 2015; elimination of May Pavilion debt in 2014; securing an average of $58,000 per year in corporate sponsorships for shows; and continued PCAA membership growth under her direction. Ford has also expanded the number of local productions in programming including summer and winter musicals, stage plays, junior musicals, junior plays, and showcasing hometown artists in the Pavilion; as well as restructuring employees job descriptions to create a more efficient and productive environment for employees and a more satisfying experience for patrons. Because of these efforts, the Palace has been able to operate in the black for the past three years … and it appears the current year will follow that pattern.
Mike Stuckey, echoed by fellow nominator Kenny Spafford, said, “Bev’s leadership at the Palace, where most of the staff are women, is undeniably motivating. Her strong work ethic, unwavering moral compass and high standards for success is balanced perfectly by her kind heart. Generous to a fault with the staff and community, she’s always the first to offer congratulations, condolences and support when needed. Bev encourages us to be not only the best employees for the Palace, but she also inspires us to be better individuals for the community and for our families.”
Ford is also an Assembly of God Credential Minister serving as Administrative Pastor (July 2004 – December 2005) and Worship, Arts & Media Pastor (January 2006 –2013).
Jill Frey
President, Cummins Facility Services
Nominated by: Cathy Waddell
Non-profit donation choice: ROX
Jill Frey assumed a leadership position with Cummins Facility Services (CFS) in 1994. At the time, the company had 15 employees and customers exclusively in the Marion, Ohio area. Frey became 100% owner of the company in 2010 and today CFS has 350 employees, operates in 13 states and Mexico, and has revenue of more than $11 million. CFS has become a certified Women’s Business Enterprise and under her leadership received certification as a CIMS Green Building Company with Honors – a distinction very few companies achieve. Frey has received the designation Certified Business Services Executive (CBSE) through the Building Service Contractors Association International (BCSAI), the industry’s leading trade organization.
In addition, the company has recently become the only woman-owned business to be a distributor of a new induction charged cleaning technology that is expected to revolutionize the way cruise lines, corporations, schools, hospitals and airlines disinfect, deodorize and protect their environments.
Understanding of the value of networking and surrounding oneself with successful individuals both within your industry and beyond, Frey has been an active member and leader of numerous trade and professional organizations, including the Building Services Contractors Association International (BSCAI), the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), the Women Presidents’ Organization, and the Young Presidents’ Organization.
Nominated by Cathy Waddell, she said about Frey, “In addition to her involvement with trade and professional organizations, Jill enjoys serving as a mentor of other young professionals, particularly women. She has received numerous awards in recognition for her efforts. She was named one of the 2015 Enterprising Women of the Year by Enterprising Women Magazine and received the Global Executive Woman’s Magazine International Women of Influence Honoree in 2009. Jill was also selected as a Goldman Sachs Babson College 10K Small Business Scholar in 2015.
“The development of female leaders has become an integral part of the culture Jill has created at CFS and, with the high percentage of women in leadership positions at the company, we believe that will continue to be the case for many years to come.”
Brandy Gatrell
Owner, Precision Quest
Nominated by: Doris Schwartz
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Palace Theatre
Brandy Gatrell is a Court Abstractor for Precision Quest … the business she and her husband have owned for the past 16 years. However, her desire is to be able to assist people and help make her community a better place. She is a member of the Women’s Club Home, 100 Women Who Care, Marion Small Business MeetUp Network Group, chair and organizer of Saturday in the Park, and local radio volunteer. Gatrell is also co-founder of Marion’s Helping Hands and Marion’s HomeTown Talent, as well as is the administrator of nine local nonprofit social media pages.
Marion’s HomeTown Talent is a vehicle to showcase local talent at a variety of events throughout the Marion community. A program that has no sponsors or revenue, Gatrell funds expenses on her own through her photography endeavors. HomeTown Talent performers have been showcased at Kids Fest, The Pinwheel Project, The Marion Popcorn Festival, Downtown Pop N Drop, Sprint Fest at the Women’s Club Home, Saturday in the Park, and in Busby Park nearly every week during the summer of 2014. As performers – many of them women – gain experience and perfect their talent, it helps them develop confidence, secure jobs through their talent, and become leaders in the community. Through Gatrell’s efforts, she was also able to fast track 20 local performers into the America’s Got Talent auditions.
Marion’s Helping Hands is another endeavor of Gatrell’s. Born from a desire to aid those who need a helping hand in Marion, the program tries to fill needs of area residents with everything from baby formula and diapers to furniture and appliances. The program has grown and currently networks with other Marion agencies to try to supply the needs of as many people as possible.
“The past few years,” said Doris Schwartz who nominated Gatrell, “has been a very eye- opening adventure for Brandy. She has learned that anyone can make a difference. You can be part of the problem or a part of the solution. Brandy found her passion.”
Theresa Lubke
Executive Director, Marion Family YMCA
Nominated By: Karen Ream
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Family YMCA
As Executive Director of the Marion Family YMCA, Theresa Lubke’s accomplishments are wide-ranging and encompass many aspects of the community. She has put the YMCA in a much stronger financial position as she was able to refinance an 8 million dollar debt. Lubke was also able to secure a substantial donation in order to meet the demands of the new loan structure, enabling the Y to maintain programs and the physical structure. She has expanded programming, added equipment, and increased support through the annual campaign, thereby making it possible for the Y to offer scholarship assistance to anyone with a demonstrated need. This means that nearly 3700 individuals and families are able to become Y members or maintain their Y membership each year. The Y currently has over 9000 members and each year sees over 250,000 visits by members and guests. By contrast, at the old Y on East Church Street, there were 2700 total members with about 12% of those on scholarship.
