asba announces 2010 ATHENA award recipient

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patricia Possert, asba Marketing & Events Director

Southern Arizona: 520.327.0222

ASBA ANNOUNCES SOUTHERN ARIZONA 2010 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENT

TUCSON, AZ (Monday, August 30, 2010) – The Arizona Small Business Association (asba)

proudly named Judy Clinco, R.N. and Founder, Catalina In-Home Services, as this year’s

ATHENA Award recipient for Southern Arizona. The announcement was the highlight of asba’s

inaugural ATHENA awards luncheon of Southern Arizona held August 26 at the JW Marriott Starr

Pass Resort and Spa.

Nominated by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Clinco, a Tucson-based business owner, also

created the non-profit "CareGiver Training Institute” dedicated to creating meaningful employment

opportunities for economically and educationally challenged women in the community.

"We are so pleased to have Southern Arizona participate in a globally recognized awards

program showcasing the extraordinary achievements of women in this region. Congratulations to

Judy Clinco who will forever hold the place of Southern Arizona’s first ATHENA Award recipient,”

said asba CEO Donna Davis.

Clinco’s response to the bestowment: "I am honored, touched, moved and inspired. I am already

thinking about women I want to nominate to receive next year’s ATHENA, as well as sharing this

incredible experience with the young girls I work with.”

The ATHENA Award is the most prestigious recognition a successful woman in business can

receive. The award is bestowed on an exceptional woman who has achieved excellence in her

business or profession; has served the community in a meaningful way; and has assisted and

mentored women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The award is

highly respected and is well known throughout the U.S. and the world.

Among the finalists from which Clinco was selected for the ATHENA Award of Southern Arizona

were:

· Kerstin Block, President, Buffalo Exchange

· Lisa Hopper, CEO & Founder, World Care

· Jana Westerbeke, President, Gadabout SalonSpas

· Janet Woods, Hospital Administrator & Co-Owner, Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson.

In addition to the ATHENA Award presentation, NAWBO Greater Tucson recognized Lisa

Hopper, CEO & Founder, World Care, with its "Woman Business Leader of the Year” award at

the luncheon.

"Considering the great success of asba’s inaugural ATHENA luncheon in Tucson, and the caliber

of all of the participants, we are already planning a much bigger signature event for Southern

Arizona in 2011. We invite partners to get on board now," states Patricia Possert, asba

Marketing & Events Director for Southern Arizona.

About asba – For nearly 40 years, the arizona small business association (asba) has been a trusted source in creating opportunities for businesses to make money, save money and achieve amAZing results. With a membership of almost 5,000 businesses, representing over 300,000 employees, asba is the second largest trade association in the state and the only statewide association dedicated to serving small businesses. From outstanding value to an extensive range of support and services, asba is committed to making Arizona the best place for launching and growing your business. For more information, please call 520-327-0222 or visit www.asba.com. Join asba. Be amAZed®.

About ATHENA - The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan and has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada, China, Russia and the United Kingdom. For more information about ATHENA International and the ATHENA Award program, visit www.athenainternational.org.