22 Oct Area Businesses, Organizations, and Volunteers Recognized
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) held their annual Community Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 21st, 2021 at the Best Western Plus Ticonderoga Inn & Suites. The Community Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony gave the Chamber a chance to honor and thank those who give of themselves for the betterment of the Ticonderoga Area. The Chamber announced the 2021 Business of the Year, Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Organization of the Year, Community Volunteer of the Year, and gave out a number of TACC Appreciation and Special Recognition awards.
Assisting TACC President & CEO Matthew Courtright, as masters of ceremonies, were Carolyn Ida of Sylvamo (TACC Board Chair) and Karen Hennessy of Sugar Hill Manor B&B (TACC Treasurer). In addition, Senator Dan Stec 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.
“Welcome everyone to the 2021 Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Community Appreciation Dinner & Awards Ceremony. We are honored and delighted to have you all here tonight, in person. You may have noticed we have limited attendance allowed this year and are taking extra precautions, but are truly thankful to be together. I would like to welcome all of our Members, guests, volunteers, businesses, organizations, and committees. Without your support and dedication so much would not be possible. I would also like to give a BIG thank the Best Western Plus Ticonderoga for hosting us tonight and each year. Award recipients tonight in addition to the awards given will be receiving citations from the NYS Senate and Assembly. Tonight, is a little way to thank all of you for your continued support, dedication, and hard work all year long,” shared Courtright.
Courtright also thanked the many businesses and organizations who made donations for the event. All TACC staff, board members, ambassadors, and committee chairs were recognized prior to the awards ceremony. Senator Dan Stec also spoke and welcomed those in attendance as well as thanked them for their commitment to the area. In addition, Senator Stec shared how the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce may be a local Chamber but operates, functions, and provides the programs and services as a large Chamber with a larger staff does. He thanked the Chamber for their unwavering commitment to the business community, Ticonderoga Area, and North Country. The Chamber noted that all awards recipients were nominated and voted-upon by Chamber Members, the community and the Chamber Board of Directors. The results were then tabulated and reviewed by the Chamber Staff and Executive Board. TACC encourages anyone from the Ticonderoga Area to fill out nomination ballots in the future.
2021 Business of the Year: Tromblee’s Greenhouse & Gifts
*Award was accepted by Renee & Dan Scuderi
“The 2021 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 participate consistently in Chamber events, to community events/fundraisers/causes, and charities throughout the region on an ongoing basis. They are always one of the first to sign up for events, promotions, and activities, volunteer when needed, and always support our efforts and programs.
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 lead by example in their support and positivity throughout the year. They also give constant positive support to the Chamber Staff and communicate regularly with the Chamber which is key to being a TACC Member. The business of the year will also be receiving a ½ page color ad certificate from Sun Community News. 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 future, and for being a true business leader, we are pleased to present the 2021 Business of the Year award to Tromblee’s Greenhouse & Gifts,” shared Karen Hennessy.
2021 Organization of the Year: Ticonderoga Elks Lodge #1494
*Award was accepted by Dick Nadeau, Marge Hurlburt & Peggy Lamb.
“The 2021 Organization of the year award goes to an organization that is a wonderful support of the community in a variety of ways. This organization works continually to support and provide programs, services, and events for our local youth, veterans, those in need, and the community as a whole. They also coordinate regularly with the Chamber, other organizations, and events. Their team of volunteers is always working diligently to support the community in other numerous ways. They have truly been dedicated to the community for many years. This organization is 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 Elks Lodge #1494,” stated Carolyn Ida.
2021 Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Megan Bambara and Nate Belanger
“Chamber volunteer of the year is typically an individual but this year we are honoring a couple that has been actively involved with the Chamber, participates in and assists with functions and events, shows spirit, enthusiasm, and energy, and is always supporting the Chamber as a whole. The award recipients are always there when needed specifically for chamber events and supporting the Chamber staff. They never ask, want, or look for recognition and we are honored to have them work alongside us throughout the year. They not only continued to provide constant positive support to the Chamber and staff but assist us with a number of programs and initiatives as well as other organizations, causes, and events. For their commitment and dedication to the Chamber, the growth of the organization, and the community as a whole we are honored to present this award to Megan Bambara & Nate Belanger,” stated Karen Hennessey
2021 Community Volunteer of the Year: Seth Gould
“This award goes to a person that leads by example and is always there when needed. He volunteers for many organizations and committees including the Chamber and the Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership. He also volunteers for beautification projects, clean up events, and community and visitor events all year long. This person is always there when needed and continues to take on projects himself to enhance the community. He does all of this without seeking or wanting recognition which is a true sign of a volunteer. He is truly dedicated to the betterment of the Ticonderoga Area and is an outstanding example for us all. He volunteered over the last couple years supporting many organizations, events and projects. You can always count on him to show up, work hard, and follow through. For his dedication to Ticonderoga Area, we are honored to present this award to Seth Gould,” shared Carolyn Ida.
2021 TACC Appreciation Award Recipients: Ticonderoga Alumni Association, Joyce Barry, Mary Mazzotte, Judy Walker, Silver Bay YMCA, “We are Instrumental Program” – Evan Mack & Mike Iturrino, Christopher and Janet Mallon, Monty Benedict – Eagle Scouts Project, Dedrick’s Tree Service, Terry Brannock/Brannock Properties
2021 Special Recognition Awards: Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Ticonderoga Paint and Decorating, and the Circle Court Motel/The Greer Family
“We are honored to give a few special recognition awards tonight to several businesses and business owners who have dedicated many years of service to their businesses, the entire Ticonderoga Area, the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce, many organizations, non-profits, events and fundraisers and made a significant economic impact on the region. They have all recently retired and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank each of them for their unwavering dedication and commitment to the Chamber and the entire Ticonderoga Area, and for their significant impact. We are honored to present the first Special Recognition Award to the Wagon Wheel Restaurant, Ticonderoga Paint and Decorating, and the Circle Court Motel/The Greer Family,” stated Karen Hennessy.
For a listing of businesses and organizations who made donations for this event a Community Appreciation Dinner & Awards Ceremony Program is available at the Chamber. For more information visit www.ticonderogany.com, TACC facebook page, or call 518-585-6619.
The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce – The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce – The Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) is a non-profit organization that serves, markets, and promotes the Ticonderoga area including, Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Hague, Moriah, and Putnam, NY. The mission of the TACC is to initiate and provide programs, services, and leadership which will enhance a cooperative business community and create a vibrant economy, making the Ticonderoga Area an exceptional place to live, work, and visit. For more information on the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce or the Ticonderoga Area please visit www.ticonderogany.com, “like” the Chamber on facebook, “follow” TiconderogaADK on twitter, and TiconderogaNY on Instagram.