NORWICH – Commerce Chenango, the Chenango Foundation, Inc. and the Advisory Committee of Leadership Chenango are pleased to announce that David Emerson is the 2009 recipient of the Harry Tecklenburg Leadership Award. The award will be presented at the Kickoff Dinner for the Leadership Chenango Class of 2010 on Oct. 21 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich.

The Harry Tecklenburg Leadership Award, typically given in conjunction with the kick off dinner a Leadership Chenango class, is given to someone who has demonstrated the following criteria: the capacity to inspire others; having a vision for the future; high ethical standards; acting as a role model/mentor for future leaders; showing a constructive participation in addressing community needs; the ability to work with people; commitment to a cause; and acting as an outstanding leadership resource for the community.

According to a nomination received from Mary Lou Stewart, David Emerson “is the one person I know who can inspire people to do the impossible or improbable. He loves his community and is willing to do his part to insure that it is a viable and successful place to live.” Citing Dave’s contributions throughout the years to the Chamber, the Children’s Center, the new YMCA, and others, Mrs. Stewart said, “David has a sense of what the community needs, and will take a leadership role in making it work.”