Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Chief Wendell Davis has been named by the Orangeburg Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association as Business Associate of the Year.

The award was presented June 21 during the organization’s 26th Annual Business Associate Awards Banquet on the campus of South Carolina State University.

The presentation to Davis was made by his wife, Chanette, along with his family (including his very well-behaved baby grandson), other officers and their families, as well as some “surprise” officials with their families from Columbia looking on. He was the recipient of a special plaque.

Mrs. Davis received the specially prepared floral arrangement by ABWA member Lillie Gaffney, representing the chapter’s colors.

Mazelle Bowman Carter was also recognized as a noteworthy female business owner (First Choice Nail and Skin Day Spa) in the community. She also received a plaque while her husband, Samuel Jr., son Patrick O’Brien, daughter Malainde, mother and other family members looked on.

Both persons exemplified this year’s theme, “Engage, Experience and Excel.”

This year’s Woman of the Year Award recipient was Glenda Owens. Her service to the organization is always positive and multifaceted.

The Scholarship Award to be sent to Clemson University was received by Sejal Marshae Dykes, an outstanding 2008 graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High in Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5. Her mother is Erica N. Irick and her grandmother/guardian is Maggie Irick. She was recommended by chapter President Sarah Rhodes.

After the audience enjoyed a delicious meal, Dorothy N. Montgomery, quilter, storyteller, musician, doll maker and author, compared the ABWA Mission to “Sister Cydee” and the church in a humorous, original, short story. She then displayed two quilts that communicated and illustrated the African-American history and heritage depicted in the short story.

ABWA is a national organization with membership of more than 400,000 women employed in diverse professions and levels of business. The national organization was established in 1949 and its mission is to unite working women of diverse backgrounds to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally. The ABWA National Association and its local affiliates have donated more than $11 million in scholarship funds to millions of women.

The Orangeburg Chapter has been a viable part of the Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg communities since February 1981. Among its activities are donations of more than $20,000 in scholarship funds to assist local high school graduates and working women desiring to further their education, voluntary assistance to the elderly, provision of needed materials and services for less-fortunate families, especially children, as well as active participation in business, political and church-related activities. All activities are financed by several fund-raising activities held each fiscal year.

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