Steamboat Springs, Colo., July 10, 2025 — During the Colorado CattleWomen, Inc. (CCW) Annual Meeting held June 24, 2025 in Steamboat Springs, Colo., three members were announced as recipients of the Lifetime Member Award.  To earn the distinction of Lifetime Member, a receiver has to be a long-time member who has contributed and supported the organization and is chosen by the CCW Executive Board.

The 2025 Lifetime Member Awards were given to: Susie Magnuson, Eaton, Colo.; JoAnn McEndree, Springfield, Colo.; and Connie Nelson, Meeker, Colo.

Susie Magnuson, member of Weld County CattleWomen, got involved at the state level in 1986 where she served as the Ag Day Chair, Treasurer and President. She also joined at the national level with American National CattleWomen (ANCW) where she served as the Region V Director, Membership Director, and then President in 2004.

“There is no doubt Susie's passion for CCW is membership! With her experience and welcoming personality, she is still encouraging women to get involved,” exclaims CCW Past President, Kathleen Shoemaker.

JoAnn McEndree has a long history with CCW starting when she was a child and went with her parents to conventions and participated with the CCA junior cattlemen. She is an active member of the Southeast Colorado CattleWomen and gives untold hours to their organization and industry. She has served CCW as Education Chair, Vice-President, President-elect, and President. She was also asked to do a second term as Vice-President and President.

“JoAnn truly understands that CCW is a sisterhood for life, and she has always been ready to serve,” says Shoemaker.

Connie Nelson, Rio Blanco CattleWomen, began as a Cowbelle in the mid 1960’s and has been actively involved since that time and has held all offices. She has been the staple of the group keeping meetings and activities going throughout many group and leadership changes. Serving as the current treasurer, she also provides historical insight from time to time.

“Connie follows her mother’s Cowbelles/CattleWomen footsteps and has passed on the same legacy to her daughter, Kathy,” says newly-elected CCW President, Christy Hawk. “Rio Blanco Cattlewomen and CCW are lucky to have such a long-standing and hard-working member.”

Hawk was honored to offer these exceptional cattlewomen with this respected recognition. “CCW could not function without extraordinary women like Susie, Joann and Connie,” says Hawk. “We are proud to have them as members and even more proud to recognize them for their loyalty and service to CCW.”

Active in beef promotion since 1941, Colorado CattleWomen, Inc. (CCW) is the oldest women's beef advocacy group in Colorado. Our passion is bridging the rural and urban divide to bring Colorado's beef families and consumers together.