Nov. 25, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Crystal Albers, assistant director of communications/web editor, at 816-383-5100 or calbers@angus.org

API Leader Named Distinguished Woman

When Cheryl Oxley, Angus Productions Inc. (API) production and advertising manager, attended the annual American Angus Auxiliary Breakfast, Nov. 15, during Angus events in Louisville, Ky., she never suspected she’d become the guest of honor.

As she chatted with longtime acquaintances and enjoyed her simmering Sunday breakfast, Nancy Thelen, a Saline, Mich., Auxiliary member, addressed the nearly 250 guests in attendance and began describing the winner of the Auxiliary’s highest honor, the Distinguished Woman award.

Oxley’s food quickly grew cold as she realized she was the 57-year-old organization’s 23rd Distinguished Woman.

“The award couldn’t go to a more deserving person,” said Thelen after the breakfast. “Cheryl has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many, many years, helping us with a multitude of projects and activities.”

Thelen, chairwoman of the Distinguished Woman committee, said the award was designed to recognize women who have provided outstanding service to the Auxiliary.

“These women have served in various capacities to further the goals of the Auxiliary, and each has contributed something of her own particular talents to further Auxiliary work,” Thelen says. “Cheryl was our committee’s unanimous decision. She continually goes above and beyond with everything she does and consistently supplies us with enthusiasm, new ideas, organization, professionalism and products we are all proud of.”

A 30-year API veteran, Oxley works with API staff in Saint Joseph, Mo., to assist the Auxiliary with a variety of projects, ranging from a 50th anniversary book to breakfast programs, annual reports, posters and membership brochures.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for doing something that I’ve enjoyed all these years,” Oxley said. “Partnering with the Auxiliary on their print and promotional projects has given me, and Angus Productions Inc., an opportunity to be a real factor in their outreach to the Angus community.”

Oxley resides with her husband, John, in Saint Joseph, Mo. She has a daughter, Nancy, son-in-law, Carl Jennings, and two granddaughters, Emily and Erin.

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