PHYLLIS GOLDMAN ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
FOR WOMEN

This award, recognizes women in our community who have demonstrated noteworthy entrepreneurial and professional pursuits, who  is committed to community service and the has served as a role model for a other women and girls pursuing their career dreams.

Phyllis Goldman Encouragement Award for Women

The Story Behind the Award

In 1997, the Phyllis Goldman Encouragement Award for Women was created to recognize women who have pursued an entrepreneurial endeavor and to encourage other women to do the same. The award honors the memory of Phyllis Goldman, an Auburn business owner, who inspired and encouraged many women to follow their dreams and to nurture their professional and entrepreneurial spirit.

The Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, believing in the importance of recognizing, inspiring and courageous business women, proudly assumed responsibility from the award creators, Treble Associates in 2001 and continues to present it each year in the same spirit and passion it was created.

Phyllis Goldman always demonstrated interest in the positive development of women. She recognized the many challenges women faced as they moved from one place in life to the next. She became a regional advocate and activist for issues affecting women, showing particular interest in issues facing women in Cayuga County and the Finger Lakes region.

Seeing many women workers being affected by the closing or relocation of local companies, Phyllis worked with other women to create New Perspectives: Women & Work, Inc. a career counseling service. New Perspectives was a unique service that encouraged many Cayuga County women to explore new career choices, leaving a legacy of inspired women who continue her work of encouragement throughout the region.

The Phyllis Goldman Encouragement Award for Women winner receives a cash award to further her professional growth. The winner also receives an original piece of artwork, created specifically in her honor.

Past Recipients of the Phyllis Goldman Encouragement Award for Women

1997- Kim Coles, Ace Precision Tool

1998- Meridith Hudson

1999- No recipient

2000- No recipient

2001- Ann Robson, Auburn Document Centre

2002- Susan Dwyer, Assistant to Congressman Sherwood Boehlert

2003- Dr. Lisa Homic

2004- Ann Petrus, Cayuga County Legislator

2005- Kendra Hart, Kendra's Culinary Creations

2006- Kathleen Zamniak-Flanigan, Rhythm In Motion Dance & Exercise Studio

2007- Gwendolyn Webber-McLeod

Criteria for selection:

• The nominee must work in Cayuga County
• The nominee has acted as a role model for women and girls pursuing their career dreams.
• The nominee has demonstrated noteworthy entrepreneurial and professional pursuit as a leader in a for profit business.
• The nominee’s business has demonstrated staying power and positive response to adversity in a changing business environment.
• The nominee’s business or professional pursuit has demonstrated community involvement and commitment to women related community projects.
• All nominees must be living at the time of nomination.

2007 Phyllis Goldman Award Winner

Terri Bridenbecker, Chamber Executive Director; Gwen Webber- McLeod, 2007 Phyllis Goldman Award Winner; Dr. Deborah Geer, Luncheon Sponsor