Business Alliance Awards Luncheon Hails Six Business Leaders
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Linda Pauli Named 2026 Athena Leadership Award Recipient in Alliance
ALLIANCE – Linda Pauli wasn't expecting an award. But when her family showed up unexpectedly, she had a feeling something was up.
Pauli received the 2026 Athena Leadership Award on Oct. 16 from Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce's Women's Division. The award was one of several handed out at the chamber's annual Business Alliance Awards luncheon in the Hoover-Price Campus Center at University of Mount Union.
"I didn't know about this," she told guests. "I asked my husband if he knew, and he didn't know either. Then some of our kids showed up, even from out of town, and I was kind of wondering. But I want to tell you that I'm surprised. I'm shocked. I'm speechless."
Pauli, a 1968 graduate of Marlington High School, actively volunteers in the Alliance community. She has served on many community boards, including Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter and Alliance YWCA. Pauli has been a lifelong educator in the healthcare field. She served 25 years as director of the Student Health Center at Mount Union. Her husband, Mike Pauli, owns Pauli Electric and received the 2024 Spirit of Enterprise Award at the same luncheon event.
Pauli reflected on community involvement throughout different stages of life:
"There are so many people in our community that share of their times, talents and volunteerism. Some of the people we know about. Some of the people we don't."
She encouraged younger individuals not to feel they can't contribute simply because of work and family commitments:
"Raising children and having an income helps the community, just as much as volunteer work."
Other Award Winners
In addition to Pauli, three other awards were presented:
- Small Business of the Year: Harding Heating and Cooling at 1094 N. Union Ave.
- Large Business of the Year: 415 Group, an accounting firm with locations in Jackson Township and Alliance.
- 2026 Spirit of Enterprise Award: Gregory King, president of Mount Union.
This year's event also introduced two new awards from Stark County's tourism bureau, Visit Canton:
- Destination Impact Award: Beech Creek Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Washington Township.
- Tourism Ambassador Award: Sherry Groom, owner of the Troll Hole Museum and other businesses.