PWC holds golf outing Sept. 23 in Harrison.

Denice Motta of the Public Adjustment Bureau is used to being one of few women attending functions in her profession. She is, to her knowledge, one of only three female public adjusters in the New York metropolitan area.

She was glad to learn of the biannual golf outings sponsored by Professional Women in Construction (PWC), and gladder still to see that the most recent event held at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, New York, on Sept. 23, was not "for women only." Said Motta, "I've always felt that it's pointless for women's groups to exclude men."

PWC president Lenore Janis agreed, noting, "This is an industry outing. We want men to realize that women are a growing part of this industry, yet to shut out the men would be counterproductive to our goal of advancing business opportunities for women." PWC vice president Theresa Vigilante, a dedicated golfer who originated the outings eight years ago, explained.

"Women are still relative newcomers in construction and related fields, and men run and own most of the major companies and public agencies that supply the work. To shut them out would clearly not serve our members' best interests."

The mix of men and women is a draw for Catherine Condon, president and CFO of Celtic Cabinet and president of Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI). She likes "the openness between women that encourages networking," while recognizing that "in construction, if you exclude men you exclude a large part of your business."

The quality of the course also helps to determine the players said Lori Simon, marketing director of Kay Waterproofing. "As a golfer, I find it a hard, unforgiving course. But as a businesswoman the challenge is not the course, but the potential for networking. It attracts more upper level executives who've golfed for years."

The men also enjoyed the diversity present, on many levels. Said Ron Hertz, account executive with Vanguard Construction, "I found more women here than at other outings in the industry. Without a doubt it's helpful to networking. I'm also glad that PWC draws a wide range of industries."

Frank Fellone, vice president of DP Consulting and a longtime PWC member and supporter said, "I've always taken a foursome. I try to invite my female customers as guests to introduce them to PWC."

For organizations seeking to expand their outreach efforts, the outings are an asset. Elly Spicer, a field representative with the NYC & Vicinity Carpenters Labor-Management Cooperation Trust Fund, said, "The Carpenters Union is eager to develop relationships with woman-owned businesses. The PWC outing is a great resource for us."

PWC's golf trophies for gross, net, straightest drive, and longest drive, are presented in separate categories for women and men. Ron Kolber, a principal of HOK Architects, said, "Having trophies for both genders evens the playing field." He also felt that "having a more diverse group attending is good for networking."

In some companies, it's the woman who's the golfer. Melissa A. Bertoli, director of business development with Silvester Tafuro Design, is one of two golfers in her office. The PWC event was the first industry golf outing she'd ever attended. "It certainly won't be the last!" she said, impressed with the potential business opportunities.

"Helping your business and having fun at the same time -- that's the name of this game," said Vigilante.

PWC is hosting a Grand Networking Trade Fair on Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Pfizer Conference Center, 235 East 42nd St in New York City.