Plato said, “What is honored in a community will be cultivated there.”

That wisdom became the foundation of the ATHENA award, the most prestigious award presented at the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association’s 17th annual awards luncheon at the Hotel Colorado on Thursday, April 29.

More than 180 people attended the event where the Chamber honored outstanding businesses and individuals who have expanded their businesses, hit a milestone or excelled in their respective fields. Over the past year, all of them have set exemplary standards of contributing time, energy and money to the community.

Sue LaGiglia-Corsentino was this year’s recipient of the ATHENA Award. She was honored for attaining and personifying the highest level of professional excellence in business as well as devoting time and energy to the community in a meaningful way.

Corsentino was also recognized for mentoring and opening the doors of leadership opportunity for other women.

Former ATHENA recipient Tillie Fischer explained how those principles are reproduced on the ATHENA sculpture.

The statue sits on black, solid, marble rock, which symbolizes steadfastness. Each statue is individually cast, which signifies the idea that although each one of us is different, we strive for the same things.

The outstretched arms on the statue open wide and extend upward ” a gesture to reach for one’s full potential and using it for the good of others.

A crystal orb reflects returning to the community what the community has given to the recipient.

The figure mirrors Corsentino and the other business men and women who were honored for making our community so rich.

“Every single one of us is a winner,” said awards presenter Mary Nelson.

WestStar Bank employees from left, Kelley Taylor of Glenwood is credit assistant, Mandy Grenior of Silt is financial services supervisor, Alan Collins of Glenwood is vice-president and Yvonne Rogers-Blakeman of Rifle is retail operations manager.

Chamber Ambassadors from left, Mike Picore of New Castle is a loan officer at Bank of Colorado, Jim Nelson of Glenwood owns Blue Chicken, Inc., Marolyn Cummins of Glenwood is business manager for Dr. James Cummins and Cynthia Cyr of Glenwood owns her own advertising agency.

From left, Kjell Mitchell of Glenwood is COO and general manager of the Hot Springs Lodge and Pool, Vicky Nash of Glenwood Springs owns Resort Trends, Al Butler of Glenwood Springs is general manager at Western Petroleum and Peter Jaycox of El Jebel owns Tindall-Jaycox Marketing, Inc.

Jackie Ruden, left, of Glenwood, is a chamber ambassador and owns Good Health Grocery, Angelle and Steve Weller of Glenwood own Abbey Carpet and Tile, and were recipients of a Top Brass award at the luncheon.

Bill Pinkham, left, of Glenwood, two-time Iditarod competitor, owns Kuka Kennels and was a Top Brass recipient, Kay Force is an agent for Farm Bureau Insurance and Debra Drew of New Castle is an investment representative at Edward Jones Investments.

From left, Trent Blizzard of Glenwood owns Blizzard Internet Marketing, Inc., Shandey Page of Glenwood is customer service representative for Colorado Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co., Boyd Bierbaum of Glenwood is an agent at Farm Bureau Insurance and Joey Antonides owns Carlson Wagonlit Travel-Glenwood Travel King.

From left, Dee and Dr. Dave Jensen, recipients of DECA entrepreneur of the year, live in Carbondale and own Valley Wellness Center, and Sam Taylor of Glenwood, recipient of a Top Brass award, owns Glenwood Paint.

From left, Rick Padrnos of Glenwood is president at Western Frontier Bank, Kent Wilson of Glenwood is vice-president at Alpine Bank in Glenwood and Bill Sanderson of New Castle is executive vice-president and branch manger of Alpine Bank in Glenwood.