PWC golf outings champion women in the industry at the Elmwood Country Club

The turnout was excellent - including about 35% women golfers - and the weather superb at Professional Women in Construction (PWC) National's second all-day golf outing for 2008 held in late September at the Elmwood Country Club. PWC president Lenore Janis said, "It's a far cry from PWC's debut outing in 1992 when women represented no more than 10% of the players." Plaza Construction's Jennifer Murphy and Erin O'Reilly, co-chairs of the event, were proud to sponsor an avenue for networking that's "organized, productive and enjoyable," according to Murphy. And, as Plaza supports and promotes women's advancement in the industry, "we're glad to be part of a format that does the same." Golf prize winner (closest to the pin) Laura Brinkerhoff, president of Brinkerhoff Environmental Services said, "This outing is always a win-win situation for me -- I never fail to make two to three good business contacts, people I really want to know." Women and men players alike welcomed the event and the support it lends to women. "Being surrounded by the energy of strong and capable women gives me assurance in my own career - it lets me know that I'm not alone," said Andrea Jaco, a project superintendent with Structure Tone. Gayle Meredith, managing director of Grubb & Ellis was glad to find executive and professional women in a male-dominated industry. "I'm always so impressed by the caliber of women I meet who, like me, may well be the only woman at their company," she said. First-time player Zaneta Williams, director of operations for Pump & Motor Corp., an event sponsor, said, "When a women's organization runs a golf outing, women feel less intimidated." She liked too that she was able to build "comradeship and teamwork" through her foursome. Sula Moudakis, sales manager with Schindler Elevator agreed, "Most industry outings primarily draw male participants and the occasional woman golfer may feel uncomfortable. Here women are welcome in the foursomes." The mix was good too, said Moudakis, because PWC is affiliated with "so many companies we do business with and a few that might be future clients." "We're making baby steps in a male-oriented industry," said Laura Kandelman, account executive with Wells Fargo insurance services. "I'm glad to see women get recognition and exposure. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet people in all fields." Several of the men expressed support of women's efforts to crack the concrete ceiling. George Reilly, business manager with Plumbers Local Union #1 said, "We'd like to increase the women in our ranks. We're glad to support PWC and the qualified women in the industry." He was happy too to "meet new people, and see current and former associates." Getting the PWC stamp of recognition was a plus for Peter Park, vice president of Construction Cost Recovery, who found that his firm is able to "build a foundation for future business through people we meet at PWC events. It's a quality organization attracting quality people." Jackie Traynor, in sales with Lane Office Furniture liked the "more laid back" atmosphere and fellow salesperson Chris Bastow was glad for the chance to see people "in a non-work environment." The diversity of fields represented was a draw for many. Tricia Nasti, marketing coordinator with Plaza Construction said, "It's a great way to meet people whose services we can use: signage, insurance, electrical work." Bob Pearson, senior vice president with Richard Ferrucci and Associates, Lorraine Nazare of ARI products, and Joe Jankowski, service manager with Diam-n-Blue, were glad for the chance to meet and mingle - and glean insights from other participants. "It's good to hear about different sides of the business," said Jankowski. Said Janis. "Everyone enjoys the game, the good fellowship and, most of all, the business contacts they take back with them." Sponsors of the golf outing included DP Consulting, Wal-Mart Realty, Plaza Construction, Ibex Construction, Pump & Motor Corp., Coordinated Metals, Allied North America, MSD Visual. For more information about PWC and future events visit www.pwcusa.org.