From left are Kevin Sixbey, president of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, honoring Paul Harris Award recipients Irene Dobies and Sally Martinez, while Greg Jones, club foundation chairman, congratulates the women.

Irene Dobies, retired director of the Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College, was honored recently with her third Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of Jamestown.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Robert Morris University and a masters degree in education from Buffalo State University.

She was assistant personnel manager of a 5,000- employee manufacturer of towboats and barges on the Ohio River (Dravo Corporation) and part owner of an electronic repair service for the coal mining industry, repairing gas detection, communications, and lighting equipment. She also assisted seven friends and acquaintances in starting businesses in the Pittsburgh area. She became the first business counselor, then the second director of the Small Business Development Center at JCC, a position she held for 31 years.

When a Rotarian receives a Paul Harris Award, they may name a person to also receive the honor. Dobies named Sally Martinez. In the years when both women were working, both served on many boards. Whenever board members became too competitive, Sally Martinez would say, “We are a team — working toward better outcomes for the businesses we serve.”

After retiring, Dobies continues to be a part of Martinez’ team.