Sep 17, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. has been granted the status of Women-Owned Business Enterprise by the New York State Department of Economic Development, Division of Minority and Women's Business Development. Mrs. Frances O'Connor Hardart and Mrs. Annabel O'Connor Strife have each held positions on Mohawk's Board of Directors since 1974, and each are currently majority shareholders. As Board members, both play pivotal roles in the decision-making and guidance of the family-owned company. "Mohawk is now recognized as the only women-owned manufacturer of commercial printing papers and one of the last privately held paper manufacturers in the world," said Jack Haren, President and CFO, Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. The Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) state certification program is designed to assist the growth and development of businesses owned and controlled by women and minorities. Its mission is to encourage and assist state agencies in their efforts to increase participation by minority and women-owned business enterprises on state contracts so as to facilitate the award of a fair share of such contracts to MWBEs. Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. manufactures premium printing, writing, and digital paper.