02 Nov Area Businesses, Organizations, and Volunteers Recognized
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) held their annual Community Appreciation Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 22nd, 2020 at the Best Western Plus Ticonderoga Inn & Suites. While the event was not as normal due to the COVID-19 Pandemic with a free dinner, 200 people, and an evening of socializing, the TACC team was able to host the award recipients for a ceremony to honor them. The Community Appreciation event gives Chamber a chance to honor and thank those who give of themselves for the betterment of the Ticonderoga Area. The Chamber announced the 2020 Business of the Year, Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Organization of the Year, Community Volunteer of the Year, and gave out a number of appreciation awards.
Assisting TACC President & CEO Matthew Courtright, as masters of ceremonies, were Carolyn Ida from International Paper Company (TACC Board Chair) and Karen Hennessy of Sugar Hill Manor B&B (TACC Treasurer). In addition, Mary Pat McDonald from Senator Betty Little’s office and Town of Ticonderoga Supervisor Joe Giordano assisted TACC President & CEO in recognizing all of the award recipients. The evening began with a brief welcome from the Chamber. All TACC staff, board members, ambassadors, and committee chairs were recognized prior to the award ceremony.
“Good evening and welcome to the 2020 Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Community Appreciation Event and Awards Ceremony. My name is Matthew Courtright; I am the President & CEO of the Chamber. We are honored and delighted to be honoring and thanking the Ticonderoga Area volunteers, businesses, organizations, and committees who without your support and dedication so much would not be possible. You are all truly appreciated and your positive and productive support of the Ticonderoga Area is remarkable. While tonight is certainly not our normal event with dinner and a room full of people including many volunteers, businesses, and organizations, we are thankful we could have tonight’s award recipients with us and be with the rest of you via facebook live for this shortened version of our normal event. Before we get started, I would like to send our sincere thanks to all of the essential workers and those who continue to work so diligently during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Ticonderoga Paint and Decorating and the Wagon Wheel Restaurant for their dedication and commitment for so many years. You will both truly be missed. Both business owners are retiring. All award recipients tonight in addition, to the awards given, will be receiving citations from both the NYS Assembly and the NYS Senate,” shared Courtright.
“All awards recipients were nominated and voted-upon by Chamber members, the community and the Chamber Board of Directors. The results were reviewed by the Chamber Staff and Executive Board. We encourage all of you to fill out nomination ballots in the future. In addition to the awards they are receiving tonight, Assemblyman Dan Stec and Senator Betty Little are also providing all recipients with citation certificates,” stated Karen Hennessy.
2020 Business of the Year: Burleigh’s Luncheonette
“The 2020 Business of the year award goes to a business that is a wonderful support of not only the Chamber but of the Ticonderoga Area as a whole. They donate, sponsor and always participate consistently in Chamber events, to community events/fundraisers, and charities throughout the region. They are always one of the first to sign up for events, promotions, and activities and participate in everything. The recipient of this year’s award is consistently there when needed with continued dedication and support to the Chamber, the community, and the future of the Ticonderoga Area. They also give constant positive support to the Chamber Staff and communicate regularly with the Chamber which is key to being a TACC Member. For their continued commitment to the growth of the Ticonderoga Area, for their positive contributions to the community, and for their unwavering support of the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce staff, our mission and vision, and for being a true business leader, we are pleased to present the 2020 Business of the Year award to Burleigh’s Luncheonette,” shared Karen Hennessy. *Award was accepted by Debbie Barber.
2020 Organization of the Year: Ticonderoga Knights of Columbus
“The 2020 Organization of the year award goes to an organization that is a wonderful support of the community in a variety of ways. Ran by all volunteers they are consistently supporting local organizations, causes, programs, St. Marys School and Church and the community as a whole. They have been dedicated to the community for many years and their volunteers continue to show their commitment to the organization, their mission and the Ticonderoga Area. This organization is always there when needed and is a TACC Member in support of all of our efforts. For their continued commitment and dedication, we are pleased to present this award to Ticonderoga Knights of Columbus,” stated Carolyn Ida. *Award accepted by Tracy Smith and Chuck Gijanto
2020 Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Renee Scuderi, Tromblees Greenhouse & Gifts
“Chamber volunteer of the year is an individual that has been actively involved with the Chamber, participates in and assists with functions and events, shows spirit, enthusiasm, and energy. The award recipient is always there when needed specifically for chamber events and supporting the Chamber staff. She never asks, wants, or looks for recognition and we are honored to work alongside her as board member and colleague. She not only continues to provide constant positive support to the Chamber and staff but assists us with anything we need and as a local business owner is constantly providing support and participating in all events and activities. For her commitment and dedication to the Chamber and the growth of the organization we are honored to present this award to Renee Scuderi, Owner of Tromblee’s Greenhouse & Gifts,” said Karen Hennessy.
2020 Community Volunteer of the Year: Sue Liddell
“This award goes to a person that leads by example and is always there when needed. She volunteers for many organizations and committees including the Catholic Daughters, Knights of Columbus, Friends Comforting Friends, and many others. She is always very supportive of other organizations, committees, fundraisers, the Chamber, and the community as a whole. She does all of this without seeking or wanting recognition which is a true sign of a volunteer. She is truly dedicated to the betterment of the Ticonderoga Area and is an outstanding example for us all. She has been volunteering through a variety of ways for many years in the Ticonderoga Area supporting our community and our future. For her dedication to Ticonderoga Area we are honored to present this award to Sue Liddell,” said Carolyn Ida.
2020 TACC Appreciation Award Recipients: Nancy Quesnel/Ticonderoga Tiny Tim Program, Montcalm Liquor, Seth Gould, Five Nations Golf, Kathy White Liddell, Boy Scouts Troop 73, Tonya Whitford Condon, Wind-Chill Factory, Bobbie-Jean Fish, Mary Jean Priore, Essex County Public Health, and the Ticonderoga Police Department.
“Thank you to all of the amazing businesses, organizations, committees, and volunteers for all that you do for the Ticonderoga Area. Your support along with our Members and Partners allow the Chamber to live our mission and strive each and every day to reach our vision. You make all of our efforts possible. I want to extend a special Thank You to the Best Western for hosting us. I would also like to share my sincere appreciation to all of our Members for your dedication to the Chamber and the future of the Ticonderoga Area. You make all of our efforts, programs, services, and events possible” shared Courtright.
For more information, Ticonderoga Area Business Directory, Calendar of Events, or Area INFO visit www.ticonderogany.com, TACC facebook page, or call 518-585-6619.