The Upper Perkiomen Valley Business and Professional Women's Club named Loretta Pigeon its Woman of the Year and Family Caregivers Network as Business of the Year Monday night.

                Pigeon, an Upper Perk BPW member since 2013, has served on the Women's Expo, Job Fair and Mentor committees. She is the 2016 Individual Development Program State speak-off winner and currently serves as the Upper Perkiomen chapter first vice president.  In addition, she serves BPW/PA as the District 11 Young Careerist chair and Individual Development Program facilitator.

                Pigeon has been employed with Family Caregivers Network since March of 2013.  During her employment she has been a scheduling coordinator, new employee trainer and now serves as the director of community relations.

                Pigeon is a 2005 graduate of the Katherine Gibbs School, where she became a certified medical assistant.  In 2014, she graduated from Immaculata College with her bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management.  

                In her free time, Pigeon volunteers as the president of the Upper Perk Girls Basketball Club.  She is a Grandview Hospital Hospice volunteer and the first woman referee for Team X youth flag football.  

                "Loretta has a strong sense of self, a success-driven work ethic and the extraordinary accomplishments to show for it. Her commitment, vision and talents make her true leader in BPW," BPW Woman of the Year Committee Chair Jennifer Van Ingen said during the group's Monday night meeting at PC Pub. "Loretta affirms that gender equality and women's empowerment are central to the achievement of the Upper Perkiomen BPW."

                She continued, "As the Programs chair, Loretta is constantly looking for new outlets that will benefit all members of our local organization. Her goal is to provide education to women that will benefit them for years to come. In her role as first VP, Loretta is head-strong to make sure all members are given fair opportunities to grow within the organization, that their ideas are recognized and that voices are heard."

                The Upper Perk BPW Business of the Year, Family Caregivers Network, is a home care agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and founded by Gerry Fioriglio, a registered nurse and certified dementia practitioner with more than 35 years' experience in caring for others.

                "Family Caregivers Network understands the needs of seniors and the family members caring for them," Pigeon said in announcing the award.

                As a community based healthcare organization, Family Caregivers Network provides a full range of in-home healthcare services in Montgomery, Upper Bucks, Berks, southern Lehigh and Northampton counties.  Specializing in the care of seniors, Family Caregivers Network seeks to help individuals maintain independence and improve quality of life.

                All staff members have certified training in Alzheimer's care, dementia care and end-of-life care. The educational programs, care management programs and community outreach programs offer families the tools needed to understand caregiving and help alleviate caregiver stress.  

                Family Caregivers was founded in 2000 in Fioriglio's home, starting with just three women. Over the past 16 years, Fioriglio dedicated herself to the success and growth of not only her business, but her employees, as well.  Family Caregivers currently employs 69 people, 64 of which are women. 

                "While Gerry has achieved many accomplishments as a business owner, one of her greatest strengths is her investment in her employees and her willingness to promote within," Pigeon said, calling Fioriglio an "employer who is committed to personal growth."

                She continued, "Family Caregivers offers the employees a work environment that provides a work-life balance, encourages educational growth and training, and supports personal and professional advancement." 

As a female business owner, Fioriglio encourages all of her female employees to join BPW and participate in the Individual Development program.

                "Family Caregivers Network ... will thrive because of its dedication to the employees and the advancement of women," Pigeon said. "It is a company that was built by a female entrepreneur who found her business on the belief that women are equal. Through success and mentorship, Family Caregivers Network is a business that is actively molding the next generation of business and professional women. "