Woman of the Year nominees announced

For many, it's no surprise Indiana State Senator Vi Simpson is highly regarded in Bloomington. Her local and state-wide involvement made her the candidate and recipient of Bloomington's 2004 Woman of the Year, an award that recognizes lifetime achievement.\nWoman of the Year candidates must have "improved the quality of life for other women through inspiration, community service or professional accomplishments above and/or outside normal job responsibilities; (provided) a positive role model for girls and women and (made) outstanding contributions to the community," according to the Commission on the Status of Women's Web site, www.bloomington.gov/cfrd/csw.\nSimpson's nomination by Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan was met with resounding support as she was selected for the honor by members of the City of Bloomington's Commission on the Status of Women and other groups involved in planning the 19th annual Women's History Month Lunch where she will be honored.\n"Since her election to the Senate, she has been an influential and powerful leader on issues affecting children and families, healthcare, education, the environment and business law," Kruzan said in a statement. "Vi Simpson has been an active and inspiring role model for both women and men in our community."\nSimpson started her political career in 1981 as Monroe County Auditor and continued to serve there until she was elected to the state Senate in 1984. She has also served as chair of the State Budget Committee. As executive director of the Heritage Education Foundation, Inc., she plays a large role in the distribution of education materials to teachers and schools.\n"I think she is an excellent choice for the award," said Craig Brenner, special projects coordinator for Bloomington's Community and Family Resources Department. "She's made excellent contributions to not only Bloomington and Monroe County, but to the whole state from year to year.\n"She's worked on issues not only for women, but for families and people across the state."\nAlong with Simpson, retired IU Professor Helen Gibbons received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Girl Scouts of Monroe County are the recipient of the "Emerging Leader" award for public service to the community, and for the organization's developing talents and leadership skills.\nThe Women's History Month Lunch, where Simpson and Gibbons will be honored, starts at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 10 at the Convention Center of Bloomington-Monroe County, 302 S. College Ave., which will include a keynote address by Indiana State Budget Director Marilyn Schultz and the 2004 awards presentation. No tickets will be issued, but the deadline for required advance reservations and payments of $12.50 per lunch is Friday, Mar. 5. Checks must be made payable to "Women's History Month Lunch" included with names of all guests. Send checks to the Women's History Month Lunch, Commission on the Status of Women, P.O. Box 100, Bloomington, IN 47402.\n-- Contact staff writer Jackie Corgan at jcorgan@indiana.edu.