Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
BPW recognizes Marion, Rand Park Pavilion group
 |
| BPW President Toni McCoy hands a plaque to Keokuk Mayor David Gudgel for a new award inaugurated Tuesday evening, the BPW Above and Beyond Award. Gudgel accepted the award on behalf of the Rand Park Pavilion Committee, which was recognized for raising private funds to construct a new fine arts pavilion. |
By Diane Vance/Gate City Staff Writer
Keokuk Business and Professional Womens' Club inaugurated a new award Tuesday evening at its 77th annual Employer Banquet. After 30 years of recognizing an Employer of the Year, the organization instead bestowed a BPW Above and Beyond Award.
“We're starting a new tradition,” said Keokuk BPW President Toni McCoy, senior vice president at State Central Bank. “This is the first time for this award. We are recognizing a group of conscientious citizens who saw a need and stepped up.
“You've seen pictures and read about the project. This first BPW Above and Beyond Award goes to those citizens who formed a committee to construct a band pavilion in Rand Park.”
Attending the annual recognition dinner at the Keokuk Country Club Tuesday were two members of the Rand Park Pavilion Committee, Mayor David Gudgel and Howie Sutlive, the 2006 BPW Employer of the Year.
“This is awarded with the most sincere appreciation for going above and beyond the call of duty,” said McCoy.
Gudgel accepted the award plaque on behalf of the committee.
The annual BPW Woman of Achievement Award has been given since 1965 in Keokuk. It is a well-kept secret from the time nominations are accepted from the community until the announcement at the banquet.
“She is consistent, persistent and passionate in her community involvement outside of her professional career,” McCoy read from the nomination. “She's a wife and a mother of two grown children. She earned her associate of arts degree at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and a bachelor of science degree in business administration at Drake University in Des Moines.”
At the mention of Stephens College, it dawned on Debbie Marion, director of marketing at River Hills Village, Inc., that the nomination described her.
Marion attended the dinner along with Mike Steinkruger, executive director of River Hills Village. They were guests of 43-year BPW member Shirley Thompson, 1980 Woman of Achievement.
“She lives and breathes her passion for this community and does all things, big and small, continuously with a love for Keokuk and the Tri-State Area,” McCoy read from Marion's nomination by Daniel Engelhardt, CEO, River Hills Village.
One of the highlights of Marion's achievements is the RHV in the Community Program.
Five years ago, Marion initiated the program to involve staff and owners at River Hills in community events and causes, “spurring an ongoing sense of volunteerism that has made a local care provider into a corporate community citizen,” Engelhardt wrote. “RHV in the Community utilizes the time and talents of our staff and the financial resources of our corporation to give back to the community.
“Her positive attitude, energy, graciousness and community spirit exemplify all that is good about Keokuk. On a day-to-day basis, over decades, Keokuk has been the primary beneficiary of Debbie Marion's professional efforts.”
When Marion accepted the plaque, she turned to the crowd.
“I'm speechless,” she said, and sat down again, wiping tears from her cheek.
“She personifies River Hill Village,” said Steinkruger after the close of the banquet. “Debbie is never not working. She's always doing something to promote us.”
Marion has served on numerous municipal and professional boards and committees, including the City Planning Commission; Main Street Keokuk, Inc.; Chamber of Commerce and RAP breakfast board member; Keokuk Art Center board and Festival of Trees co-chair; Big River United Way board; Keokuk Parks and Recreation board; Keokuk School Board; “Founders Circle” member of Keokuk Area Community Foundation; Relay for Life sponsor; Kid Zone board; ambassador for visiting dignitaries to Keokuk; involvement in student school activities in the Tri-State Area and more.
Gudgel, another guest of Thompson, said he was surprised and pleased to have the Pavilion Committee recognized with an award.
“It's a testament to Keokuk,” said Gudgel. “Every dime raised to build this has come from private donations from the community. This really surprised me.”
Others serving on the Rand Park Pavilion Committee are Mae Conn, June Gudgel, Woodie Brassil, Roger Bryant, Chuck Betts, Bob Soule, the Rev. Dale Thomas, Jerry Metternich and Ellen Norman.
Gudgel said he is eager to appoint another committee to take over the care and maintenance of the pavilion, which is projected to be completed next spring.
A special guest Tuesday evening was BPW's state president, Marlis Robberts, an attorney in Burlington. A BPW member since 1997, Robberts took office in May.
“I've been nominated for the second time, so it looks like I will hold this office for two years,” she said. “I attended a BPW National Convention in New Orleans several years ago. Deisy Harrington (former BPW state president of Keokuk) and Grace Edmiston (BPW officer and 2004 Woman of Achievement of Keokuk) adopted me there. I have friends all over the state and the U.S. because of BPW.”
Robberts said Burlington/West Burlington BPW has about 20 members. Iowa has about 300 members and there are 15,000 BPW members nationally.
“As state president, I get to communicate with the local chapters and attend fun events such as this,” said Robberts. “We also organize an annual lobby day to travel to Des Moines and present our issues to the legislators. We lobby for equal pay and funding to support those affected by domestic violence, among other things.”
McCoy greeted Keokuk BPW members and guests at the beginning of the banquet.
“It's time to celebrate our membership,” she said. “And to thank those employers and family members who support and encourage us.”
