Awards Committee
By Karen Hansen, NJAWBO-Mercer Awards Committee

Outgoing Mercer Chapter President Lisa Harrah recognized the special contributions of five NJAWBO-Mercer members when she presented the President’s Awards at the Chapter dinner on June 12. The recipients were Arlene Schragger, Paula Gould, Linda Principe, Grazina Crisman and Terri Petry.

Arlene Schragger, of ads Public Relations & Marketing, received the Pioneer Award (new this year). The Pioneer Award recognizes a woman who readily enters uncharted waters. With her pioneering spirit, she goes where no one has gone before. She can take people where they may not want to go initially; even when it's uncomfortable, they follow her because they know she also takes people beyond where they thought they could go. She is innovative, creative, inspiring, and a visionary. She not only sees what is possible, but also pursues it. Pioneers insure that organizations always move forward.

The Team Builder Award, also new this year, was presented to Paula Gould of Paula Gould Consulting. A Team Builder is someone who gets others involved and keeps them motivated. She inspires people to jump on the wagon before it starts to roll. She has the spirit that makes people want to be part of an endeavor, guiding them and sharing the credit as the team overcomes competition. She is exuberant, enthusiastic and a great promoter, recognizing the power of grassroots involvement and inspiring people to participate.

Linda Principe, of Linda Principe Interiors, received the Unsung Hero Award. An unsung hero is a person critical to the growth and health of the organization, but who may not be in a highly visible role. She helps others move up, supporting and empowering them, while leading from the middle. She is a stabilizer who can lead others through the 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.

This year, two members received the Rookie of the Year Award: Grazina Crisman of The Productivity Shoppe and Terri Petry of Mercer County Woman. This award recognizes a new member who jumps in feet first and becomes 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.

Congratulations to Arlene, Paula, Linda, Grazina, and Terri!

If you would like to volunteer to be a member of the Awards Committee, please contact Karen Hansen at 732-398-9809 or khansen@aol.com.