InSinkErator, a manufacturer of food waste disposers and hot water dispensers, and the National Association of Home Builders’ Professional Women in Building Council honored outstanding members recently with scholarships and awards. The recognition event took place at the 55th annual Professional Women in Building Spike Club Reception the recent NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. 
   At the awards ceremony members who exceeded recruitment expectations in 2009 were awarded scholarships that their local council will use to provide financial assistance to students pursuing degrees relevant to the building industry. InSinkErator remains the council’s exclusive sponsor.

   Kicking off the awards was the recipient of the Bob Cox Professional Women in Building Spike of the Nation Awards. Polly Marean of the HBA of Greater Des Moines was the council’s top recruiter in 2009, recruiting several first-time attendees and achieving a total of 496 Professional Women in Building Spike credits. Marean received a recognition pin from the women’s council and a $500 scholarship.

   The following regional award winners received a $350 scholarship and a recognition pin: Northeast Region A--Krista McCollough of the York County, Pa., BA Women’s Council; Southeast Region B--Jessie Gilliland of the AHB of Greater Birmingham Women’s Council; Midwest Region C--Constance Koopman of the BA of the Twin Cities Council; Midwest, Mid-South and Texas Region D--Mitzi Merchant of the Big Country Homebuilders Women’s Council; American West Region E--Wendy Albee of the MBA of King & Snohomish Counties Professional Women in Building Council.

   Also recognized were the Women in Building Spike Rookies of the Year--women considered the future of the council’s membership growth. Both are regional winners and tied for first place, and they are Jessie Gilliland of the AHB of Greater Birmingham and Mitzi Merchant of Big Country, Texas.