Golf + networking = great combo. Such was the enthusiastic consensus of the participants at the 22nd annual all-day golf outing hosted by Professional Women in Construction (PWC) on June 23rd, at the Elmwood Country Club. Kent Jobe, sales director with IBC Groups, co-chair of the event, noted two reasons for his company's sponsorship. "The golf outing is an opportunity to get away to a different setting and learn more about the people and the companies you work with. And PWC is a good cause to support," he said. Eva Hatzaki, director of marketing with Skyline Restoration, came for the post-game networking and hoped to play next year. She too was glad for the chance to "meet the people you do business with in a more informal environment to build the relationship you have" and to help "PWC meet their goals." Katerina Zoulis, field engineer and Rebecca Clark, project manager, both with Skanska Koch, praised the event for promoting business connections and motivating women to play. Co-chair Tim Lindert, sales manager with Building Automation Systems (BAS), Schneider Electric, said, "It's an opportunity to get out and be with people in the industry." Brian Geller, VP of sales with Summit said, "There's a vast amount of people in sales and construction here - it's a great venue. Golf and networking are a healthy mix." Thomas Tripodianos, a partner with Welby Brady & Greenblatt, praised the "great networking - PWC events are always educational and on topic." "We're glad to support PWC. This organization goes beyond helping women in construction; it opens up opportunities for all," said Robert DeMarco, program director with Swing Staging. "Golf can help women become more 'integrated into the industry,'" said Sarah Epifano, director business development with Skanska. The game provides "an open platform for women in a non-judgmental environment," said Devika Kamboh, certified financial planner with Kamboh Financial Planning. Janal Montagna, director client services with Maxons Restorations, found that the mix of men and women "brings diversity to the group and helps business." Josephine McCaffrey, risk manager with ECCOIII, wasn't fazed by the large number of women players. "It's not unusual any more - we've made progress," she said. High marks for business came from many: Charles Difede, president of Bay Electric, said that in "an outing with business colleagues you bond." Russ Green, sales, Monarch Electric, who came with the company president Greg Griswold and clients, cheered the "relationship building." Scott Isler, district general manager with SimplexGrinnell said, "This draws a lot of people we don't see every day." Ken Sisk, national client manager for Partner Engineering and Science welcomed the "design/build opportunities" due to the large number of participants in construction. Arina Gerasimova, business development, STV, said, "great networking;" Ernesto Reyes, VP facility manager with Natixis, found it "a good way to connect;" Gottfried Weissgerber, assistant VP with PJ Mechanical, came to "develop friendships that build relationships;" and Pasquale Ebole, chief engineer with Hines, found it "a great opportunity to meet people in a relaxed atmosphere." Jerry Miller and Barbara Lyons, both senior vice presidents with the Donaldson Org., were glad for the chance to make new friends and entertain existing ones "to keep the relationship solid," said Miller, as did Jay Cohen, managing principal with Environetics, who said, "You find a common denominator and look for ways to help each other." Golf is an equalizer said Pete Santo, project accountant with JRM - "You're not looking at someone as your subordinate or superior - you're looking at a fellow golfer." For information on PWC, visit www.pwcusa.org/ny.