On June 9, Professional Women in Construction's first (PWC) golf outing of the year drew an overflowing, sellout crowd of women -35% of the players--and men, all undaunted by temperatures that spiked close to 100[degrees].
PWC President Lenore Janis credited IBEX Construction President and CEO Andy Frankl, chair of the event, for helping to attract 'an amazing group of women and men,' to Elmwood Country Club in White Plains, NY, and thanked him for supporting PWC's efforts to make the sport more accessible to women.
Said Frankl, 'We're seeing more high-level women in the industry nationwide, but their presence still needs to grow in the New York area.
PWC recognized the enormous networking potential of golf in 1992, when it initiated its own industry outings featuring mixed gender foursomes.
The organization now hosts two well-attended golf outings each year.
Said Janis: 'The tide is starting to turn. Companies in this industry now encourage women staffers to participate; some are even picking up the tab for lessons.'
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Turner Construction's Jackie Horowitz, senior project manager, concurred that corporate attitudes have progressed: 'Today having women participate in company outings is in keeping with corporate policy. This is the first time I've seen an event where almost every foursome includes women'
Ken Brynildsen, project manager/ estimator with Jacobson & Co., agreed that PWC events draw large numbers of women: 'There are more women here than at any other industry golf outing I've attended.'
SimplexGrinnell General Sales Manager Kay Lee said that the number of women in the industry still needs to grow--and such outings are a good way to boost the trend.
'There still aren't that many women in senior staff positions ... This is a great way to meet people I wouldn't have had the opportunity to see, and possibly recruit.'
