The National Association of Professional and Executive Women names Karen L. Facemyer, President of Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc., "Woman of the Year" in Economic Development. Only one woman from each industry is named "Woman of the Year"; and each honoree is selected from thousands of women in their field. They are chosen based on outstanding accomplishments, leadership and service and will nationally represent their industry in the Women of Excellence Registry.

Karen has 16 years of experience in the area of economic development.  As President of Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc., she is responsible for the development of business relationships.  Polymer Alliance Zone Inc., is a conglomeration of plastic companies, material suppliers, injection molders and extruders which define the polymer industry in West Virginia.  Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ) is a private non-profit economic development organization located among one of the highest concentrations of high technology, specialty and engineering polymers in the world.

Karen's academic accomplishments include completing her Master’s in Vocational Administration from Marshall University and her Bachelor of Science in Vocational Home Economics Comprehensive and Safety Education from Glenville State College.  She attributes her success to hard work, being in the right place at the right time and having a willingness to learn. Karen is affiliated with the Society of Plastic Engineers, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the West Virginia Manufacturing Association.

In her spare time, Karen enjoys golfing and traveling.&nbsp; She performs charity work through her local and community organizations.&nbsp; Karen was also elected in 2000 as a member of the West Virginia State Senate and was re-elected in November 2008 for a third term.</font></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt"><font face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt"><font face="Times New Roman">It is an honor to welcome Karen L. Facemyer as <strong>Woman of the Year in Economic Development</strong> in the National Association of Professional and Executive Women Registry for &ldquo;Women of Excellence&rdquo;.