The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama recognized nine outstanding women at their annual East Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon, April 1 at Jacksonville State University Cole Coliseum.

This Luncheon recognized women in St. Clair, Talledega, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne and Randolph counties.

The Women of Distinction program pays tribute to women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement.

This year's Women of Distinction Honorees were:

Marie Akin of Gadsden, Senior Vice President, Exchange Bank of America

Betty Carr of Anniston, Civic Leader

Tina Gregerson of Gadsden, Owner and CEO, Personnel Staffing, Inc.

Joyce Hughes of Gadsden, Medical Staff Credentialing Coordinator, HealthSouth

Christie King-Ray of Glencoe, President, C King Benefits Auction

Carol Pappas of Pell City, Former Editor and Publisher (retired), The Daily Home

Dr. Valerie A. Richardson of Anniston, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Student Services, Garden State Community College

Jean F. Stanko of Anniston, Nurse Practitioner, Anniston Family Practice.

In addition Josephine Ayers of Anniston, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Long Leaf Magazine, received the 2010 Frances E. Couch Award at the Luncheon.

The Luncheon emcee was Julia Segars, a committee member. Gail Collins, a New York Times Columnist, served as the keynote speaker.

Chairing the Luncheon was Julia Segars and Juliette Doster.

Other committee members include Marie Akin, Carole Barnett, Anna Berry, Greg Brown, Gina Byars, Annette Cox, Margaret Davenport, Dr. Virginia Gauld, Marcy Gregerson, Patty Hobbs, Diane Kay, Patty King, Melissa McDonald, Betty McWhorter, Bill Meehan, Anna-Marie Moorer, Emily Raley, Jeanne Rasco, Chris Waddle, Melody Warren, Denise Webb and Brenda Wyatt.

This is the largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the East Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon provide direct support to Girl Scouts in North-Central Alabama, which serves more than 19,000 girls in 36 counties.

Sponsors included Aerospace Coatings, Alabama Power Company, Anniston Regional Medical Center, Balck & Bingham LLP, Jacksonville State University, Riverview Medical Center, Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, Sunny King Automotive and Webb Home. Many other local companies and individuals generously sponsored additional corporate tables.