Marie Page was honored as the 16th Award for Woman Entrepreneur (AWE) by The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at a luncheon held in Scranton on Oct. 11. Page is president of Marie Page Cleaning Services, LLC of Reeders, a residential and commercial cleaning business established in 1989.  

Rita Lacey of Close the Loop, LLC, Kunkletown; Karen Shiffert of Caregivers Aide, LLC, Auburn; and Kim Whipple of Whipple Performing Arts, Tunkhannock were honored as Women of Merit. In order to qualify for these awards, nominees had to be in business for at least three years and be at least 51% woman-owned. Nominations were evaluated by a panel of independent judges on four categories: product or service, overcoming obstacles and challenges, community involvement and personal accomplishments, and business growth.

“An AWE nominee is a woman entrepreneur who takes risks, gives back to her community, inspires others, and overcomes obstacles and challenges, all while growing her business,” said Donna Simpson, SBDC consultant and AWE organizer. “We are proud to honor outstanding examples of woman entrepreneurs.” 

AWE is sponsored by The Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal and coordinated in partnership with the Lehigh University and Wilkes University SBDCs.