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Flex City Fitness owners, Jenny Quinn and Trista Parisian, are the 2021 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) ATHENAPowerLink Award (APL) recipients. APL is a national mentoring program that connects selected women business owners with a skilled advisory panel. The specified panel of advisors will donate an estimated $25,000 value of business consultation services to help the business achieve the next level of success.

“We are truly honored to be the 2021 recipients of the ATHENAPowerLink Award,” said Trista Parisian, co-owner of FLEXcity Fitness. “We just moved into our dream studio and expanded our sessions virtually and for live-streaming.”

“To have the opportunity to work with the advisory panel will help us further in the company’s development and growth,” said Jenny Quinn.

“Trista and Jenny will be exceptional participants in the ATHENAPowerLink program,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC.

“They have a terrific vision of where they want to go in the next few years. Their panel of Powerlink mentors will help them shape and execute a refined strategy to take their business to the next level.”

Flexcity Fitness was required to meet specific criteria to be eligible for this mentorship program.

  • 51% of business is owned and actively managed by a woman or women
  • At least two years in operation
  • At least two full-time employees, including applicant
  • At least $250,000 in annual gross revenues for a manufacturing or retail business; or at least $100,000 in annual gross revenues for a service business
  • Clearly defined business objectives and specific reasons for seeking an Advisory Panel

“We were excited for Flexcity Fitness to receive the ATHENAPowerLink Award this year,” said Jane Mitchell, owner and CEO of Jungle Jane Promotions and ATHENAPowerLink Award board member. “A big factor in this selection was knowing that Jenny and Trista are willing to openly discuss their goals for Flexcity Fitness and the obstacles impacting their ability to reach those goals. They are willing to utilize the panels advice productively.”

Two most recent APL recipients have enjoyed the benefits of working with their APL panel of advisors. 2019 recipient Leslie Auld of Therapy Today Counseling and Consulting said her panel helped her grow her business and refine her processes.

“They also helped me grow as a leader,” said Auld. “I have grown so much over the year.”

2020 APL recipient Lauren Palmer of Curvaceous Lingerie has had a most interesting year, most notably with COVID, which has hit the retail business particularly hard. She also had a baby in July.

“There have been a few monkey wrenches that we have been encountering and battling,” said Palmer. “I have to say the PowerLink advisors that I have been gifted with over the year have been instrumental, allowing me to push through everything.”

The LRCC is currently accepting applications for the 2022 ATHENAPowerLink and the 2020 ATHENA Leadership Awards. The ATHENA Leadership Award honors individuals who strive towards the highest levels of professional accomplishment, excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community, and pave paths for other women to follow. It also celebrates the potential of all women as leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them.

The deadlines for submitting applications are:
Deadline for ATHENAPowerLink: Feb. 26, 2021
Deadline for ATHENA Leadership Award: Jan. 22, 2021

Applications for both awards may be found at https://www.lansingchamber.org/athena- awards/.