By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

CHRISTINE Ann Won Pat Baleto, general manager of Market Wholesale Distributors Inc., was chosen as the 2007 Businesswoman of the Year during a gala held last Saturday at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa.
The event, sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank and Guam Business, is designed to recognize businesswomen who have made a difference and “raised the bar” in the field in which they are involved.
The 2006 Businesswoman of the Year, Kathy Calvo Sgro, opened the envelope naming Baleto as the winner, before a crowded room of more than 350 people.
Proceeds from the gala totaling $21,500 were presented to the University of Guam Endowment Foundation to sponsor scholarship programs.
Baleto was chosen among 12 nominees by a panel of judges, including businesswomen and leaders in the community, for making a significant difference to business through her work, contribution to the community and displaying the best qualities of a woman in business.
Baleto graduated with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from the Chaminade University in Honolulu in 1991 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Guam in 2003. However, her job experience started way before as an employee at Denny’s in 1974.
From 1993 through 2003, Baleto worked at Sanctuary Inc., first as an administrative officer, then as deputy executive director and eventually its executive director. During her time there, she stabilized Sanctuary’s finances, producing a $17,000 private surplus; created Sanctuary’s first endowment fund with approximately $300,000, plus a house valued at approximately $200,000, donated by Atty. David Lujan; and oversaw the financing and construction of a $2.8 million facility that previously stood static on Sanctuary’s strategic plan for more than 15 years.
In 2003, Baleto joined Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Guam as its assistant general manager, prior to becoming the general manager of Market Wholesale in 2005.
Throughout her career, Baleto has received numerous awards, including the 1993 and 1995 Employee of the Year awards and 1993 Director’s Leadership award from Sanctuary; a Commendation for Community Service from Gov. Felix P. Camacho and a legislative resolution, both in 2003, honoring her service to the community; and the 2005 Recognition Award from Kraft Foods International for Outstanding Turnaround – Achievement of Business Target, while at Market Wholesale.