Jean Needham selected as Woman of the Year
It’s no question that Jean Needham has been an important part of New Richmond’s business community, but now she’s got the award to prove it.By: By Jackie Grumish, New Richmond News
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It’s no question that Jean Needham has been an important part of New Richmond’s business community, but now she’s got the award to prove it.
Needham, who acted as CEO of Westfields Hospital for more than 20 years and now acts as the community liaison officer for the hospital, was named the city’s Professional and Business Woman of the Year at the first Women’s Expo hosted by the New Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce.
Needham, who wasn’t even aware she was nominated for the award until she arrived at the expo on Wednesday, May 2, said she was shocked.
“I’m really honored,” she said. “It’s nice to be recognized for all you do.”
Needham said it wasn’t until she sat down to eat her lunch and opened her program that she saw her name listed under the nominees section.
Needham was one of 10 women up for the award. She was nominated by Angela Olson, of Eckberg Lammers Law Firm.
Here’s the blurb that was submitted on her behalf:
“Jean has been instrumental in furthering health care in New Richmond. The Cancer Center would not have come to fruition without her efforts. But before that she worked to transfer Holy Family Hospital into Westfields. She worked for over 20 years, leading a great institution in New Richmond.
“She has chaired events aimed at providing information to businesses and individuals about the new health care laws. She continues to devote her time to Westfields and New Richmond, and St. Croix County as a whole.
While she is past CEO/president of Westfields, her stepping down to devote her time to the Westfields Foundation speaks to her selfless nature.
“Jean and her family have been New Richmond natives and supporters for many years.“
Other nominees included:
* Patty Burke, First National Community Bank: “Patty began as Loan Department Supervisor where she mentored her staff by role modeling a great attitude, strong work ethic and constructive problem solving.”
* Marie Gremore, WESTconsin Credit Union: “If there is a committee out there – Marie is on it! She is always willing to put in her time and energy.”
* Kathleen Heiss, Indianhead Glass Inc.: “Kathleen strives to achieve the best in everyday tasks and to be a positive role model for everybody, whether it be at work or in her personal life.”
* Jill Luken, JA Counter & Associates: “Jill will share anything with you and is always trying to make people successful. I truly appreciate all she does for the groups I am part of.”
* Heather McAbee, Bremer Bank: “I have been extremely impressed with Heather’s involvement and contribution to this community both professionally and personally. Heather is tireless, supportive, generous and extremely competent.”
* Jill Schreck, Edward Jones Investments: “Jill is always an active professional; but more importantly, she always provides a fantastic smile and attitude wherever she is present.”
* Summer Seidenkranz, National Refund & Marketing Services: “Summer sincerely cares for the community and has provided her time and talents to making the area a better place.”
* Linda Skoglund, JA Counter & Associates: “Linda is a true professional with a great attitude and a kind and caring personality; a rare combination.”
* Wanda Taylor, Manpower: “Wanda is a great attribute to this community and is always willing to step in and step up when help is needed.”
About 80 people attended the first Women’s Expo, said Russ Korpela, executive director of the Chamber.
“We budgeted for 50, so we’re pretty happy with that number,” he said.
Tags: new richmond, communities, business
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