ABWA MARKS ANNIVERSARY WITH BALOONS

JACKSON -- The Jacksonian chapter of the American Business Women's Association will celebrate its fifth anniversary Sunday at the Jackson City Park with a balloon release and "strut" around the lake.

Sunday also marks the national ABWA's 42nd anniversary. The association was founded in 1949 to assist women in their career goals.

The mission is to bring together working women of diverse backgrounds and to provide opportunities for leadership, education and networking.

The Jacksonian chapter awards scholarships to women continuing their education at Southeast Missouri State University. The chapter also sponsors a children's funfest in Jackson, sponsors a school board candidate forum each year.

The Jacksonian chapter holds the record of the largest number of numbers upon chartering and is presently the largest chapter between St. Louis and Memphis.