Staff Writer

Nominations are being sought for Pike County’s first Business and Professional Woman of the Year.

"This is the first year for Pike County to celebrate National Business Women’s Week, which is traditionally the third week in October, said Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford.

The idea to recognize a successful professional woman was the brain child of Jennifer Martin, special projects director for the city.

She came across a calendar that marked the week of Oct. 15 at National Business Woman’s Week and took her idea to the mayor.

"As part of the celebration, there will be a luncheon at which we will honor our outstanding women leaders…the business and professional women of Pike County," Lunsford said.

The luncheon, which is being sponsored by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, the Pike County Businesswomen’s Association and the city of Troy, will be at noon, Oct. 17 at the Troy Country Club.

"We are fortunate to have one of Alabama’s most outstanding women leaders, Alabama State Treasurer Lucy Baxley, as our keynote speaker," Lunsford said. "We are also excited that Dr. Cameron Martindale, president of Troy State University of Montgomery, will be sharing her thoughts on women in leadership."

Nominees for the Pike County Business and Professional Woman of the Year should have outstanding achievement in her career and/or profession, have provided guidance to youth and young career women, as well as community involvement and/or community service. Any woman who works in Pike County is eligible.

Deadline for nominations is Friday.

"You can nominate as many women as you like…a woman from your business or organization, K-12 educators, a faculty of staff member from Troy State University, a member of your church or your neighbor," Martin said. "We want to honor as many women as possible, for they contribute to the continuous growth of our county."

To purchase tickets for the luncheon, nominate an outstanding woman or for more information, call at the mayor’s office, (334) 566-0177