brooke@gilavalleycentral.net
THATCHER – The small Business Woman of the Year Award event spotlights various woman of the community.
The award ceremony began Thursday morning at the Eastern Arizona College campus. Each of the nominees were introduced, and recognition was given to the the honorable mentions as well as the three finalists.
Sheryl Goodman, the winner of this year’s award, is the owner of Taylor Freeze in Pima. Goodman was nominated last year as well. Having owned the Taylor Freeze for 13 years, Goodman said she estimates she has employed 250 people in that timespan.
“I’m grateful that I’m successful because of my employees,” Goodman said.
She told Gila Valley Central that she is very excited to see business women in the community recognized and celebrated.
“I was raised by a mother who owned her own business,” Goodman said. “Taylor Freeze has been in the family since 1968. We’ve had it for the last 13 years, so it’s exciting to me to see women acknowledged because we’ve been behind the scenes for a long time. Especially in this small Valley, there’s been a lot of strong women, and I’m so excited to see them honored and acknowledged.”
Goodman urges the woman to find the passion that drives them and get involved with the community.
“Whether you own your own business or whatever, just get involved,” Goodman said. “Find what you’re passionate about and get involved. Whether it’s volunteer work or reading at the library; whether it’s cleanup, whatever, just get involved (and) find a passion.”
Goodman was awarded $1,000 to use in whatever way she sees fit, as well as a gift basket and a glass award.
Brooke Curley Photo/Gila Valley Central: Jenny Howard of Ginaveve’s Market Place and Gourmet Olive Oils was one of the three finalists this year.
Jenny Howard, owner of Genevieve’s Market Place and Gourmet Olive Oils was a finalist, as well as Crystal Noland, of Noland Tough Fence LLC in Morenci.
Howard told Gila Valley Central that she would want to tell any business woman to always strive for excellence.
“As a ‘mother and mentor’ to many college kids at EAC, they have taught me much about myself and that no one has an excuse for not succeeding,” Howard said. “This amazing community is so diverse, it opens many doors for creativity and opportunity. I love to give back. God has blessed me in many ways, and I love to share his blessings with others.”
The last of the three finalists, Crystal Noland, is originally from California but now lives in Morenci, where she and her husband run a fencing company. Her advice to any business woman is to keep believing.
Brooke Curley Photo/Gila Valley Central: Crystal Noland, of Noland Tough Fence, LLC, was one of the three finalists of the year.
“I would like to say all things are possible to those who believe,” Noland said. “It all starts with a vision and dream in your heart. And I just say that you always have to stick with integrity and doing what’s right and building a name for yourself and your business. Blessing the ones who come, your costumers, and living a respectful life.”
