Bookstore Owner Janet Edwards Named Woman's Partnership 2002 Woman of the Year

Janet Edwards, owner of Edwards Books, Tower Square, Springfield has been named the 2004 Woman of the Year by the Women’s Partnership of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield. The announcement was made April 21 during the organization’s professional development meeting by Mary Socha, vice president of the Women’s Partnership.

The Partnership annually presents the Woman of the Year award to a woman in the Greater Springfield area who exemplifies the ideals of personal achievement and service to the community, which guide the organization itself.

"Janet represents a rare standard of excellence in the community when it comes to balancing business ownership, family and community volunteerism," said Wayne McCary, president of Eastern States Exposition.

Edwards’ proactive business and community ideals are embodied in her belief that citizenship means participation. "If I, as a business person and homeowner want to see a change, I’d better commit time and energy to why people should live and work here," said Edwards.

In an effort to raise funds to feed the hungry, homeless and disadvantaged, Edwards Books hosts Open Books for Open Pantry, a reading held each November featuring three notable authors. Each December Edwards assembles ten or so local authors for a book signing to benefit the Food Bank.

Kevin J. Noonan, executive director of Open Pantry Community Services, Inc. of Springfield, said of Edwards’ business savvy and charity, "Janet has not only maintained a unique business started by her parents more than 30 years ago, but has developed it into a Springfield treasure. We are blessed to have Janet Edwards compassionately setting an extra place at her table."

"Janet has succeeded in strengthening her business and has used it in many creative ways for the betterment of her community,” said Carol Pederzani of Eastern States Exposition, who nominated her for the Woman of the Year honor.

In 1995, Edwards launched her annual “Penny-a-Day Campaign," seeking $3.65 donations from her many loyal customers for the Western Mass. Food Bank and raised $1,000. Contributors placed their signature on a wallboard and received a pin featuring a penny.

On Edwards’ commitment to the community, David Sharken, executive director of The Food Bank of Western Mass., said, "After she’s helped us raise thousands and thousands of dollars to fight hunger in Western Massachusetts, Janet Edwards apologizes that she can’t do more. Fact: She does more than most."

On the third Thursday of each month, Edwards offers the opportunity for the MSPCA to bring cages of kittens and dogs on leashes down to her business to show them off to the bookstore’s lunchtime crowd. This generosity has afforded the opportunity for many animals that might not otherwise have been adopted to find a loving home.

Barbara L. Hays, adoption center manager of Springfield’s MSPCA, said, "(Her) generosity directly impacts our shelter’s animals by helping them find a new home and by raising the funds that help care for them."

An active promoter of local writers, Edwards prominently displays their books and sometimes sells them without any profit for herself. These local writers receive support from her whether the book is a mainstream novel or a small self-published book of poetry. On self-published works, she often returns all revenue to the writers.

Edwards was appointed a commissioner of the newly formed Springfield Library Commission by Springfield Mayor Charles V. Ryan, Jr. She also serves on the board of the Springfield Public Forum where she co-chairs the Program Committee and supports the Channel 57 auction and Project Literacy.

In 1996, Edwards received the Greater Springfield Convention Bureau’s Howdy Award for outstanding customer service and her enthusiasm in promoting downtown Springfield. Described as a "one-person marching band," she has remained tireless in her support of the city.

Edwards, who resides in Springfield with her daughter Christina, will be honored at the Women’s Partnership annual banquet May 20 at Storrowton Tavern’s Carriage House in West Springfield beginning at 6 p.m.

The Woman of the Year Committee accepts nominations for the award each year and selects the recipient. This year’s committee is comprised of Jennifer Howland, chair, Karen Charbonneau, Julie Dialessi-Lafley, Dianne Lefebvre, Brenda McCormick and Carol Pederzani.