DeKALB | The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce held the 20th annual Athena Reception Tuesday night in the East Terrace at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road.

The annual event recognized community business woman who demonstrate excellence in their profession.

“The ATHENA Awards were created to put a name and face to woman who excel,” said Sharon Emanuelson, 1996 ATHENA award recipient and marketing and public relations director at Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

“These women demonstrate a sincere desire to help others, inspire others by words and needs, and a provide a role model who takes pride in representing woman,” said Jennifer Groce, 2008 ATHENA Award recipient and executive director of Re:New DeKalb.

This years ATHENA Award recipient was Margo Sutorius, an NIU professor of health and human services and a supervisor at Children’s Home and Aid, 1430 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore.

“Winning this means everything to me,” said Sutorius. “I am appreciative of the fact that our chamber of commerce recognizes women for their accomplishments.”

Sutorius said that she puts a lot of effort in not being a stereotypical woman.

“I’m a women and that’s what inspires me to motivate other woman,” Sutorius said. “I want women to understand life in a way that they may not have been taught growing up, that they can be a single women and be successful.”

Kay Berke, 1998 ATHENA award recipient was glad to see Sutorius win.

“Margo is an example and inspiration for those who serve and for those who serve with her,” Berke said.

This years reception included eight nominees which included: Rita Anderson, Lisa Angel, Dee Coover, Regina Harris, Christina Peddle, Amy Polzin, Sharon Rhoades, and this years winner Margo Sutorius.

“To be nominated is a great honor,” said Patricia LaVigne, 1995 ATHENA award recipient and this years chairwoman. “These woman are being honored for their devotion to excellence.”
Kurt Schweitzer, Board Member of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce said that it was important for the DeKalb community to recognize the effort of the nominees.

“One thing I really appreciate about our community is that we take the time to honor those who help to make our community a better place,” Schweitzer said. “I’m very proud that we have a chamber dedicated to recognize business woman who thrive for excellence in our community.”

“We are a blessed community for having these women in our lives “ Groce said.
This years event which was sponsored by Mike Mooney Chevrolet-Cadillac INC, 204 N. Fourth St., and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and had about 135 people in attendance.

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