Business:                    Pam Curry

                                      Hometown: Sissonville, West Virginia

                                     Nominators: Heather Cavaness and Marilyn Harrell

Pam Curry is a state native with strong family roots in West Virginia that date back to the early 1700's. She has never lived outside the state. Pam graduated from Marshall University in 1970 with bachelor's Degrees in Marketing and Economics. During the past 14 years, she has been the leader of the non-profit organization, Center for Economic Options. Pam has helped hundreds of West Virginia entrepreneurs realize their economic potential while staying in their communities.

Her nominators said that the contributions of women in Appalachia are often dismissed and Pam stands in defiance of this dismissal. Pam explains to the traditional business development community how home-based and often women-owned businesses help the overall economy in rural areas. Pam has helped hundreds of business women realize their potential. She has worked with national partners and the broader philanthropic community to generate financial support. She has also helped the Center for Economic Options develop two social purpose enterprises, Appalachian by Design and Showcase West Virginia.

Pam is also a founding member of Mountain Thyme, which is a four woman band that performs songs and tunes in a style that can best be described as "Appalachian Celtic." As a member of Mountain Thyme, Pam helped conceptualize and facilitate two events called, "A Celebration of Appalachian Celtic Music in West Virginia."