Awards Committee
By Linda R. Gardner, Esq. NJAWBO-Mercer Awards Committee/New Member Mentoring Chair

At the Chapter dinner on March 13, 2003, Suzanne Rosenblum, CPA, was officially recognized as the NJAWBO-Mercer nominee for Business Woman of the Year. As you may recall, this award is given to a member of NJAWBO who has distinguished herself in her business, NJAWBO and in her community. Congratulations to Suzanne on the nomination!

Lynn McDougall, Esq. was recently awarded a Teal Heart by the State Board of NJAWBO for her extensive work in connection with the dispute between NJAWBO and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Teal Hearts are given throughout the year to members of each Chapter and of the State Board who have "gone above and beyond the call of duty". The Teal Heart award was presented by NJAWBO-Mercer President Lisa Harrah at the March 6, 2003 board meeting and announced at the March 13, 2003 dinner meeting. Lynn joins Teal Heart winners Susan Guarneri and Linda R. Gardner, Esq. as a nominee for the Nancy C. Righter Award. This award is given to a Teal Heart awardee within the last year who best exemplifies, through her spirit and energy, the outstanding service and dedication of Nancy C. Righter, a former NJAWBO Chapter President who died in an automobile accident while serving as State Board Awards Chair.

Nominations for the NJAWBO-Mercer President’s awards will be accepted until May 1, 2003. The two awards are: the Unsung Hero Award and the Rookie of the Year Award.

• Unsung Hero Award - The unsung hero is a person critical to the growth and health of the organization, but may not always be visible. She helps others move up, supports and empowers them, leading from the middle. She is a stabilizer and can lead through rough spots. She gives back, works behind the scenes and doesn’t look for credit. Others look to her for guidance and are comfortable approaching her.

• Rookie of the Year Award - The rookie of the year is a new member who jumped in feet first and became a visible, enthusiastic supporter of NJAWBO Mercer. She typically participates in committee work soon after joining, attends all meetings and special functions and promotes NJAWBO Mercer in other venues. She quickly becomes a resource for other new members.