Jody LaLone, Car-Freshner Corp. president, to receive 2009 Athena Award
The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce has chosen Jody R.A. LaLone, president of Car-Freshner Corp., to receive its 2009 Athena Award.
Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Karen K. Delmonico made the announcement during a 3 p.m. ceremony Tuesday at the Black River Valley Club, 131 Washington St.
Five previous Athena Award winners were on hand to welcome Ms. LaLone into their ranks. Maria J. Roche, Jane G. Gendron, Michelle D. Pfaff, Jayn M. Graves and City Manager Mary M. Corriveau presented Ms. LaLone with a basket of yellow flowers.
The chamber honors one recipient each year for professional excellence, service to the community and helping women reach their full leadership potential. Ms. LaLone, 44, Mannsville, rose to her leadership role in the company known for its "Little Trees" car air freshener products after starting with the company as an accountant in 1989.
In her second year as chairwoman of Jefferson Community College's board of trustees, Ms. LaLone has given her energies to many other civic and charitable groups, including Habitat for Humanity, United Way, the Bravo Italiano Festival and the South Jefferson Booster Club.
"She's certainly a role model for all of us women," said Mrs. Pfaff, vice president and commercial loan officer for Community Bank N.A., who joined Daniel J. Villa in nominating Ms. LaLone for the award.
"It was an easy nomination to write because we have so much respect for her," Mr. Villa said.
Executive director of the American Red Cross of Northern New York, Mr. Villa serves with Ms. LaLone on the JCC board and served with her on the Jefferson Community College Foundation board of directors.
"She is a role model not only for women in the community, but for everyone in the community," he said.
Ms. LaLone, who learned she would receive the Athena Award about an hour before the public announcement, was modest and level-headed about the honor.
"I find it strange that I'm getting an award when I really love my work and I really like helping people," she said. "The key to life generally is to find something you like to do and do it well."
After the formal announcement, Mr. Villa praised Ms. LaLone for her clear vision in confronting complex problems. During difficult JCC board discussions about the financial impact of various measures, "she always has the knack of bringing us back to why JCC is there — to serve students and educate the community." That perspective, he said, has helped the board to make wise decisions about where to make cuts when needed, while minimizing the effects on the college's central mission.
"I'm thrilled, amazed, flabbergasted," Ms. LaLone said. "I just want to say thank you — I appreciate it."
Ms. LaLone will receive her award during a dinner Sept. 10 at Ryan's Lookout, Henderson.
