Small Business Owner Recieves Athena Award

Mary Ardapple Receives Chamber’s 2009 Athena Award
September 10, 2009 (Peoria, IL) – On September 10, 2009, 25 Women were honored for their community leadership at the annual “25 Women in Leadership” event. This year another award was added to the program, the annual Athena Award given by the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious award is given annually to a woman who shows outstanding achievement in her profession and not only excels in her chosen field, but is always working to better her community.
The recipient this year was Mary Ardapple, owner of Apple’s Bakery. Ardapple’s Athena nomination touted her abilities to help individuals grow, her inherent belief that it is her responsibility to “give back” and her desire to make a difference in her community. She has been called encouraging, inspiring, and a positive role model for women.
Besides a successful business woman, Ardapple volunteers with numerous charitable agencies and her past community service has included, board member & president of the Heart of Illinois Restaurant Association, Peoria Civic Center Authority Advisory Commissioner, and she served on the Board of Directors for the Heartland Partnership and Economic Development Council.
She currently serves as Friends of Wildlife Prairie State Park, board member of the District 150 School Foundation and President of the Central Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
The award was established by the ATHENA Foundation. It is a nationwide program to assist individuals and organizations with leadership opportunities for women.