Among Pa.'s best: Governor honors Milford businesswoman

HARRISBURG Ellen Cabaniss Bawcom, owner and president of Milford’s La Tienda Inc. was among the “Best 50 Women in Business” was honored by Governor Ed Rendell at Monday evening ceremonies. Rendell congratulated the honorees saying their varied accomplishments reflect of the state’s economic growth and diversity. “Among the dynamic women chosen for this prestigious honor are leaders of advanced manufacturing firms, biotechnology companies, real estate firms, entertainment venues and health care providers,” Governor Rendell said. “It shows how varied and talented the commonwealth’s professional landscape has become.” Best 50 Women in Business winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges based on their dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement, and advocacy for women in business. Recipients must be a female resident of Pennsylvania or employed here in a senior executive management level position. Starting next month, winners will be profiled on the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Web site, www.newpa.com, with new biographies and pictures appearing each month until next year’s ceremony. “Your achievements are opening doors for yourself, your colleagues and your neighbors,” DCED Deputy Secretary for Business Assistance Dee Kaplan said at tonight’s ceremony honoring the recipients. “Pennsylvania is becoming a better place to live, work and play because of your dedication and commitment.” To help female entrepreneurs move further up the road to success, the Rendell administration recently launched the Pennsylvania Business Opportunity Fund. The $2 million pilot program, launched earlier this spring, offers financial and technical assistance to women and minority-owned businesses in 13 counties in southeastern and south central Pennsylvania. Based on its success, the program may expand to other parts of the state. For additional information on the Best 50 Women in Business, Pennsylvania Business Opportunities Fund and other business assistance programs available through DCED, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972. For more on Bawcom, go to our earlier pikecountycourier.com profile at: http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2008/04/10/pike_county_courier/news/3.txt .