Coshocton BPW Woman of the Year named

COSHOCTON – Coshocton Business and Professional Women (BPW) met Oct. 20 at Grace United Methodist Church to surprise the 2014 Woman of the Year – Emily McBurney, and to honor Agents Realty and Auction Service and Linnets Flowers on the Square as Business of the Year.

Tomma Bordenkircher started the announcement with “Our Woman of the Year this year is a very diverse woman. I would have to say she is doing it all. She is a college graduate, works a full time job, and holds a position that is beneficial to other women. Her outside activities also benefit women. I will tell you more about that later. She does an excellent job of promoting BPW in the community. She is active in the region and has attended state functions. The newest member of our small group is married and nine months ago became the mother to Greyson McBurney. Yes, Miss Emily you are the 2014 Coshocton BPW Woman of the Year.”

Emily Kobel McBurney joined Coshocton BPW Jan. 22, 2008. She was a Young Careerist Candidate and went all the way to the State Speak Off. Because she believed in the YC program she became the local YC Chair. In fact, she recruited the current YC Chair and State Speak Off Winner, Breanne Smith.

McBurney became the Vice-President behind Kim Gress for two years, and then moved up to president for two years, 2012-2014. This pattern worked for these two because they did the same on Relay for Life. She jumped right in and got us organized. She was not afraid to ask questions because she wanted to make sure she was doing things correctly. She was an excellent communicator.

Kim Gress elaborated on their relationship. The following is her contribution. “Hey Mamma! I first met this amazing woman at a meeting. We sat beside each other and just started talking. And we haven’t stopped yet. She had numerous good qualities, such as: Intelligence, caring, loving and a sense of responsibility. We quickly became best buddies. I suggested she become involved in something close to my own heart. And who would guess we ended up being Co-Chairs for the Relay for Life. I found out she is one of the most organized people that I know, which isn’t all bad. We have gone through lots of changes in our lives. She has gotten married and had a beautiful baby boy. One thing I am sure of is that if anything ever happened with either of us, the other would be there in a minute, to back each other up. I know I can count on her for anything and I hope she knows that I am here for her, if she needs me. I love her! No one deserves this award for Woman of the Year more than my friend, Emily.”

Emily has been a runner for approximately four years. It was her interest in Relay for Life that got her started doing 5K’s and marathons. It was her family’s situation that got her committed to Relay for Life. She jumped into that with the same enthusiasm as she did with BPW.

Her Father, Joe, submitted his write up. “Eric was our first, and then came Emily. A son and a daughter – who could ask for more? From the start, Emily was a blessing, always smiling and happy. As she got older there was something special about her. She had this thing about her fellow man. She always seemed to see the good in them. A few years later she got a little sister and like a mother hen she took her in to watch over and to mentor. That love for her spilled over to so many. When her brother got hurt and I got cancer she was there. That is when Relay for Life became an obsession, not just for me, but for her grandma and her mother, all who has had to fight the fight. She has made me and her mother so proud. The world is a better place with her in it. I love you Emily, keep up the good fight. Your very proud Father.”

And of course, we must have a word from Mom. She and Steve have this to say: “We are so proud of Emily’s accomplishments over the years. She always excelled in high school whether it was with her studies, sports, or work. Emily was chosen for Homecoming Queen at Ridgewood, which showed how all the other students felt about her. She continued her education at Muskingum College where she majored in both Political Science and History. While at Muskingum College she was a member of the Chi Alpha Nu Sorority and was a Muskie Cheerleader for four years. Two years later she began her career choice with the Coshocton County Prosecutor’s Office as the Victims Advocate and has remained there for nine years. She has been very involved in the community. Last but not least, her best accomplishment was marrying Robby and becoming a mom to our favorite grandchildren, Grace and Greyson! Love, Mom and Steve.

Emily works in the Coshocton County Prosecutor’s Office for Jason Given.  She is a Victims Advocate. She guides victims through the court system so they don’t feel alone and over whelmed.

Of course we have saved the comments for last from Emily’s love, Rob. Now after reading them I felt like it is written in code that only she will understand, but she is the only one who needs to understand them.

“Best friend. I met you because of family. Best friend I was attracted to you instantly. Best friend…The one with the most hair in a fan. Best friend, Key West. Best friend long phone calls 700 miles away. Best friend the red room. Best friend open the garage door. Best friend orange nails. Best friend Johnson Road.  Best friend our baked carrots like potato chips. Best friend bug bombs…like 12 of them. Best friend, Creamery Road. Best friend Grace’s role model. Best Mom, Best Wife, My Best Friend. I love you. Congratulations. You deserve this.”

Emily. All of your efforts are not only seen by your family, they are also seen by the community. Dedication and drive cannot be taught. You make everything around you glow. Please cherish this moment. Everyone is here for you. Thank you for working so hard and being you. You make the world go around.

Category: Clubs & Organizations