Sarah Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. was named 2009 Women In Business Apex Award Recipient at the Apex Awards Ceremony presented by Oswald, Trippe & Company on November 21, 2009 at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa.

The Women In Business Apex Award is a tribute to an individual for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting others in attaining professional goals and leadership skills. The recipient of the prestigious honor is nominated by their peer and selected by a committee based on required criteria. Nominee requirements include membership in the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce; to demonstrate professionalism, vision and ingenuity in their career and professional industry; be a contributor of time and dedication to the community and to improving the life of others; actively assist others in attaining professional goals and leadership skills; and live or work in Lee County.

Sarah Owen is a social service entrepreneur and the CEO of Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc. CCMI is the umbrella agency for The Soup Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Faith In Action Senior Transportation, Hands & Hearts Montessori Preschool, and two United Way Resource Houses. The agency is dedicated to providing food to the hungry and transforming the lives of those in need through partnerships, collaborations and innovative social service solutions.

In addition to her work at CCMI, Sarah co-wrote and founded, “What’s Next? A Support Group for Single Mothers and their Children” a program that is now widely used in churches and communities throughout the Northeastern United States. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Harry Chapin Food Bank and the Edison Ford Foundation. Sarah is a founding member of the Hunger Task Force of Southwest Florida, a member of the Fort Myers Rotary, a Leave a Legacy Member and Co-Chair of the United Way Agency Campaigns for the 2009 Campaign Board.

The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce “Women in Business” mission statement is to advance women in business; create opportunities; to interact and collaborate with professional women; and to provide forums for advocacy and career growth; to mentor with women in business; serve as a resource and role model to younger women entering the work force; to acknowledge accomplishments and honor women leaders; and to inspire women to achieve their full professional potential.