The economy and jobs were hot topics in Laurel County Monday night.

U.S. Secretary of Labor and the wife of Senator Mitch McConnell, Elaine Chao, asked Kentuckians to be patient with the economic rescue plan.

This came during her keynote speech as The London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce honored women for the roles they play in creating jobs and other opportunities to grow in Eastern Kentucky.

"We're blessed here in London-Laurel County to have so many successful women in our community," said Chamber Executive Director Randy Smith

Organizers of the first ever Women in Business Celebration say the message is simple.

"It's just our way of saying thank you. It's our way of saying we acknowledge the significant role that you play in the success of our economic development here in London-Laurel County," added Smith.

The nation's 24th Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao, says women are vital to a having competitive workforce.

"So many women now are getting further education and more training and skills. So women are very well positioned to take advantage of jobs being created. I just think that it's wonderful to have an occasion to celebrate women achievers," said Chao.

The chamber also surprised the recipient of it's first Business Woman of the Year Award. Toni Ryser's daughter says it couldn't go to a more deserving woman.

"She is just loaded with integrity. She put a new definition to that word I think," said Candy Sutton.

It's a definition many hope is carried on by future generations. Organizers hope to continue the event each year.

WYMT's Neil Middleton spoke with Chao before the event at the London Community Center Monday. You can watch that entire interview on Issues & Answers Mountain Edition next Monday at 7:30 P.M.