The Women in Concrete Alliance (WICA) — a networking organization for women in the concrete industry — has announced the call for entries for the second annual Woman of Distinction award.

According to Kari Moosmann, co-founder of WICA, the award was created to celebrate women in the industry.

“We are excited to see a woman in the industry honored by her peers,” said Moosmann. “This award will reinforce that women are a valued resource in the concrete construction industry.”

WICA co-founder Kimberly Kayler noted that the recipient of the award will signify the spirit of the Women in Concrete Alliance.

“WICA was formed to supply information, opportunities and mentoring to women working in the concrete construction industry,” said Kayler. “There are many women that really make a difference for other women in the industry, as well as make this is a better marketplace for us all. This award gives us a chance to celebrate those heroes.”

Rosa Olivia Becerra, owner/president of Cortamex, a diamond blade supplier in Tijuana, Mexico, was voted the winner of the first award for her dedication to her customers.

“This is a touching and proud moment in my career,” said Becerra, “The success I have had is founded on the beliefs that if you work hard and are passionate about what you do, you will be rewarded regardless of gender. Combine this thinking with exceeding customer expectations and you have my formula for running my company.”

Becerra began her construction career as a bookkeeper for her brother’s concrete cutting company and eventually took over when he left. Her tireless devotion to her company and her clients make her a Woman of Distinction. When asked about her success in construction industry, Becerra responded, “Take the time to find out where your customer feels he or she needs improvement. Then go out and find a way to help that situation. Resolve the issue one time and they will be happy. Do it a second time and they will be surprised. Do it a third time and you have a loyal customer.”

To submit a nomination for the Woman of Distinction Award, visit the News/Events page at www.womeninconcrete.org. The deadline for all nominations is Jan. 6, 2011. After the nominations are received, members of the industry will have the opportunity to vote on their choice at the Women in Concrete luncheon held Jan. 25 in conjunction with the World of Concrete. To register for the luncheon, visit www.worldofconcrete.com. The winner will be announced in February 2012.

The WICA was started by co-founders Moosmann, former managing editor of Concrete Construction magazine, and Kayler, president of Constructive Communication Inc. The idea for an ongoing network began with Hanley Wood’s Women in Concrete (WIC) event at World of Concrete. The spirit of Women in Concrete was kept alive through the year by profiles of readers that appeared in a regular column in The Concrete Producer and Concrete Construction magazines. Requests for a more continuous connection sparked the idea for the alliance. WICA strives to go beyond these initial efforts and reach women on a continuous basis to create an industry alliance that serves the needs of all women in concrete.

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