The 2008 ATHENA® Award Recipient is Rene Greff
   
       
Mrs. Greff owns and operates the Arbor Brewing Company Pub as well as the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti. Rene and her husband opened the Arbor Brewing Company in July of 1995 and decided in June of 2006 it was time to expand and opened the Corner Brewery.

Rene is very active in the community and has received a number of awards including: 2006 Business Growth & Expansion Award from the Women Business Owners of Southeastern Michigan, 2004 selected as one of Business Direct Weekly’s Most Influential Women, and the 2000 Environmental Excellence Award for waste reduction & recycling.

Rene volunteers regularly for a Monthly Homeless Breakfast, Warm the Children and an HIV/Aids Resource Center Walk-a-thon - as well as many other community events and activities.

Rene stands as a role model to women, young and old. She lives by a set of uncompromising values. She has earned the respect of the business community with her tenacious pursuit of excellence and she has given back to the community with money, time and in-kind services. She has demonstrated support in assisting women to reach their full potential with leadership, training, support and encouragement.

2008 ATHENA® Nominees

Gail Scott is the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council. Gail has devoted her career to the development & advancement of girls and women. Through Gail’s guidance, GSHVC contributes to success among girls and women by offering opportunities for personal leadership development.

Lucy Ann Lance is the assistant manager of CTN and former host of the morning talk show on WAAM. Lucy Ann has for many years included women of all ages in her show- from youth, by recognizing their achievements in school, in sports and in community activities to adults of all ages who are committed to this community.

Christine Mann is the owner of Proforma 1st Place Marketing. Christine leads by example spending her personal time in the lives of other women to help them outside their business as well as mentoring other women business owners. Christine’s involved in the Milan Chamber, Director- Home Based Business Coalition, National Association of Career Women and also Women Business Owners of Southeast Michigan.

Debbie Peterson is the Vice President of 2020 Communications/Ann Arbor Wireless. Debbie has been the key person in the growth and success of Ann Arbor Wireless - now known as 2020 Communications and has mentored many staff members over the last two years.

Daphne Adams is the Communications Integrator for GM Powertrain. Daphne is a highly respected individual who demonstrates leadership, integrity, enthusiasm and loyalty - not only in business, but in every aspect of her life. She is a focused, influential and innovative visionary who empowers and inspires those she comes in contact with.

Rebecca Johnston is the founder and President of Ann Arbor Insurance Centre, Inc. She has seized opportunities to mentor women in insurance, founding the local chapter of the National Association if Insurance Women in 1978. To her credit, one of the women that she mentored has now opened her own agency.

Carol Jones is the Executive Director for the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce and has been there since its inception. Carol’s participation in the Dexter Chelsea ABWA has led to the mentoring of many new members, guiding them into the Chamber, helping their business grow and helping them connect with other businesses in their field.