Anne Schock introduced BPW members and their guests; Theresa Clark-Sestito was toast mistress for the evening; Edmiston lead the invocation; and Jean Jinkens gave the benediction.
Justin Tuck of Keokuk and Chenille Saunders of Carthage, Ill., provided musical entertainment after dinner.
“We're starting a new tradition,” said Keokuk BPW President Toni McCoy, senior vice president at State Central Bank. “This is the first time for this award. We are recognizing a group of conscientious citizens who saw a need and stepped up.
“You've seen pictures and read about the project. This first BPW Above and Beyond Award goes to those citizens who formed a committee to construct a band pavilion in Rand Park.”
Attending the annual recognition dinner at the Keokuk Country Club Tuesday were two members of the Rand Park Pavilion Committee, Mayor David Gudgel and Howie Sutlive, the 2006 BPW Employer of the Year.
“This is awarded with the most sincere appreciation for going above and beyond the call of duty,” said McCoy.
Gudgel accepted the award plaque on behalf of the committee.
ADVERTISEMENT |
“She is consistent, persistent and passionate in her community involvement outside of her professional career,” McCoy read from the nomination. “She's a wife and a mother of two grown children. She earned her associate of arts degree at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and a bachelor of science degree in business administration at Drake University in Des Moines.”
At the mention of Stephens College, it dawned on Debbie Marion, director of marketing at River Hills Village, Inc., that the nomination described her.
Marion attended the dinner along with Mike Steinkruger, executive director of River Hills Village. They were guests of 43-year BPW member Shirley Thompson, 1980 Woman of Achievement.
“She lives and breathes her passion for this community and does all things, big and small, continuously with a love for Keokuk and the Tri-State Area,” McCoy read from Marion's nomination by Daniel Engelhardt, CEO, River Hills Village.
One of the highlights of Marion's achievements is the RHV in the Community Program.
Five years ago, Marion initiated the program to involve staff and owners at River Hills in community events and causes, “spurring an ongoing sense of volunteerism that has made a local care provider into a corporate community citizen,” Engelhardt wrote. “RHV in the Community utilizes the time and talents of our staff and the financial resources of our corporation to give back to the community.
“Her positive attitude, energy, graciousness and community spirit exemplify all that is good about Keokuk. On a day-to-day basis, over decades, Keokuk has been the primary beneficiary of Debbie Marion's professional efforts.”
When Marion accepted the plaque, she turned to the crowd.
“I'm speechless,” she said, and sat down again, wiping tears from her cheek.
“She personifies River Hill Village,” said Steinkruger after the close of the banquet. “Debbie is never not working. She's always doing something to promote us.”
Marion has served on numerous municipal and professional boards and committees, including the City Planning Commission; Main Street Keokuk, Inc.; Chamber of Commerce and RAP breakfast board member; Keokuk Art Center board and Festival of Trees co-chair; Big River United Way board; Keokuk Parks and Recreation board; Keokuk School Board; “Founders Circle” member of Keokuk Area Community Foundation; Relay for Life sponsor; Kid Zone board; ambassador for visiting dignitaries to Keokuk; involvement in student school activities in the Tri-State Area and more.
Gudgel, another guest of Thompson, said he was surprised and pleased to have the Pavilion Committee recognized with an award.
“It's a testament to Keokuk,” said Gudgel. “Every dime raised to build this has come from private donations from the community. This really surprised me.”
Others serving on the Rand Park Pavilion Committee are Mae Conn, June Gudgel, Woodie Brassil, Roger Bryant, Chuck Betts, Bob Soule, the Rev. Dale Thomas, Jerry Metternich and Ellen Norman.
Gudgel said he is eager to appoint another committee to take over the care and maintenance of the pavilion, which is projected to be completed next spring.
A special guest Tuesday evening was BPW's state president, Marlis Robberts, an attorney in Burlington. A BPW member since 1997, Robberts took office in May.
“I've been nominated for the second time, so it looks like I will hold this office for two years,” she said. “I attended a BPW National Convention in New Orleans several years ago. Deisy Harrington (former BPW state president of Keokuk) and Grace Edmiston (BPW officer and 2004 Woman of Achievement of Keokuk) adopted me there. I have friends all over the state and the U.S. because of BPW.”
Robberts said Burlington/West Burlington BPW has about 20 members. Iowa has about 300 members and there are 15,000 BPW members nationally.
“As state president, I get to communicate with the local chapters and attend fun events such as this,” said Robberts. “We also organize an annual lobby day to travel to Des Moines and present our issues to the legislators. We lobby for equal pay and funding to support those affected by domestic violence, among other things.”
McCoy greeted Keokuk BPW members and guests at the beginning of the banquet.
“It's time to celebrate our membership,” she said. “And to thank those employers and family members who support and encourage us.”
Anne Schock introduced BPW members and their guests; Theresa Clark-Sestito was toast mistress for the evening; Edmiston lead the invocation; and Jean Jinkens gave the benediction.
Justin Tuck of Keokuk and Chenille Saunders of Carthage, Ill., provided musical entertainment after dinner.
 |
||
| CHMI's Kindy Bergman uses resemblance to Tina Fey, Sarah Palin to help raise funds for Grand Theatre |
Reader Comments
| Please log in or create an account by filling out the form on the right. | |
