2011 Women of Distinction

Martinsburg, WV - The Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital is proud to announce the 2011 Women of Distinction. Three outstanding women from the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia were selected based on their distinguished service, excellent leadership and capacity to serve as role models for girls.

The honorees were chosen by an independent nominating committee (former Women of Distinction Honorees) not affiliated with Girl Scouts. Lorrie Caudle, Regional Director of the Girl Scout Council, said, "I am delighted to have such a high caliber of women to honor as this year's Women of Distinction. They are dedicated to their communities, leaders in business and are a fine example of leadership for Girl Scouts."

The 2011 Women of Distinction:

Berniece Collis - Vice President, Minghini's General Contractors, Inc.

Berniece has been a community leader in Martinsburg, WV for many years. She began her career as an educator, teaching special education. A successful businesswoman and mentor, Berniece is the Vice President of Minghini's General Contractors, Inc, she dedicates her time and talents to many organizations. She is the former President of Girl Scouts of Shawnee, and currently serves on the board of the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital. She is a member of the MVB Bank Board of Directors, Martinsburg Rotary Club and was the first woman recognized by the Chamber for the Leslie Golliday Business Person of the Year Award. Her work has impacted not only her community, but the lives of her peers as well.

Although Phyllis has been a part of her community for a only short period of time, her contributions have made a long-lasting impact. She takes her volunteer work very seriously, and enjoys being a mentor to young women. She received recognition by the AIDS Alliance in New Jersey for her remarkable volunteer work and now serves on the Hospice of the Panhandle's Board of Directors, chairing the nominating committee. Phyllis is a member of the personnel committee and sits on the Jefferson County Capital Campaign Committee. She currently serves as legal counsel for Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, and under her guidance has taken HCCTR's corporate philanthropy to a new level.

The Women of Distinction luncheon will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals at the following levels: Gold - $10,000; Silver - $5,000; Leadership - $3,000; Courage - $1,500; Confidence - $750; and Character - $350. For more information and to become a sponsor, contact the Girl Scout office at 304-263-8833.

The 2011 Women of Distinction Committee: Margaret Cogswell, Hospice of the Panhandle; Lorrie Caudle, Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital; Berniece Collis, Minghini's General Contractors; Leslie Crabill, BCT Bank; Layne Diehl, attorney; Tiffany Lawrence, WV House of Delegates, 58^th District; Sue Marks, The Design Center; Cathy Slemenda, Prettyman Broadcasting; Lynne Steptoe, Community Volunteer; Joanne Wadsworth, Centra Bank; and Pam Wagoner, Depot Florist.

The Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital (GSCNC) is the premier leadership development organization for girls, with over 88,000 members, 61,000 girls ages 5-17 and 4,900 troops. With the help of 27,000 dedicated adult volunteers and parents, the generosity of corporations and foundations, and our popular Girl Scout Cookie program, Girl Scouting helps build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. We serve the Greater Washington Region, which includes the District of Columbia, eight counties in Maryland, ten counties in Virginia and seven counties in West Virginia. Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 and will celebrate the 100th anniversary in 2012. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to Girl Scouts, visit our website at www.gscnc.org.

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