HOSPITAL FOUNDATION HONORS MCCARTY AS ONE OF THREE LOCAL BUSINESS WOMEN

August 2006

Virginia Jessemey McCarty, owner and CEO of McCarty & Associates, Inc. "a marketing firm," was a recipient of the 2006 American Business Women's Award presented by Mason General Hospital Foundation. Xinh Dwelley, owner and chef of the world famous Xinh's Clam and Oyster House; and Irene Locke, former owner of the legendary Chinese restaurant, Ming Tree Cafe; were the other two recipients.

Every year MGH's Foundation honors three outstanding business women who are, or were, successful in their occupations; work or have worked in Mason County; and are active as volunteers in the community. There were 18 nominations in 2006.

Virginia founded McCarty & Associates, Inc. "a marketing firm" in 1986 as a local marketing consultant specializing in strategic marketing and planning.

With extensive knowledge and continuous education in business, marketing, and graphics, McCarty & Associates offers strategic ideas to businesses incorporating the marketing mix - price, product, place, and promotion. The mission statement - "To serve" sums up Virginia's business philosophy of always doing what is best for the client.

Virginia, a graduate of Washington State University, has won numerous awards for her work, including state and national awards for marketing, as well as a first place photography award. After graduation she worked for WSU; and later Sunkist Growers, Inc. in Los Angeles, before starting her own firm in Shelton, WA. She is deeply involved in the Mason County business and church communities and beyond, with many past and present board memberships. Currently she serves on the Professional Advisory Board at WSU for the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication where she also established a scholarship award at WSU. Virginia, who describes herself as "a student always" is currently working on her Masters of Business Administration in Global Marketing.

"Virginia is an example of a business woman who has mastered life," said her nominator. "She is grounded in her family, church, and community, and her integrity and values permeate her work."