Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Congratulates PA’s Best 50 Women in Business

May 12, 2009 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today saluted this year’s Best 50 Women in Business, saying their successes and accomplishments help Pennsylvania improve its business climate.

“Pennsylvania applauds the vital contributions that women entrepreneurs and leaders make to their communities and to the economic development of our state,” Governor Rendell said. “The women selected for this prestigious honor represent a wide range of business sectors and make a strong impact on business growth and job creation in every region of the state.”

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During the 14th annual reception, held May 11 at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg, awards were presented by Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for Business Assistance Dee Kaplan. The ceremony was attended by award recipients, their families and past award recipients.

“The achievements of the women in this room have helped pave the way for many of the young women and girls who are to follow in your footsteps,” Kaplan said during the ceremony. “Women entrepreneurs are creating opportunities for business expansion and growth, and creating job opportunities within their own communities.”

Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges based on their dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement, and advocacy for women in business. A recipient must be a female resident of Pennsylvania or be employed here in a senior executive management level position.

The 2009 award recipients represent a wide range of business sectors, including: consulting, investment firms, financial services, engineering, legal services, health care and more.

The awards program included a tribute to former Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, a long-time advocate and Pennsylvania Best 50 Women in Business supporter who died in November.

“The late lieutenant governor was a regular attendee at Pennsylvania’s 50 Best Women in Business awards ceremony and her support of this program has made a huge difference for women entrepreneurs,” Kaplan said.

The annual program is conducted in cooperation with DCED and the Central Penn, Northeast Pennsylvania, Eastern, and Pittsburgh Business Journals, as well as Pennsylvania Business Central. Other sponsors of this year’s event included Highmark Blue Shield and D & E Communications.

The 2009 winners will be profiled on DCED’s Web site, www.newpa.com, beginning in June.

For additional information on Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business or for information on other business assistance programs available through DCED, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Source: Pennsylvania Governor