Among the expanded programming is the addition of a licensed preschool program, made accessible to every child in the community. The Y has added a LIVESTRONG ® AT THE YMCA program for cancer patients and survivors, a Delay the Disease Program for Parkinson’s patients, and a diabetes management program.
Lubke initiated the YMCA and Marion Public Health’s application in 2010 to become a Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) designated community, which led to the formation of PHC – Marion. Lubke continues to serve as partner coach for this coalition working to reduce childhood obesity in Marion. PHC – Marion’s work has resulted in bike lanes on Ohio 95, marked bike routes throughout the City of Marion, and the growth of community gardens including 20 beds at Christ Missionary Baptist Church. PHC – Marion’s work in community gardens was highlighted by YUSA through a video “story book” shared with YMCA’s throughout the country.
She has partnered with the city schools with several projects including a mentorship program for youth most at risk and an after school program.
Karen Ream, who nominated Lubke said, “The Marion Family YMCA has a long history of serving its community and Theresa has continued that tradition. She puts her energy and passion into the causes and people she believes in. She is tactical in her approach to strengthening the Marion community through building relationships between people first, then through organizations, working to identify common causes and pooling the energy, wisdom and resources of those around her. This has helped to make Marion a better place to live for all its citizens.”
Arnita Pittman
Executive Director and Founder, Arnita Pittman Community Recovery Center
Nominated by: Tom Stotts
Non-profit donation choice: Maryhaven Women’s Program
Arnita Pittman retired in 2012 from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections where she had begun at the Marion Correctional Institution in 1978 and was the first African American female Inspector. Her plan had been to take a trip to Israel. However, after multiple requests for assistance, Pittman saw a community need and opened up an office at the Southland Mall called the Arnita Pittman Community Recovery Center. While at the mall, she held addiction groups and conducted individual therapy for substance abuse.
In 2013, Pittman relocated to her present location on North Main Street (the former North Main Street School) where she continues to offer group and individual therapy for substance abuse. In February 2015, Pittman expanded her services by opening up Buckeye Recovery Housing for men at that location, with the goal to one day have residential program for local women which would allow them to undergo treatment while still being able to continue to care for their children.
Pittman goes above and beyond by transporting individuals who stay in the housing program to get to their place of employment, which can be as far as Columbus and Marysville.
Pittman is in the beginning stages of a project to house a detox center at the Arnita Pittman Community Recovery Center. The facility opens to the homeless in order for them to get food which has been donated by community businesses; as well as offers a meal to the homeless during Thanksgiving and Christmas and a free community breakfast the first Saturday of every month.
In 2014, Arnita was the recipient of the Black Heritage Council of Marion award for Outstanding Services in Business.
Tom Stotts indicated in his submission, “Arnita has so much compassion in the work she does. She could have just retired and moved on back in 2012. However, she gave up on retirement and went with her passion to help those in need when it came to addiction.”
Evelyn Warr –Cummings
Assistant Director / Grant Coordinator, Marion County Regional Planning Commission
Nominated by Katie Steinberger
Non-profit donation choice: Turning Point
Evelyn Warr-Cummings has been the assistant director / grant coordinator for Marion County Regional Planning Commission for 25½ years. In that time period she has written and obtained many grants to assist in bettering both Marion’s city and county villages. Some of the projects that have benefited include downtown Marion buildings, new or replaced sidewalks in Marion and several of the county villages, and assisting the low to moderate income residents in our City.
Warr-Cummings obtained money for Healthy Living and establishing playgrounds for several neighborhood parks, including Bauldauf Park, Brandy Winfield Park and Martin Luther King Jr. Park; and obtained funding for the Boys and Girls Club playground. Additionally, she helped chair the Christmas in July 5k run, and was instrumental in setting up the route and hanging the signs for Marion’s Shoe the Loop which features different walking paths throughout downtown Marion and surrounding attractions.
In 1997, Warr-Cummings was involved in obtaining grant money to restore one of Marion’s Historical Landmarks, the Harding Hotel. She similarly has been successful in obtaining money to assist the Marion Palace Theatre in renovations, as well as grants for rehabilitation of the old Harding Freshman Building gym as a recreation, social service and safety facility.
Warr-Cummings serves currently on the Monarch Place Board; is past chairman and current board member of the Marion Continuum of Care Board; has served as the chairman of Homeless Shelter Board; and in 2015 completed her term on the (OCCD) Ohio Conference of Community Development as chair for the state small cities committee. She is chairman of the Downtown Marion, Inc. Design Committee and also works with the City Design Review Board.
Warr-Cummings also teaches PSR (Sunday school) at her church, is an active member of her condo board, and volunteers at TASK, a statewide organization that works with developmentally challenged adults and children.
Nominator Katie Steinberger said, “Evelyn has mentored several of our interns, and has encouraged and helped me develop skills in the business world that I didn’t know I was capable of possessing. She worked with me and has helped me earn the respect of people, develop skills to assist her with many grants, and have the courage to take on several key projects in our community.”
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