30 Oct Area Business, Organizations & Volunteers Recognized
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) held its annual Community Appreciation Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, at the Knights of Columbus in Ticonderoga, NY. The evening provided the Chamber an opportunity to honor and thank those who dedicate their time and talents to the betterment of the Ticonderoga Area.
During the event, the Chamber announced the 2025 Business of the Year, Organization of the Year, Chamber Volunteer of the Year, And Community Volunteer of the Year. Several TACC Appreciation Awards and Special Recognitions were also presented. To honor TACC’s 100th Anniversary, a Chamber Volunteer of the Century Award was given.
All award recipients were nominated and voted-upon by Chamber Members, the community, staff, and the Chamber Board of Directors. The results were then tabulated by the Chamber Staff and reviewed by TACC Executive Board. TACC encourages anyone from the Ticonderoga Area to fill out award nomination ballots in the future. Award recipients, in addition to the Chamber awards received citations from the New York State Senate and Assembly.
2025 Business of the Year: Geraw’s OK Septic Service, LLC
*Award was accepted by Bruce & Tonya Geraw.
2025 Organization of the Year: Ticonderoga Alumni Association
*Award was accepted by Ticonderoga Alumni Association Board Members.
2025 Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Kristin Frechette
2025 Community Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Shaw
2025 Chamber Volunteer of the Century: Karen Hennessy
2025 TACC Appreciation Award Recipients: Bain’s Sunoco, Cindy Bodette, Lillie Valley Farm, Daniel Woods, The Alexander Family, Ticonderoga Golf Course & Seymours Restaurant, Starr Agnello, Nicole TeRiele, Amie Vradenburg, Michele Eicher, University of Vermont Health Network, Elizabethtown Community Hospital – Ticonderoga Campus, and Hague Historical Society.
2025 Special Recognition Awards: Patrick Ida, CPA (retiring/business transition), Allison Kaupelis (TACC Board term ending), Sally Rypkema (TACC Board term ended), Supervisor Charlie Harrington (retiring), and Supervisor Mark Wright (retiring).
Assisting TACC President & CEO Matthew Courtright, as masters of ceremonies, were Erin Mullen (TACC Member Service & Events Manager) and Chloe Rocque (TACC Communications & Office Manager). In addition, Senator Dan Stec, Assemblyman Matt Simpson, Town of Ticonderoga Supervisor Mark Wright, and Megan Bambara, TACC Employment Opportunities and Outreach Coordinator, assisted with the awards ceremony.
Event photos were captured by Ticonderoga High School student Avery Lender, in coordination with TACC’s ongoing collaboration with local schools.
“Congratulations and thank you to all of our 2025 award recipients. Thank you to all of our Members, businesses, organizations, volunteers, committees, and special guests who joined us for the 2025 Ticonderoga Area Community Appreciation Dinner & Awards Ceremony, as well as to our generous sponsors. This evening is one of my favorites each year, it’s a special opportunity to celebrate the people who make everything possible. Your dedication, collaboration, and passion truly drive our mission and the community forward. Every program, event, and initiative that strengthens our business community and enhances the quality of life in the Ticonderoga Area happens because of you. Together, we continue to prove that small towns can accomplish big things. I am so grateful for this community and the incredible spirit that unites us all,” shared Matthew Courtright, TACC President & CEO.
2025 Ticonderoga Area Community Appreciation Dinner & Awards Ceremony Sponsors:
Adirondack Camp, Burleigh’s Luncheonette, Christopher Chevrolet, Circle Court Motel, Hot Biscuit Diner/HB Catering, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Knights of Columbus, Knights Banquet Hall & Catering, National Grid, Pat Armstrong, Inc., Sun Community News, Sylvamo, Ti Automotive, TrailNorth Federal Credit Union, Tromblee’s Greenhouse & Gifts, University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital, Walmart of Ticonderoga, War Cannon Spirits, Wind-Chill Factory, John & Joanne Bartlett, Joyce & Jerry Cooper, and Matthew and Stacy Maneri.
All TACC staff, board members, ambassadors, and committee chairs were recognized prior to the awards ceremony. Senator Dan Stec and Assemblyman Matt Simpson were also in attendance to show their continued support and appreciation for the Chamber’s work and for all those dedicated to the success of the Ticonderoga Area. Their presence highlighted the close partnerships between the Chamber and regional and state leaders, as well as TACC’s ongoing efforts to represent the area effectively, collaborate on business-related initiatives, and operate with the impact of a much larger organization through its invaluable programs, services, and support.
For more information on the Ticonderoga Area Community Appreciation Dinner & Awards Ceremony, visit www.ticonderogany.com or the TACC Facebook page.