At the Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) annual state conference held recently in Vancouver, Wash., the Port Orchard chapter walked away with the top two honors in the state.

The highest award given is the NIKE award, which is traditionally bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the organization in every facet. Port Orchard is the first chapter to have ever received the award as a group.

The second highest award is the President’s Award. Port Orchard President Goldie Goldsmith-Urquhart, who received the NIKE Award last year, was the recipient. The award is bestowed upon a member who is of greatest assistance to the state president during her term in office. Goldsmith-Urquhart was recognized for her work serving as State Fall Board Chair, State Membership Chair, Individual Development State “Speak-Off” Chair and State Conference Entertainment Chair.

In addition, Port Orchard BPW’s Shannon Boldt was selected as this years Young Careerist, which recognizes working women between the ages of 25 and 35 for their accomplishments and their communication skills. Boldt will represent Washington state nationally.

BPW/USA will be holding its National Conference in Portland July 11-14. The Port Orchard local is chairing a gala social/fundraising event entitled “The Washington Carnival of Delight.” Only three states are granted the right each year to sponsor a state event and this is the first for Washington in many years.