10 Nov 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 27th, 2022 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 2022 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 awards.
Assisting TACC President & CEO Matthew Courtright, as masters of ceremonies, were Carolyn Ida of Sylvamo (TACC Board Chair) and Karen Hennessy (TACC Treasurer). In addition, Senator Dan Stec, Assemblyman Matt Simpson and Town of Ticonderoga Supervisor Mark Wright 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 2022 Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Community Appreciation Dinner & Awards Ceremony. We are honored and delighted to have you all here tonight. I would like to welcome all of our guests, volunteers, businesses, organizations, and committees. Without your support and dedication so much, that happens in the Ticonderoga Area would not be possible. I would also like to give a BIG thank the Best Western Plus Ticonderoga for hosting us tonight. We would also like to welcome Senator Dan Stec, Assemblyman Matt Simpson, and Supervisor Mark Wright who are our special guests this evening. Award recipients tonight in addition to the Chamber awards will be receiving citations from the NYS Senate and Assembly. The awards for this event are being sponsored by National Grid, Sun Community News, and PRIDE of Ticonderoga. Tonight, is a little way to thank all of you for your continued support, dedication, and hard work all year long. All of the menu items were donated by area businesses and organizations. Please see the program for a list of those who donated menu items,” 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 and Assemblyman Matt Simpson also spoke, welcomed those in attendance, and thanked them for their commitment to the area. Both also shared how the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce is truly dedicated to the region, Ticonderoga Area businesses and organizations, and are true leaders within the state. They both commented on how the Chamber represents the area well, works with their offices on any business-related issues, and operates as if they have a much larger staff providing invaluable programs, services, and support. They thanked the Chamber for their unwavering commitment to the business community, Ticonderoga Area, and North Country.
The Chamber noted that all award 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.
2022 Business of the Year: Punky Noodle’s Children’s Museum
*Award was accepted by Katie Andersen.
“The 2022 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 and has dedicated much of their efforts to serve the youth of the community. They donate, sponsor and always 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 the community as well as Chamber 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 have created and implemented outstanding youth development and skills programs which will have an impact for years to come. 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, for their dedication to local youth development, 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 2022 Business of the Year award to Punky Noodles Children’s Museum,” stated Carolyn Ida, TACC Board Chair, representing Sylvamo.
2022 Organization of the Year: Friends Comforting Friends
*Award was accepted by Wendy Shaw, Julia Trombley, Colleen Walraven, and Laura Wright.
“The 2022 Organization of the year award goes to an organization that is a wonderful support of the community, other organizations, and provide much needed support for many during their times of need. This all-volunteer organization works continually to provided needed assistance to so many all year long. They are truly a blessing to the Ticonderoga Area. Their team of volunteers is always working diligently to support the community, community members, and are true examples of the spirit of volunteering. 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 Friends Comforting Friends,” shared Karen Hennessy, TACC Board Treasurer, Individual Member.
2022 Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Mary Jean Priore
“The 2022 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, and is always supporting the Chamber. The award recipient is always there when needed specifically for chamber needs, events and supporting the Chamber staff. They never ask, want, or look for recognition and we are honored to have her work alongside us throughout the year. On a weekly basis she continues to provide positive support to the Chamber and staff. Simply put, she is always there when needed. For her commitment and dedication to the Chamber, we are honored to present this award to Mary Jean Priore,” read Carolyn Ida.
2022 Community Volunteer of the Year: Judy Walker
“The 2022 Community Volunteer of the Year award goes to a person that leads by example and is always there when needed. She volunteers for many organizations and committees including the Ticonderoga Festival Guild, Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership, and the Chamber. She also volunteers whenever needed, seeks and applies for funding opportunities for local organizations, and is simply a joy to work with. She does all of this without seeking or wanting recognition which is a true sign of a volunteer. She is dedicated to the betterment of the Ticonderoga Area and is an outstanding example for us all. You can always count on her to show up, work hard, and follow through. For her dedication to Ticonderoga Area, we are honored to present this award to Judy Walker,” stated Karen Hennessy.
2022 TACC Appreciation Award Recipients: Brian & Rachel Little, Ticonderoga DRI Committee, Max Thwaits III, Christa Cole, Jackie Palandrani, Maureen & Paul Jebb, The Sawyer Family, Megan Scuderi, LaChute Road Runners, Geraw’s Ok Septic Service, Steve Racanelli, and Stacy Charboneau.
2022 Special Recognition Awards: Carolyn Ida, Kellie Bilow, Bodette’s Barbecue/The Candy Corner (Joe & Cindy Bodette), McDonalds of Ticonderoga (Scott Hearburg), Sugar Hill Manor B&B (Karen Hennessy), Stoney Lonesome B&B (Nancy Ockrin), and The Ruah B&B (Peter & Judy Foster).
“We are honored to give a few special recognition awards tonight to several board members whose terms are ending as well as several businesses and business owners who have recently retired. We would like to thank them for their many years of service and dedication to their businesses, the entire Ticonderoga Area, the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce, many organizations, non-profits, events and fundraisers and for their significant economic impact on the region,” stated Matthew Courtright, TACC President & CEO.
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 (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.