Sedalia BPW honors local businesses

The Sedalia Business and Professional Women’s Club met Thursday to recognize people in the community who have helped spread the club’s mission of achieving equity for women in the workplace. 

The club recognized Rhoda Moore, owner of Moore’s Greenhouse & Flower in Sedalia, as woman of the year. Arlene Wischmeier said Moore believes in helping everyone in the community.

“She just brings a smile to everyone’s face,” Wischmeier said.

Moore was unable to attend the meeting Thursday, but a plaque and hugs are waiting for her. 

Donna Stetzenbach and Brenda Tippie nominated the Central Missouri Electric Cooperative as employer of the year. Stetzenbach said general manager Darren Eckhoff is a kind and caring person who takes interest in his employees.

“The employees at the cooperative are like an extended family,” Stetzenbach said.

The cooperative offers excellent benefits, an education assistance program and employees participate in several special community projects, Tippie said.

“We are very grateful to work for such a great employer,” Tippie said.

Linda Fisher, office manager, accepted the award on behalf of the cooperative for employer of the year. Fisher said her job has never once been boring in her 29 years with the company.

“I’m so proud to work there and I’m so honored to receive this award,” she said.

Prior to the awards, Dorothy Witherspoon, regional administrator for the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, spoke to the club about women’s role in the workforce and how it relates to the current economic situation.

“My personal hope for all women is for us to embrace the challenges that lie before us,” Witherspoon said.

She said women are playing a more important role in providing finances for families than ever before.

“Always do what is right and you will have self-dignity, self-pride and respect,” Witherspoon said.

The club meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Best Western State Fair Inn, 3120 S. Limit Ave.