31 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 25th, 2018 at the Best Western Plus Ticonderoga Inn & Suites. The Community Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony gave the Chamber a chance to honor and thank all those who give of themselves for the betterment of the Ticonderoga Area. The Chamber announced the 2018 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. Over 125 people were in attendance for the event.
Assisting TACC President & CEO Matthew Courtright as masters of ceremonies were Shana Macey of Bridge Point Communication (TACC Board Chair) and Karen Hennessy of Sugar Hill Manor B&B (TACC Vice Chair). In addition, Assemblyman Dan Stec and Mary Pat McDonald from Senator Betty Little’s office 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 2018 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 who without your support and dedication so much would not be possible. I would also like to thank the Best Western Plus Ticonderoga for hosting us tonight. We would also like to welcome our special guests this evening. 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.
Courtright also thanked the many businesses and organization who made donations for the event and then introduced Assemblyman Dan Stec to say a few words. Assemblyman Dan Stec thanked all of the volunteers and Chamber Members for their support of the community and the Chamber. They also shared how hardworking the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce is and that the Ticonderoga Area is well represented. All TACC staff, board members, ambassadors, and committee chairs were recognized prior to the award ceremony.
“All awards recipients were nominated and voted upon by Chamber members, the community and the Chamber Board of Directors. The results were then 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.
2018 Business of the Year: Ticonderoga Federal Credit Union
*Award was accepted by Shawn Hayes (CEO), Pam Nolan (COO), & Wendy Courtright (Branch Operations and Sales & Service Manager).
“The 2018 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. 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 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 2018 Business of the Year award to the Ticonderoga Federal Credit Union,” shared Karen Hennessy.
2018 Organization of the Year: Ticonderoga Historical Society
*Award accepted by Bill Dolback.
“The 2018 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 keep our history preserved, provide fantastic events, community projects, and programs for the area. They have continued to expand their programs and events and are planning for the future of not only their organization but the community as a whole. They have been dedicated to the community for many years. 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 the Ticonderoga Historical Society,” stated Shana Macey.
2018 Chamber Volunteer of the Year: Marie Gijanto
“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. For her dedication to the Chamber and the growth of the organization we are honored to present this award to Marie Gijanto,” stated Karen Hennessey
2018 Community Volunteer of the Year: Leslie Midgley
“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 Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership, StreetFest Committee, Backpack program, Kiwanis Club of Ticonderoga, Angel Connection, is a mentor, and has a true passion for pets. 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. We know she is not thrilled to be receiving recognition for her behind the scene efforts. For her dedication to Ticonderoga Area we are honored to present this award to Leslie Midgley,” shared Shana Macey
2018 TACC Appreciation Award Recipients: The Hot Biscuit Diner, Edna Quesnel, Colleen Bessett, Les & Lucy Bilow, Will & Jackie Deyo-Avery Energy, Jim Rypkema, Town of Ticonderoga Beautification Crew, Corinna Woods, Circle Court Motel, & Dave Flack.
“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 all of the area businesses and organizations that donated the menu items to show their support and appreciation to all of the areas volunteers. I would also like to thank Lohr McKinstry who volunteered to take all of the photographs at the event, 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” shared Courtright.
The businesses and organizations that made donations to make this event possible included: Amatos/Maplefields, Amerigas Propane, Best Western Plus Ticonderoga, Bodette’s Barbecue Catering, Burleigh’s Luncheonette, Century 21 Adirondacks, Christopher Chevrolet Buick, Elderwood of Ticonderoga, Emeralds II, Gunnison’s Orchard & Bakery, The Hot Biscuit Diner, International Paper Company, KC Corner Market, Libby’s Bakery Café, McDonalds of Ticonderoga, Montcalm Manor, Optics of Ticonderoga, Silver Bay YMCA, Stoney Lonesome B&B, Subway, Sugar Hill Manor B&B, Sun Community News, The Wind-Chill Factory, Ticonderoga Federal Credit Union, Ticonderoga Festival Guild, Tromblee’s Greenhouse & Gift Shop, Wagon Wheel Restaurant, and Walmart of Ticonderoga.
For more information visit www.ticonderogany.com, TACC facebook page, or call 518-585-6619.