Women in Business luncheon draws nearly 500

Springfield businesspeople took stormy weather in stride, braving the deluge to honor the Business Journal's 20 Most Influential Women in Business 2001 on Oct. 10 at the University Plaza Hotel.

Keynote speaker Katrina Everhart, left, puts women's changing roles in business and business leadership in perspective during her presentation. SBJ Publisher and President Dianne Elizabeth, center, welcomes SBJ's guests to the gala event.

Below left, Elizabeth congratulates Influential Woman Paula Glossip.

At center, Elizabeth presents Influential Woman Paula Ringer with her certificate of recognition and award, an engraved crystal keepsake box. The name of each honoree was engraved on the lid of her individual award, along with the event and date.

At right, master of ceremonies Summer Stevens, of Midwest Family Broadcasting, keeps the event rolling, introducing the honorees and relating each woman's story as she comes forward to be recognized.