The 96^thAnnual Convention of BPW/PA was held June 9-12, 2016, at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, Cranberry Township.

BPW/PA President Emily Holgash opened the convention with the Presentation of the Emblem by the Past-State Presidents and the Presentation of Colors by V.F.W. Post 879, Cranberry Township.  Cranberry Township Supervisor, Bruce Mazzoni, welcomed the 165 members from across PA to the area.  Denise Clawson, BPW/PA Convention Chair provided the response.

BPW/PA donated over $12,000 to the Mary E. Walker Women’s Veterans’ Home near Philadelphia according to Joyce Turner, BPW/State Project Chair.

Saturday’s business session included a solemn memorial service remembering those BPW members who have passed away since last year’s convention.

During both sessions awards were given in the areas of Foundation, Issues Management, Legislation, Membership and Public Relations to recognize the accomplishments of the Local and District BPW organizations throughout Pennsylvania.

Congratulations to Maggie Hildebrand of District 3, Ligonier Local on receiving the “Tribute to Women” award.  She now joins an elite group of BPW women across the State.

The highlight of the Saturday evening banquet was the awarding of the Woman of the Year award to Noreen Morello, a member of the Central Montgomery County BPW and District 11.  The Regina Nursing Care Center from Norristown, PA, was recognized as the Employer of the Year.

Another highlight of the event was the installation of the 2016-2017 BPW/PA Officers:

                  President – Susan Vladika of Eynon, PA

                  President Elect – Marilyn J. Tallant of Jeannette, PA

                  Vice President – Theresa Rusbosin of Latrobe, PA

                  Recording Secretary – Diane Richard of Pittsburgh, PA

                  Treasurer – Margaret V. Hildebrand of Ligonier, PA

                  Corresponding Secretary – Jeannie Sluck of Peckville, PA

                  Parliamentarian – Diane Lewis of Fleetwood, PA                                  

The BPW/PA Mission Statement, “To Achieve Equity for All Women in the Workplace through Advocacy, Education and Information” is the goal of all BPW endeavors and was evident with the speakers, meetings and recreation of the 96^th BPW/PA Convention.  

Janet Riordan

BPW/PA Public Relations Chair