Laura Gould, from Batavia, a promotions analyst with Tops Friendly Markets, was honored as a Top Women in Grocery by the trade publication Progressive Grocer. 

Gould, named a "Rising Star," was among six Tops employees from Western New York honored by the publication.

In total, Progressive Grocer will induct 400 women, chosen from more than 1,000 nominees, into this year’s class during its celebration taking place in Orlando, Florida in November.

"These women strengthen the retail food industry at many levels, within both the retailer and supplier communities," Tops officials said in a release. "Top Women in Grocery is a community that has continued to grow since 2007, with the best and brightest women in the industry."

The company added, "Progressive Grocer's Top Women in Grocery award is the most prestigious honor for female leaders in the grocery industry."

Previously: Batavia resident promoted to corporate management position with Tops

This year’s auction had a theme to represent 90 years of the clubs existence with Catherine Johnston, a Pavilion high school teacher, having her students from the Pavilion Girls Service League giving a fashion show with clothing representing past decades!

The auction is a yearly event sponsored by the BPW members to raise money for several scholarships that are given to Genesee County high school, BOCES and GCC students in the spring. This year’s auction event was very successful in rising over $5000 with over 125 local vendor’s donations and 160 guests attending the live auction and brunch! Thank you to all for your support.

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club is devoted to making the community of Genesee County a better place to live.  Besides raising money for scholarships, the club bestows service organization grants.  We assist other clubs and organizations by helping to provide volunteers for special events and we participate in projects that help the less fortune, two of which are contributing to Thanksgiving baskets at the Salvation Army and providing funds to Community Action to assist individuals in need during crisis situations.  We meet 10 times a year.   When you become a member, dues are $10 the first year and $20 thereafter, you are asked to join a monthly club committee to plan and implement one of these meetings.   In addition members participate in service committees to support our volunteering, auction fundraising and special needs events.

The BPW November meeting is “New Members” month seeking out new members to join our organization and efforts. Anyone interested in finding out more is welcome to join us at the November 3, 2011 meeting, 5:30pm,  at the St Lutheran Methodist Church, 31 Washington Avenue in Batavia. Cost of dinner is $11, Contact Joan Post, BPW President at 343-2088 by November 1 to confirm.

More information on the Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club can be found at: http://bataviabpw.wordpress.com or visit us on Facebook

Thursday June 2 2011 -  Banquet and Induction Ceremony

Where:    Bohn’s Resturant

5256 Clinton Street road, Batavia, NY 14020

Social Hour 5:30pm

 Meet and Great Our Scholarship Winners

& Who has the “Best” Monthly Commitee Basket?

Dinner at 6:15pm

Awards and Induction Ceremony Immediately Following

Cost: $17

Menu: Italian Wedding Soup, Tossed Salad with Mixed Field Greens, Chicken Cordon Blue, Twice Baked Potatoes, Vegetable Medleys, Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Covered Strawberries!

RSVP by May 27th  to Brenda Chapell at 585-356-3720