воскресенье, 16 сентября 2012 г.

Golf event paves fairway for women. - Real Estate Weekly

As late as the 1990s, construction industry golf outings reflected the scarcity of women in high,ranking positions: the links remained visibly all-male.

As women continued to make inroads in the A/E/C arena as owners, professionals and executives, they discovered the need to 'buddy up' to prospective clients, but the traditional 'good old boys' industry golf outing was intimidating to many.

Professional Women in Construction (PWC), founded in 1980, has sponsored two annual industry golf outings since 1992, most recently at the Elmwood Country Club in White Plains, NY, in September.

According to PWC president Lenore Janis, 'We were the first construction association to actively welcome women and mixed foursomes. Our first golf event drew six women, 80 men and a tornado warning.

'By late October's 'rain date' the number of women golfers had doubled. Now we average 30-35% women at the outings. Our players tell us that the game encourages camaraderie, strengthens business relationships and provides a relaxing break from office routine.'

Jennifer Murphy, vice president, Plaza Construction, was among the players to second Janis' assessment. 'Some women might feel intimidated at industry golf outings. At a PWC event, they feel more comfortable. Women playing in a male-dominated sport parallels our industry,' she said.

Jackie Horowitz, project manager, Turner Construction and PWC board member, said, 'Golf outings give women an opportunity to bond. There are definitely more women at PWC events than at other outings.'

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Geralyn Spadafino, account executive, Siemens Building Technologies, held a similar view. 'I went to my first golf outing through a PWC event. It helped me find the courage to play at other industry outings,' she said.

The men were fully supportive. Neal Eckles, sales manager, Tac Tour Andover Controls, pointed out, 'Golf strengthens relationships with clients. I encourage women in our firm to take up the game.'

David Grossbaum, vice president, True and Associates, agreed, 'Traditionally golf is a place where men have made deals, now women are on the same playing field. It's a business person's world today.'

For information on PWC and future events, visit www.pwcusa.org or call 212486-7745.