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Outstanding women recognized by BPW |
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Radford Journal
http://ourvalley.org/news.php?viewStory=2885
Heather Bell
RADFORD - Two Radford women have been recognized for excellence and dedication
to their community. The Business Professional Women’s Local Chapter of Radford
has awarded Anne Chrisman the Woman of Achievement award and Mel T. Honeycutt
has been named Woman of the Year. “We are certainly proud of both ladies and
appreciate their service,” said BPW Local President Jo Ann Bingham at the
organization’s recent monthly meeting. According to Bingham, the Woman of the
Year award began locally in 1984 - and Honeycutt was the first recipient of the
local award. Woman of the Year honors are coveted by members from local
chapters across the U.S.,
Bingham says. “Mel Honeycutt has been a strong and faithful member since May
1969 and she has served in all positions of BPW including being President in
1985,” Bingham added. Honeycutt has also served in many offices on the BPW’s
State Federation, traveling across the state to visit and help other local
organizations. She has also been active at the National Level of BPW, attending
conventions and serving as needed. Bingham says Honeycutt’s service to the
community does not end with her BPW involvement. “In recent years, Mel has
helped with many community organizations, including Fairlawn-Radford Daily
Bread, volunteering with a branch of the Cancer Organization as a driver,”
Bingham said. “She is active in the Fairlawn Presbyterian Church and she is
always available and makes time to help when needed. Mel’s husband, the late
Horace Honeycutt, supported her strongly with her work.” During the award
presentation, Bingham presented Honeycutt with a certificate “in appreciation
of exceptional leadership, integrity, and distinguished achievements for the
betterment of the community and organization.” Honeycutt is a native of Carroll County
and retired from Radford
University. She has one
son, Dennis and his wife Margaret. Bingham also has much praise for Chrisman
and lauds her work as a small business owner as one of the reason’s for
honoring her with the Woman of Achievement award. The Woman of Achievement
honor was first given by Radford BPW in 2005. Award recipients can be members
of the organization or just the community at-large, but Bingham said at the
organization’s recent meeting, they “didn’t have to go far to find a worth
recipient this year in Chrisman. Honorees must have worked or been in a
professional status for at least five years with participation in the
community, including contributions and involvement with civic organizations,
church and community. Chrisman, a graduate of Virginia Tech with degree in
Finance, started her career in banking, and then she and her husband Craig,
founded Prestar Packaging Company, Inc. Anne is Vice-President. “She is active
in affairs of the local school, being the mother of three sons, as well as
devoting time to city endeavors,” Bingham said, adding Chrisman is active in
Radford Christian Church, serving as an officer and teacher. She has also been
an active member of BPW since 1986, serving as president and in state level
positions in the organization. During the award presentation, Helen Monroe
presented Chrisman with a certificate “in appreciation of her exceptional
qualities and achievements in business and related work.” In addition to the
framed certificates, both ladies received a yellow rose and a gift. The local
Business Professional Women of Radford was chartered in July 1955. The mission
of the organization is to achieve equity for women in the workplace through
advocacy, education, and information.
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