10 women to be honored as Michigan business standouts

Mar 10, 2013 (Detroit Free Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Ten women who have been recognized as standouts in Michigan businesses will be honored at a luncheon Monday by the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

The group, which seeks to promote women in business and has 7,000 members nationally, said the women come from different backgrounds and industries, but they all have made important contributions to the business community.

"We chose women who are exemplary, who have shown the way," said event chair Judy Latcha, a past chapter president.

Winners include: --Tina Harmon, founder and CEO of the Harmon Group/Mercury P&F, a marketing services company, who was honored with the Words of Wisdom Award, which recognizes women who encourage other women by speaking to groups and serving on nonprofit boards.

She started her career in 1968 as a rental representative with Hertz Rent-A-Car. She volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and serves on the Michigan Supplier Development Council.

--Daphne Zargar, CEO of Chive Talkin, who was selected for the Up-and-Coming Award, which honors women who are on the rise. Her experience includes working as director of communications for the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Her company uses edgy sayings to teach people about the health benefits of herbs and spices and sells graphic apparel, herbs and spices and small appliances to retailers.

--Dorothy Zehnder, co-founder and co-owner of the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn, who was named the Pinnacle Award winner. She started waiting tables at the inn's restaurant in 1937.

At 91, Zehnder has reached the height of her career, and she's still working and growing her business, Latcha said.

The luncheon, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., is at the Roostertail, 100 Marquette Drive in Detroit. Free Press columnist Carol Cain is set to emcee the event.

About 250 are expected to attend, and each of the winners will offer some words of encouragement or advice, Latcha said.

"We've been through some horrendous economic times in Michigan," Latcha said. "These women won because they stayed the course." The other winners are: --Brenda Arbelaez, PALS International, Warrior Award --Wanda Harper, Michigan Minority Supplier Development, Red-tape Buster Award --Shell Jones, Play-Place for Autistic Children, Giving Spirit Award --Pollyette Lenear, General Motors, Diversity Champion --Sheila Rossmann, Paramount Precision Products, Rainmaker Award --Andra Rush, Rush Group, Global Business Award --Diane Young, Athena Group, Breakthrough Award Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com More Details: If you go What: National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit Chapter honors 10 women in business at an awards luncheon. Free Press columnist Carol Cain will emcee.

When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday Where: Roostertail, 100 Marquette Drive, Detroit Cost: Tickets are $40 for members and $60 for nonmembers For more information: www.nawbogdc.org ___ (c)2013 the Detroit Free Press Visit the Detroit Free Press at www.freep.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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