Mahle noted Elmore's leading role in the fight against cancer including 17 years as the Logistics Chair for the Centralia Relay for Life, as well as her work for the Red Cross, Centralia Cultural Society, Salvation Army, her church, and in the classroom as a special education aide. 
      Mahle quoted from some of the nomination letters.  "Blessed with best combination of mind and spirit."  "Her soft spoken voice articulates for the causes she believes in." "Works tirelessly planning and organizing."   "A woman who exemplifies professionalism."   "Professional excellence."    "Her positive attitude and kind spirit are always inspiring."

Elmore was surprised with the award.  "This was quite a shock.  I want to thank everybody very very much.  I thought I was here to honor by friend Deanna.  I was just convinced of it. I keep seeing people in the back of the room that are surprising me even more.  I do the stuff I do because I love it.  It's more selfish than anything else," Elmore said. 

In her inspirational message, Sharon Sanders honored the 40 woman who have won the award.   She noted the honor was started in 1971 to honor local, successful women, of their achievements and accomplishments.  "They all have an eternal inner flame, the drive to compete and succeed in their careers.  Many of these woman have had to climb the corporate ladder on their way to break through that glass ceiling.  During the past 40 years, women have come a long way.  We have broken through many barriers.  They have entered into the jobs that have traditionally been male dominated," Sanders said.  She closed her message with the reading of the poem 'Be the Best of Whatever You Are'. 

The Woman of the Year Breakfast kicks off BPW Week in Centralia.  It continues Monday evening with the award of the Boss of the Year during a Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by Centralia Estates from five to seven pm.