Zonta Club of Olean Honors Christine Pecherzewski with 2026 Yellow Rose Award
Recognized for her leadership and dedication to community collaboration, Christine Pecherzewski is honored for her lasting impact across the Greater Olean region.
OLEAN - Each March, members of Zonta International worldwide celebrate International Women’s Day alongside Zonta Rose Day, recognizing women whose leadership, service, and dedication strengthen their communities. Continuing this tradition locally, the Zonta Club of Olean presented one of its 2026 Yellow Rose Day honors to Christine Pecherzewski of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce.
Yellow Rose recipients are selected for their lasting contributions and commitment to uplifting others. Honorees receive a yellow rose and an invitation to the club’s annual International Dinner, where community leaders and supporters gather to celebrate women making a meaningful difference.
Pecherzewski was nominated by Paula Bernstein, board member and vice president of the Zonta Club of Olean, who praised her longstanding commitment to community engagement and support of local organizations.
“Christine Pecherzewski has done so much - not only throughout her lifetime to establish herself as a role model for women and through her outstanding service to women - but also in her role as Director of Events & Operations at the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce,” Bernstein said. “She is a true champion for every member organization of the Chamber and continues a proud tradition of serving our community as a trusted and invaluable resource.”
Bernstein noted that Pecherzewski’s work consistently highlights the strengths of the Greater Olean region by promoting collaboration among small businesses, major employers, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
Since 1906, the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce has served as the leading business organization in the Greater Olean area and remains the Southern Tier’s largest business organization. The Chamber plays a key role in generating regional tourism through the planning, promotion, and execution of community events while supporting small business owners, large corporate entities, nonprofit organizations, manufacturers, and local residents.
Through her leadership and dedication, Pecherzewski helps advance those efforts, strengthening connections throughout the region and promoting the assets that make Greater Olean a vibrant place to live and work.
Her contributions exemplify the spirit of Yellow Rose Day, which honors women whose service creates a lasting and positive community impact.
The yellow rose itself carries historical significance. Adopted by suffragettes as a symbol of friendship, respect, and support for women’s rights, the flower has become an enduring emblem of recognition and celebration during International Women’s Day observances around the world.