The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce announces the nominees for its Inaugural "Woman of the Year" Luncheon, to be held on Nov. 11 at The Georgia Club.

Initial nominees for Barrow County Woman of the Year are Dorothy (Dot) Jones of Larry’s Furniture, Florence Schwartz, who retired from Peskin’s Department Store, retired Barrow County educator Sara Pope who works with the Barrow County Historical Society, Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger, Gwen Hill of Hill’s Ace Hardware & Lumber Center, Stephanie Sorrells of The Peoples Bank and Summer Woodard, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Georgia’s Piedmont.

The Barrow County Chamber recognizes the work of the women of Barrow County, and the Women in Business Council made the decision to honor a most deserving woman for all the efforts that have taken place here.

Vice President Debi Krause says that Barrow County has needed this for years.

"The Women in Business Council made the decision that there were women here that have done so much for Barrow County, and there has never been a vehicle to recognize these women," said Krause. " I think it is past time for this, and I’m delighted that the Women in Business Council took the initiative to get this started."

"The ladies who have been nominated have been leaders within both their places of business, and in the community," said Tommy Jennings, President of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce. "I applaud these ladies for their contributions to Barrow County. They are all worthy of this recognition."

The Chamber will announce the winner on Monday, Nov. 2, and will recognize and honor the winner at the Woman of the Year Luncheon.

Barrow County Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Women in Business Council, is hosting the Inaugural Woman of the Year on Nov. 11, at The Georgia Club with author, columnist and speaker Ronda Rich as the featured guest.

Contact the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce for more information about the luncheon.