Linda Story named 2009 Granite Falls BPW Woman of the Year

Each year, the Granite Falls Business and Professional Women's Club recognizes someone whose contributions to the community go above and beyond the call of duty, and this year's recipient is no exception.

The 2009 Woman of the Year is a Granite Falls native who is active in the community both professionally and in her daily life. She has dedicated more than 39 years to serving the residents and is recognized across the state for her leadership qualities.

This year's honoree is Granite Falls Town Manager Linda Story. She was recognized during a reception Saturday and presented with a certificate and pin. Members of the Granite Falls Town Council also adopted a town resolution in her honor.

"This is quite an honor, and I have to admit I was a little surprised when I found out," Story said. "This is the end of my professional career, and I thank them for recognizing my professional work in the community. We have many outstanding women in this community and to be selected for a second time is amazing."

Story also was named Woman of the Year in 1983 - the program's inaugural year. Granite Falls BPW President Linda Crowder said the group recognized Story at that time for being named town manager, a position very few women had at that time. Now, Story is being recognized for her continued efforts.

Story is a member of multiple state organizations as well as local committees. She is a former board member of the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce, the Caldwell County Library Board and Communities in Schools. She currently serves on the Caldwell County City-County Services Committee and the Granite Falls History Committee, to name a few.

Crowd said Story spends her days working tirelessly to make Granite Falls a great place to live and work, which is why the club couldn't think of anyone who deserved the title more.

"We wanted to recognize Story for all that she has done for the town and for being an outstanding role model," Crowder said. "She has worked for the town for quite some time and always puts others first. We would like to congratulate Linda Story, the 2009 Woman of the Year."