"I'm just overwhelmed," said Sharp later. "I just didn't expect this. When I first heard my name, I thought it was a mistake."
In making the announcement, Meacham described Sharp as a "successful professional, a supporter of many fund-raising events and a loyal employee.
"She is an unsung hero, who doesn't demand credit or attribution," she added, "yet she helps other women achieve success and growth. She personifies the Athena Award."
After receiving a bouquet of flowers and the distinctive Athena Award statuette, Sharp voiced her appreciation before assembled Davis Chamber members and luncheon guests, adding she felt the award also paid tribute to many of her peers.
The Athena Award was adopted by the chamber's Women in Business, Profession-al Development Committee in 1988. According to Brenda Jorgensen, a 1999 recipient, the program was created in 1980 in Michigan. The first award was given out in 1982.
Since then, the Athena Foundation has continued its efforts to recognize individuals "who have achieved professional success, given back to the community and help women achieve their full potential."
The program is now an annual part of the Davis Chamber of Commerce's business promotion effort. The full list of past recipients is as follows: 1998 -- Sylvia LeMons-Liddle, 1999 -- Brenda Jorgenson, 2000 -- Nicholle Roberson, 2001 -- Franciska Meacham, 2002 -- Lydia Stevenson, 2003 -- Jewel Lee Kenley and 2004 -- Victoria Weiss.
Chamber president and CEO Chris Dallin brought the curtain down on Thursday's festivities with his own words of appreciation.
"I'm the luckiest guy in the world," he stated, "because I learn so much from people like you every day."
bmickelson@davisclipper.com
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