HARRISBURG, Pa., March 25

Mary Lynn Jimm - PA Best 50 Women in Business Awardee for 2009

CEOs, partners-in-charge, and senior vice presidents are among the winners of the 2009 Best 50 Women in Business Award, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.

"Once again this year, choosing just 50 women out of all the worthy nominees we received wasn't  easy," Governor Rendell said. "Whether it's the founder of a professional development firm, or the partner in charge of a global firm, or the president of a bakery, all of the winners have one thing in common - they're all hard-working people who are making Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and play."

An independent panel of judges selected the top 50 candidates based on their dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement, and advocacy for women in business. Recipients must also be a female resident of Pennsylvania, be employed in the state as an owner, partner, president, chief executive officer, board chair, in a senior executive management-level position, or a woman with significant authority in decision-making in a business or company.

Honorees will be invited to several events on May 11, including an evening reception at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg. Winners will be highlighted in special supplements in several business journals throughout the commonwealth.

The Governor noted that as the nation's economy appears to be faltering, his administration continues to develop ways to help Pennsylvania's businesses weather any downturn and thrive.

Earlier this month, he launched the Pennsylvania Business Opportunities Fund, a $2 million pilot program designed to provide loans and technical assistance to minority- and women-owned businesses in 13 counties across
Pennsylvania. The program is open to businesses in the Community First Fund's service area. Based on this pilot, similar funds may be available statewide in the future.

"The Business Opportunities Fund will help entrepreneurs who are sometimes shut out of traditional lending programs," the Governor said.

For additional information on the Best 50 Women in Business, the Pennsylvania Business Opportunities Fund, or other funding sources available to businesses through DCED, visit http://www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A list of the 2009 award winners INCLUDES:
 

LAWRENCE COUNTY
Mary Lynn Jimm, Owner - Diane's Boutque - New Castle, PA