BLOOMINGTON - Linda Garbe finds inspiration in the women who paved the way for her opportunities for success. As the keynote speaker for the 2008 Athena Award dinner, the retired State Farm Insurance Cos. executive shared stories about women who made a difference in her life.

"There's something about people who are inspiring. … They forever stand by our side cheering us on," said Garbe, now president of The Garbe Creative Group in Towanda.

Athena Award recipient Janet Hood is on such lists for many people.

The Women's Division of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce recognized Hood at the 12th annual dinner Thursday at the Parke Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington.

The Athena Award recognizes a man or woman who has achieved success in business, has devoted time and energy to improving the quality of life for others in the community and has assisted women in realizing their leadership potential.

Hood, the executive assistant for planning and system services at BroMenn Healthcare in Normal, recognizes her responsibility to give back. In return for the mentors in her life, she works with college-age women and enjoys helping others.

"I'm just in awe and very humbled by this," Hood said.

Inspirational people make a difference in others' lives, Garbe said.

Garbe's life was changed when she met Geneva Canfield, who told Garbe to interview for a job in the art department at State Farm Insurance Cos.

In her 38-year State Farm career that began in 1968, Garbe was a junior artist, then worked through the ranks and was promoted to assistant vice president of creative services in 2001. She retired from that role in June 2006 and set up her company.

Garbe also thanks others who were pioneers for women in the workplace.

Laura Garrett, who started at State Farm in 1943, once was told she would do a great job in a superintendent role but that a woman could not have that job. She persevered, continued to learn and was known for saying, "'You can do it,'" Garbe said.

In the late 1970s, Chris Eakins took action when others only complained. She formed a group for women to learn more about the corporation so they could compete.

When Ruth Alvis wanted to be considered for a promotion, she first made a list of all the excuses others could find to not give her a higher job. She then set out to cross those items off her list by taking more classes.

"Some people complain about things. Some people do things," Garbe said. "These are the inspiring people in life."

Other nominees for this year's award were: Dorothy Bushnell, co-owner of The Garlic Press and The Garlic Press Market Café in uptown Normal; Jolene Clifford, a breast health navigator in comprehensive breast service with Community Cancer Center in Normal; and Karen Fleming, owner of Fleming Financial Solutions in Normal.