CHENANGO COUNTY — Commerce Chenango will host The Gala, ‘A Celebration of Commerce Chenango’ on Thursday evening, June 17, 2021 at the Canasawacta Country Club, Norwich NY. The Gala is a celebration of member businesses nominated by their peers, and chosen for their accomplishments and achievements this past year. In addition to honoring our award winners, it is a chance to highlight the accomplishments of Commerce Chenango and thank the board members and the community for their support. The Gala is sponsored by The Raymond Corporation and is supported by NBT Bank and The Big 10 Club. Commerce Chenango is excited for their first in-person, public event in over a year.

Congratulations to the following winners:

A new award this year, Culture Creator, will be given to New York Central Mutual, to recognize their “employee first” culture. NYCM is a leader and innovator in company culture by investing in their employees overall health and wellbeing, providing and supporting professional development opportunities and promoting from within their organization. They encourage a team approach, work hard to build a culture of support and trust, and encourage volunteerism. NYCM is located in Edmeston, NY and employs over 800 individuals.

This year’s Business Achievement Award will be presented to the New York Veterans' Home, located in Oxford, NY. As one of the major employers of Chenango County (300+), the NY Veteran’s Home has shown continual growth, and has shown the ability to adapt to the ever-changing world. The COVID-19 pandemic added an additional burden to the facility, the employees, and to their residents and their families. Despite the obstacles in the past year, they have continued their operations with health and safety at the forefront. The New York State Veterans' Home is a 242-bed facility owned and operated by NYS Dept. of Health.

We are pleased to announce that the Emerging Business Award will go to Madrona Tasting Room, located in Chenango Forks, NY. Since opening in November 2020, Site Manager, Amanda Janicki has been working non-stop on expanding the outdoor seating, building updates, and numerous other beautifications to enhance the guest experience. Madrona Tasting Room offers locals a rotating list of New York-based wineries, breweries, and distilleries for people to sample and purchase. Amanda’s enthusiasm and exciting creativity has already proven that the business will remain a popular place to gather in a casual atmosphere, and is a wonderful addition to our community.

One of the most coveted awards, Entrepreneur of the Year, mostly commonly known as “The Sammy”, is given to an individual or business that illustrates creativity and imagination. This year’s award, which will be presented by Mark Golden, will be given to Melissa “Missy” Beers, owner of Teaser’s Hair & Nail Studio and Deja Brew, both located on Broad Street in Norwich. Missy not only owns these flourishing businesses, but is also a building owner and proprietor. She has made significant investments into her building by renovating the first floor of Teaser’s, but also by developing professional apartments on the upper floors. Missy has found a way to survive and thrive through the recent pandemic, and she continues to support the local community at every turn.

“The Gala will truly be a celebration of not only the deserving businesses and individuals noted, but also a celebration of Chenango County and all we have accomplished in the past year,” said Commerce Chenango President & CEO, Kerri Green. “I am extremely proud of the work we have done as a community, the progress we have made as a county and the direction that Commerce Chenango is headed. Truth be told, I am excited to see our friends and colleagues again at our first in-person, public event in over a year! It’s truly a time for celebration, and I look forward to sharing this special evening with all of you.”

Commerce Chenango wishes to thank Mark Golden of Golden Artist Colors for continuing the tradition of providing the Sammy Award, named after his father, Sam Golden, a true entrepreneur who said, “Don’t tell me it can’t be done, just get out of my way and let me do it!”

Visit www.commercechenango.com and click on events to register for the event. Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar begins at 5:30 with dinner and awards following.

Organized in 1959, Commerce Chenango is a not-for-profit, community based organization.

Visit our new website at www.commercechenango.com for more information on future programming and services.

- from Commerce Chenango