Staff Writer

gjohnson@theeasleyprogress.com

EASLEY - Mayor Larry Bagwell met with members of the Easley Business and Professional Women's club to proclaim Oct. 20-24 a special week.

"We're honoring the women who are just as important in our business profession as men," Bagwell said.

Professional women are a force to be reckoned with, he said.

"Especially our local chapters - they do an excellent job in promoting not only their own work and occupation, but they are also a big help to the city itself," Bagwell said.

The ladies who met with Bagwell in his office Monday at noon included President Elect Angela Jefferies, state BPW Secretary Elaine Thena, First Vice President Jean Wilson and Corresponding Secretary Tiffany Martin.

Mayors of Pickens and Liberty signed identical documents on the same day proclaiming National Business Women's Week.

The proclamation reads, in part:

"Working women constitute more than 69 million of the nation's work force, serving their communities, their states and their nation in professional, civic and cultural capacities; and

"Women-owned businesses account for approximately 30 percent of all businesses in the United States, generating more than $1.2 trillion dollars in sales each year and employing more than 9 million workers; and

"Business and professional women throughout South Carolina and the country are dedicated to promoting equality for all women and to helping create better conditions for business women through the study of social, educational, economic and political problems; and

"Since 1928, Business and Professional Women/USA has been spotlighting the achievements and contributions made by working women across our state and nation during National Business Women's Week."

During the week, Bagwell and other mayors asks that the city "encourage all Pickens County residents to recognize the many contributions made by business and professional women to our continued economic prosperity," the proclamation said.

In the same vein, Easley BPW will recognize and honor outstanding area women at the Pickens County Business and Professional Women of the Year Banquet during National Business Women's Week.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses or individuals wishing to "give back" to the community and receive additional recognition at the banquet and throughout the year.

Sponsorships are: $100, $300, $500 and $1,000. This year the banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Guest speaker will be reigning Miss South Carolina Anna Perry.

Funds raised that night will be given as scholarships for rising high school seniors and college undergraduates.

The event is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend, officials said.

To make a $25 reservation, call Janice Perry at 859-4143 or send e-mail to jperry@powdersvillewater.org.