2009 Recipient: Linda Hundt, Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry

Linda Hundt married her high school sweetheart John in 1985. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Education in 1986 and worked as a substitute teacher until 1988.

Ms. Hundt then went to work in the political arena for many years while her daughters Ellie and Betsie were young. In 2002 Linda quit her job to pursue a life-long dream of starting a pie shop business, Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry. As a home-based business, she sold her fare at farm markets and high-end restaurants. In 2005, the business grew into a retail caf bakery in DeWitt Michigan. The entire business is based on love and nostalgia through the business' mission, comfort food, vintage ambiance, and merchandise.

Ms. Hundt and Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry have won numerous baking, restaurant, and business awards, including SBTC's Small Business of the Year in 2006 and one first place at the Crisco National Pie Championships in 2007and three first places at the Crisco National Pie Championships in 2008. She will also be featured on the Food Network's Challenge Series (as part of the National Pie Championships) this September. She is a member of Central Michigan University's Entrepreneurial Center Advisory Board and is the Beautification Chair for the DeWitt Downtown Development Authority. She is also a member of the 2008 Selection Committee for Women of the Year, sponsored by Greater Lansing Woman Magazine and is the founder of the DeWitt Farmer's Market.

2008 Recipient: Angelia McGarry, Carolan & McGarry

Angelia McGarry, CPA, owner of Carolan & McGarry, CPA, P.C., was selected for the 2008 ATHENAPowerlink® program. A lifelong Michigan resident, McGarry has been serving mid-Michigan and the Greater Lansing Area for more than 25 years. In October 2006, she became partner with Carolan & McGarry, CPA. McGarry has over eight years of experience working win public accounting. She has also served as a CFO/Controller for over 15 years. McGarry graduated with honors from Northwood University with a degree in Business Administration and Accounting.
2007 Recipient: Dr. Marcy Street, Doctor's Approach Dermatology & Laser Center

2007 Recipients: Dr. Sue Maurer, Care Connections & Dr. Marcy Street, Doctor's Approach Dermatology & Laser Center

Sue Maurer MD, known as "Doc Sue" to her friends, is the owner of Care Connections. Dr. Maurer was a practicing OB/GYN for many years before suffering from an inner ear imbalance that left her unable to practice clinical medicine. The illness didn't stop her though, because Dr. Maurer teamed up with her mother and sister, a RN, in 2004 to create Care Connections, a private-duty home care company. Care Connections stands out, as it is locally owned by a physician and managed by a registered nurse with many years of experience in home care. The Care Connections team is qualified to create a secure and safe home care plan by adjusting to clients needs, providing local community resources, and coordinating individualized benefits.

Dr. Marcy Street is a board certified dermatologist and has been practicing in the Lansing Area for over 14 years. Her practice, Doctor's Approach Dermatology & Laser Center, provides personalized medical skin care and cosmetic services. In 2002, Dr. Street developed a complete line of skin and hair care products after hearing frustration from her patients about over the counter options. Street soon developed a complete line of hair and skin care products based on the use of natural botanicals and vitamins called Doctor's Approach Skin & Hair Care. Dr. Street's products are now sold through many retailers in Michigan and in her East Lansing location.

2006 Recipient: Kathleen Valentine, The Plant Professionals

Kathleen Valentine is an expert at making things grow. With her green thumb and degree in floriculture production from MSU, she took a small, two-person plant maintenance company and turned it into a thriving 21-employee interior plantscaping business with more than 500 clients. The core of the 27-year-old company focuses on interior plantscaping, which is the design, installation and maintenance of indoor plants for both commercial and residential clients. The company also offers special event plant rentals, floral services, holiday decorating and outdoor color (annuals and perennials). Installation and maintenance of interior water features is a new addition to the list of services.