Women of Achievement Awards presented to nine area women

The 19th annual Women of Achievement Awards were presented by the Fairfield Business and Professional Women?s Club Monday.

More than 50 women from the community were nominated as outstanding in their various fields of endeavor. The awards were presented to nine outstanding women following dinner at Yummy?s. Corporate sponsors for the awards were Agri-Industrial Plastics, HCM Plastics and The Nelson Company.

The recipients received a certificate of recognition and told about their work and families.

Denise Mineart was recognized as the outstanding female health professional. She is a registered nurse at the Medical Arts Clinic. One of the biggest changes during the move to the new hospital facility she talked about was the change to electronic medical records.

The outstanding female bank/financial institution employee was presented to Renee Rebling. Rebling is the branch manager at the Community First Credit Union in Fairfield. She always has worked in the banking field. Moving from a bank to a credit union required a change in mind-set, as credit unions do not operate as a fee-based operation.

Jefferson County recorder Charlotte Fleig was honored as the outstanding female city/county/state/federal employee. Fleig told of the responsibilities of the recorder and stated Monday was an historic day for recorders, as it was the first day same-sex couples could apply for marriage certificates.

Jean Keller was presented the award for the outstanding female volunteer. Keller serves as the treasurer for the Jefferson County Health Center Auxiliary. She also is active in the American Cancer Society. She is in charge of corporate sponsors for the Relay for Life. Last year, the Jefferson County Relay for Life raised more than $75,000.

The outstanding female school employee was presented to Kim Ledger. Ledger currently is serving as an elementary guidance counselor. She serves Pence and Lincoln elementary schools. Ledger served as an elementary teacher before obtaining certification to become a counselor.

Pat Centner was honored as the outstanding female service provider. Centner serves as the desk clerk at the Fairfield Public Library. She started working at the library in 1990. One of the biggest changes at the library is the technology now available. Patrons are able to download audio books, reserve and renew books from home, and there is a self-serve check out station available.

The outstanding female in a non-traditional career was presented to Becky Jaeger. Jaeger operates Jaeger Farms with her oldest son. Jaeger stated she had always wanted to be a farmer?s wife, but had never intended to be a farmer herself. Following the death of her husband, however, she took over the farming operation. Their farms are certified organic, which use no chemicals, but require more labor than conventional farms. She also has recently purchased 150 additional acres, which has an indoor riding arena. She now is boarding horses and learning about the horse industry.

Two recipients were unable to attend, and their awards will be presented at a later time. Kim Miller was selected as the outstanding female executive/manager/owner/supervisor. Miller is the owner of Kim?s Kottage.

Carolyn Schlicher, the bookkeeper/office assistant at Golden Furrow Fertilizer, Inc. will be presented the award for outstanding female office/administrative support employee.