Seven women were honored for their work and service to the community Thursday night at the Henderson Chamber of Commerce’s “Women in Business: Women in Bloom” event at the Henderson County Public Library.
Henderson Tourist Commission Executive Director Abby Dixon was honored as the Linda E. White Woman of the Year at the event.
On Saturday morning, Dixon said she was still processing the honor.
“Oh my goodness,” she said. “I was not expecting the Woman of the Year award.” She added it was a “pinch me moment.”
She said being in the room full of those women Thursday night was warm and uplifting.
“Things feel kind of heavy sometimes, especially lately,” she said. “We all have a responsibility to lift each other up and cheer each other on.”
And that was what happened at Thursday night’s event, she said.
Another recipient was Anne Thrasher Boyd, who was recognized with the Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award. Boyd owns Anne Thrasher Boyd State Farm Insurance, which has been in business for 25 years in Henderson.
“I was surprised and honored and humbled and happy,” Boyd said.
She credited many people in her life who have helped her and her business reach 25 years. Her father, Cecil, ran a State Farm business for 42 years, and she said he taught her how to take care of people, while her mother, Mary Ann, was her biggest cheerleader.
There’s also been “wonderful team members” throughout her career and “faithful, loyal” customers who still believe that relationships matter, especially in light of how the insurance industry has changed over the years, she said.
“I couldn’t have done it without my team, family and community,” Boyd said.
Boyd said was confident she could build a business with staying power, but “never dreamed I would have the success I’ve had.”
That includes a Top 50 rating in the nation out of 19,000 State Farm agents, and other years ratings of Top 100 and Top 5%, she said. Boyd said early on she thought success like that couldn’t occur in a small town, “but it is possible as long as you’re taking care of your customers and customers’ needs.”
Her success has allowed her to give back to schools and organizations, sponsor youth sports and generally support the community, she said.
Boyd said it’s hard owning a business and insurance is a demand industry that presents many challenges. She said she’s got through it with faith.
“I always asked God to help me get through it and that’s what has always happened,” she said.
Below is a list of the recipients and the awards.
Woman in Agriculture
Sponsored by: Kate Faupel Chevrolet GMC Ford
Presented by: Missy Vanderpool
Recipient: Kate Pride, Windermere Farms
Woman in Manufacturing or Industry
Sponsored by: Audubon Metals
Presented by: Riley Hamilton
Recipient: Angela Hill, Audubon Metals
Woman in Non-Profit
Sponsored by: Preston Family Foundation
Presented by: Carrie Gentry
Recipient: Kendall Dean, Father Bradley Shelter
Emerging Female Leader
Sponsored by: River Valley Behavioral Health
Presented by: Abby Dixon
Recipient: Ellie Kellen, Henderson Tourist Commission
Tenille Oliver Volunteer of the Year (Previously Female Volunteer of the Year)
Sponsored by: Chase Fulcher Best Insured
Presented by: Chase Fulcher
Recipient: Brianna Cessna, Preston Family Foundation and Henderson Leadership Initiative
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
Sponsored by: Pittsburg Tank & Tower
Presented by: Paula Cassidy & Lindsey Forrester
Recipient: Anne Thrasher Boyd, ATB State Farm
Linda E. White Woman of the Year
Sponsored by: River Valley Behavioral Health
Presented by: Lindsay Locasto
Recipient: Abby Dixon, Henderson Tourist Commission
