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The deadline for applications is Jan. 15 and two women business owners will be selected for 2010. Designed to enrich the vitality of the region’s businesses and stimulate its economy, the ATHENAPowerLink program selects two women business owners and assigns a panel of professionals from different areas of business to work with them toward their business goals free of charge. This year-long mentoring donated by professionals has an estimated value of $37,000 for the two women selected. If selected, there is a nominal application fee of $350 for each woman. 2010 marks the eleventh year the ATHENAPowerlink Advisory Panel has successfully mentored women business owners in Erie.

Selection of women business owners is made by a governing body representing the economic leaders of the Erie area from applications received. Companies are chosen based on their potential to effectively utilize an advisory panel and ATHENAPowerLink’s ability to assist the company’s growth. Panelists are then selected based on the specific needs and growth objectives of the business.

To be considered for ATHENAPowerLink, companies must:
• Be owned (at least 51%) by a woman
• Have been in operation for at least two years
• Have a minimum of two employees
• Generate annual revenues of at least $250,000 if in manufacturing or retail, or $100,000 if in a service business
• Have clearly defined company objectives/goals with explicit reasons for seeking assistance through the program

PNC Financial Services Group, the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, DeMarco Wachter Firm and Gannon University Small Business Development Center have partnered to bring the annual program to Erie and invite local women entrepreneurs to participate.

“As a board member of ATHENA International, I have witnessed women business owners who participate in this program experience an 88.5 percent increase in sales, a 37.6 percent increase in business income and a 56.6 percent increase in personal income,” said Linda Stevenson, chair for the Erie ATHENAPowerLink program. “With ATHENAPowerLink in Erie, local women entrepreneurs have greater access to valuable resources that will help them continue to achieve their business objectives. We actively encourage local women business owners to become involved in this program.”

ATHENAPowerLink is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that provides professional advisory panels to women-owned businesses. It began in Pittsburgh and has since expanded throughout the country. Its focus is to provide women business owners with access to capital, markets, networking and technology.

Colleen Moore Mezler, owner of Moore Research in Erie was one of the two women business owners selected to receive counsel from the ATHENAPowerlink Advisory Panel in 2009. “This is a program I would recommend to any business owner. Without the hands on assistance, I would not have been able to refocus my business and take my operation to the next level. I heartily endorse this worthwhile program,” emphasized Moore.

Jim Dible, president of the Erie Regional Growth Chamber and Partnership, concluded, “The ATHENAPowerlink Program is one of the most dynamic and unique initiatives throughout the Erie community.”

To obtain more information or to apply for the ATHENAPowerLink program, please contact Linda Stevenson at 814-871-1225 or linda.stevenson@pnc.com or download an application at http://www.eriepa.com/athena

*Erie, PA, September 28, 2009 (PR.com) *ATHENA International, Inc., National City, now a part of PNC, and the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership celebrated the seventh annual Erie ATHENA Awards during a luncheon held today at Mercyhurst College. The event paid tribute to the economic power and leadership of local women, and the public and private partners who invest in their leadership growth.

The 2009 Erie ATHENA Award was presented to Linda Stevenson, senior vice president at National City Bank, now a part of PNC and chair of the ATHENA Governing Body. Stevenson was recognized for her work championing women business owners and personally supporting and mentoring women entrepreneurs and professionals across northwestern Pennsylvania. Ms. Stevenson started ATHENA Powerlink in Erie County and also coordinates the annual Women’s Economic Development Organization (WEDO) in western Pennsylvania.

Jim Dible, president Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership said, “By recognizing those individuals who assist women in attaining leadership positions in the community, we encourage others to follow their example – that is the true spirit of ATHENA. We’re pleased to be part of this excellent program.”

For the first time, the ATHENA Young Professional Award was presented to a regional college student. Gannon University’s Hannah Kirby was the 2009 recipient and was nominated by Dr. Karina Vernoza. Ms. Kirby is active in outreach activities for elementary and middle school students and is an advisor to young students for the Society of Women Engineers and serves as president of the chapter.

This is the first year that all five local colleges-Edinboro University, Gannon University, LECOM, Mercyhurst College and Penn State Behrend participated in the ATHENA Awards program.

Recipients of the ATHENA Award are selected for helping women develop a leadership role in their community; contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others; and excellence in their own profession. The award is presented annually across the nation by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities and in partnership with ATHENA International. The program has recognized more than 5,000 individuals in 500 communities since its inception in 1982.

National City, now a part of PNC and the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership presented the 2009 Erie ATHENA Award with the assistance of Erie Times News, Manufacturers & Business Association, Mercyhurst College, Gannon University Small Business Development Center & College of Engineering & Business, Edinboro University, Penn State Erie Behrend, LECOM, DeMarco Wachter & CO and Erie Insurance and Northwest Pennsylvania Advertising Federation.

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Contact Information
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
Matthew Cummings
814-454-7191
communications@eriepa.com
www.eriepa.com

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"This partnership brings the power and capacity of a regional chamber of commerce to the Harborcreek business community while also maintaining the satisfaction of smallness and a local board," said David Smith, president of the Harborcreek Chamber Board of Directors. "This partnership also brings a unified Harborcreek membership to the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

The shared membership agreement, announced during a September 16 news conference, will allow Harborcreek area businesses to join both organizations simultaneously. The ERCGP will provide operations, financial, staffing, programming and communications support, while the current nine-member Harborcreek Chamber Board will meet regularly to advise the ERCGP on the program and service needs of the local business community and identify potential membership candidates.

"We believe that the coming together of our organizations, both of which have excellent histories providing value to their respective members, will better support the future growth and strength of the regional business community,” said Jim Dible, president and CEO of the ERCGP. "We are pleased to welcome members of the vibrant Harborcreek business community into our organization and look forward to their active participation."

Harborcreek Township Supervisor, Dean Pepicello, agrees.

"This new partnership with the ERCGP, while still maintaining local leadership, sets the course for a strong and growing Harborcreek business community,” Mr. Pepicello said. "Together, the Township, the local Harborcreek Chamber Board and the ERCGP will drive the success of this new partnership. It's really a 'win-win-win' in every respect."