1) Golden Artist Colors CEO Mark Golden, Carter Brightman of Rentals to Go and Commerce Chenango President and CEO Sal Testani. (Submitted photo), 2) Small Business of the Year: Julia Miller and Jared Bartle of Blueox. (Submitted photo)

by Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

NORWICH – On Saturday, Commerce Chenango held their annual awards Gala, where four Chenango County businesses were honored with awards and citations from Assemblyman Joseph Angelino. Commerce Chenango President and CEO Sal Testani served as emcee for the night.

The awards and recipients are, Entrepreneur of the Year: Rentals to Go, Small Business of the Year: Blueox, Commitment to Community: Laral Management, and Member of Distinction: Preferred Mutual.

The Entrepreneur of the Year award, also known as “The Sammy'' was presented by Golden Artist Colors CEO and Co-Founder Mark Golden. Golden, an entrepreneur himself, gave the background of Rentals to Go and the RTG Ranch: a Texas Longhorn Ranch in upstate New York. Carter Brightman of Rentals to Go accepted the award for his family business. Brightman explained that some of his family members were in Alabama conducting business, providing an example of Rentals to Go’s national reach.

Blueox President Jared Bartle and Senior Vice President Julia Miller accepted the Small Business of the Year award for their business, Blueox. Miller took a moment in her acceptance speech to acknowledge some of her staff members because, to her, a small business is nothing without their employees. Each Blueox employee in attendance was recognized by their name, their position in the company and their years of service.

Eric Larsen of Laral Management was presented the Commitment to Community award. As Larsen says: “If you want a better community, go make it one.” Larsen expressed gratitude for the community members in the room. He claimed that Chenango County’s best days are ahead of it, as so many people are excited to make change in this community.

Finally, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company was awarded the Member of Distinction Award, accepted by Preferred Mutual Insurance Company Chairman of the Board John Mitchell. This award is presented to a Commerce Chenango member who supports their employees, community, and Commerce Chenango. Mitchell read a statement from company President and CEO Benedikt Sander about the role of Preferred Mutual in the community. Mitchell also acknowledged the employees that were present at the Gala and provided some insight on the long history behind Preferred Mutual Insurance Company and Commerce Chenango, including the establishment of Commerce Chenango and Leadership Chenango.

With the help of the Canasawacta Country Club staff, The Trophy Guy, and Letizia and the Z Band, these winners and community members celebrated with each other. Commerce Chenango thanks each attendee and all the winners for their contributions to the community and for making Saturday such a special night.