May 1-7 has been declared Women of Distinction Week in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, and the highlight will be a luncheon next Wednesday at the Trade Center.
"We have never given our outstanding women leaders in Chattanooga the credit they deserve. I want this week to become an annual event," Chairman Marilyn Lloyd said.
Proffitt’s will present the 18th Annual Woman of Distinction Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 7, at the Chattanooga Convention Center to benefit the American Lung Association of Tennessee.
The Woman of Distinction is a long Chattanooga tradition honoring one Tennessee Woman of Distinction and 10 Chattanooga accomplished women who have distinguished themselves through their professional career accomplishments and dedication to the community through their civic and philanthropic endeavors.
The week will "focus on giving greater recognition to women who have made major contributions to improving the quality of life in this city and county to give credit where credit is due, while also inspiring other women to greater achievements."
Mrs. Lloyd announced the honor of 2003 Tennessee Woman of Distinction to Ruth S. Holmberg for her leadership in the community. Former publisher of The Chattanooga Times, having served from 1964 to 1992 and current Publisher Emeritus of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. She serves as president of the Chattanooga- Hamilton County Public Education Foundation, board member of the Chattanooga Symphony Opera Association, honorary trustee of the Hunter Museum of American Art, vice president of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and secretary of RiverCity Company.
The 10 Chattanooga Women of Distinction-2003 honorees are: Margaret Callihan, President & CEO of SunTrust Bank; Suzanne M. Cohn, Community Volunteer; Rona G. Gary, Blue Cross Blue Shield Manager of Communications and Government Programs; Daisy Madison, Deputy Finance Manager/City Treasurer for the City of Chattanooga; Linda H. McReynolds, Executive Director of Signal Centers; Jean C. Payne, Director of Volunteer Services for Memorial Health Care; Dr. Jeanne A. Scanland, noted Plastic Surgeon; Jacqueline E. Schulten, Attorney and Judge- Hamilton County Circuit Court; Edna Varner, Educator and Finette Winer, Community Volunteer.
Members of the committee include: Marilyn Lloyd, Bobbie Abercrombie, Maxine Alper, Dr. Mary Barker, Becky Browder, Faye Boyle, Pamper Garner Crangle, Dr. Susan Davidson, Mary Kilbride, Candy Kruesi, Beverly Langley, Lyda McKeldin, Rickie Pierce, Sally Robinson, Barbie Standefer, Eileen Thornton, Donna Whitten and Sonia Young.
Cindy Sexton of WRCB-Channel 3 News will to serve as the emcee of the annual Chattanooga luncheon program.
Tickets for the Woman of Distinction are $45. For additional information call the American Lung Association of Tennessee Office at (423) 629-1098.