Special NM Networking Event Honors Six Women

New Mexico’s largest networking event for business women, the 7th Annual Celebration of Excellent Women, brought some 300 women together this evening. The Celebration got its start in 2000 when the Presidents of WE, NAWBO, AWC and EWI chapters in Albuquerque decided to host an “event.” Diane Furie, Event and Meeting Planner was instrumental in planning the celebration; it has continued to be a success.

Billed as an opportunity to meet, mingle, chat, network, celebrate, nibble and imbibe, the 2007 event managed also to honor seven women:

• Deb Austin, Office Alternatives


• Kay Ballinger, Catalyst Financial Management, LLC


• Martha Doster, Martha’s Body Bueno


• Mary Ellen Merrigan, Connecting Point Communications


• Mary Rothman, Advertising Art Design Studio


• Mary Rutland, Human Resources by Mary Rutland

and, as the Original Excellent Woman,

• Diane Furie, Diane Furie Event and Meeting Promotion
  

According to the program, The Celebration of Excellent Women “showcases excellent business women that we appreciate for their professionalism, reliability, strong sense of community and desire to mentor or be a role model for those that follow in their footsteps.”

The certificate reads:

“Some women have a special quality about them. They give more and can always be relied upon. They see more and share that vision with others. They make life better for those whose lives they touch. These are Excellent Women. One of them is Mary Ellen Merrigan. September 20, 2007. Thank you for all you do. Albuquerque is richer for it.”

As an “Excellent Woman,” I am honored, proud, and also humbled. To the organizers and the committee, thank you!