Patti Penny, founder and CEO of Penmac Staffing Services Inc., has been named one of four finalists in the Lifetime Achievement Award business services category for the Stevie Awards for Women in Business.
The awards - a subset of the Stevie Awards, a business awards competition program - recognize women entrepreneurs and executives, as well as women-owned and women-run organizations worldwide, according to the Stevies
Web site.
Penny said she was encouraged to apply for the award by the
Missouri Women Business Enterprise, a program designed to help women-owned businesses become certified through the Missouri Office of Equal Opportunity.
"I have found out since that it's a very prestigious award," Penny said. "It appears that several leaders in our industry are either recipients or finalists of the Stevie Awards."
Sara Corman, Penmac marketing director, noted Penny as the catalyst for the staffing and human resources business.
"She's grown a company from one office to 26 offices," Corman said. "I think it's just impressive that she started with practically nothing and built it into what it is today."
More than 1,200 entries were submitted in 54 categories, according to a Penmac news release.
Penny was selected alongside leaders for Chicago-based Accenture, Houston-based Burnett Staffing Specialists and Minneapolis-based Plus Relocation Services, according to the finalists page of the Stevie Awards
Web site.
Penny said beyond personal recognition, the award would garner more interest in Penmac and allow for networking opportunities.
"I think it'll bring more recognition, and within our industry, it's noted," she said.
Penny founded Springfield-based Penmac Staffing Services Inc. in 1988. Now, the company operates in 11 states, has 26 offices, employs 111 in-house workers, and provides employment, education and training opportunities to more than than 20,000 associates annually, according to the release.
Penmac sold the company to its associates Oct. 28, establishing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The ESOP allowed a way for Penny to begin the retirement process, according to
Springfield Business Journal coverage.
Penny received SBJ's
Lifetime Achievement in Business Award in 2009.
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