Seventeen Leadership Akron Alumni are being honored with two local leadership awards. Vivian Celeste Neal, Marie Covington, Laura Culp, Ilene Shapiro and Chris Yuhasz are 2008 Northeast Ohio ATHENA® Award finalists. The ATHENA®  Award is given to women who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession; contribute time and energy to improving their community and assist other women in realizing their own leadership potential. The Northeast Ohio ATHENA® Awards are presented by Inside Business.

Tracy Carter, Randy Cole, Bridget Garvin, Brett Kimmell, Mark Krohn, Christine Mayer, Michael Moldvay, Melissa Montisano, Brian Ray, Barry Thoman, Laura Tinney and Erin Wojno all received the 2008 30 for the Future award presented by the Greater Akron Chamber. The 30 for the Future award honors young professionals who have made a significant contribution to their industries and communities.

Award ceremonies will be held in the month of September. The Second Annual 30 for the Future Award ceremony is being held at the Carousel Dinner Theatre at 5:30 p.m. on September 8. More information is available at www.greaterakronchamber.org. The 2008 Northeast Ohio ATHENA® Award dinner will be held September 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Landerhaven. Reservation forms are available online at www.ibmag.com/ATHENAS.