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Norwich - Commerce Chenango will host its annual awards Gala on Thursday evening, June 16, 2022, at Stoney Creek Castle, Earlville NY. The Gala is a celebration of businesses and individuals nominated by their peers and chosen for their accomplishments and achievements this past year. The Gala’s presenting sponsor is Raymond Corporation and is supported by GHS Federal Credit Union, Golden Artist Colors, Development Chenango and The Big 10 Club.

“Chenango County businesses, organizations and people are truly remarkable” noted Commerce Chenango President & CEO, Kerri Green “I am looking forward to honoring them at our upcoming Gala celebration. Not only will we honor the accomplishments and achievements of our distinguished award winners, but we will celebrate all of Chenango County and highlight the projects, people and organizations that work tirelessly to continue that forward momentum. We truly are ‘Moving Chenango Forward’ each and every day, and our Annual Gala is a way to celebrate in that, together.”

The Leadership Chenango Alumni Award, new for 2022, will be presented to Sarah Mahan-Green.  This is awarded to an individual who serves as a role model both personally and professionally. They embody the spirit of a leader who demonstrates excellence in their profession.

Sarah strives to enhance and cultivate her experiences, skills, and perspectives by always pushing herself to learn from others and invest in her personal and professional life. She is involved in helping with artistic projects for community non-profits, youth athletic groups, organizing school recycling projects and donates blood on a regular basis. She has developed her leadership, artistic and communication skills by working with the public, her colleagues and personally. In Sarah’s Leadership Chenango 2020 application she stated that, “I would be eager and genuinely honored to serve in community areas as well as helping with the organization of volunteers.”  

Steel Sales, Inc. is the 2022 recipient of the Small Business of the Year. The award is presented to a standout organization that exhibits excellence, best business practices and commitment to both ethical business practices and employee support. In the nomination letter an employee said, “Excellent customer service and a can-do attitude are cornerstones here. They truly foster the ‘we are a family’ mentality. Family comes first here, and employees are encouraged to take time for the important things. Steel Sales, Inc. serves a wide range of customers and every one of them means the world to us.” They are also a strong member of the Sherburne community and continue to advocate to make it better for residents and youth.

This year’s Large Business of the Year Award will be presented to DCMO BOCES, located in Norwich, NY. This award recognized that has shown consistent growth, is considered a leader in their industry, and makes continuous improvements to quality and innovation.

In 1948, the New York State legislature created Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to provide shared educational programs and services to school districts within the state. Today there are 37 BOCES that are partnering with nearly all of the state’s school districts to help meet students evolving educational needs through cost-effective and relevant programs. The DCMO BOCES located in Norwich provides services in partnership with 16 local school districts, and is a large employer with a workforce of more than 400 team members who work at both the educational facilities and at the support services building.  From Instructional Support Services that benefit our educators to Special Education Services, BOCES caters to the needs of our schools and their students. Management services such as printing and office services provide school districts with resources to maximize their budget as they have shown continual growth, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing world.

The Emerging Business Award will go to Erika’s Cakery, located in Bainbridge, NY.  This award recognizes success and sustainability and has been operating for less than three years. Erika Rickard Afton native and resident, is owner and operator of Erika's Cakery. She has been working in the baking/food industry for the past 22 years. After working for others for many years and building her clientele, she and her husband Robert opened her brick-and-mortar location in November of 2021.  Her business brings a hometown bakery feel to the area with a touch of class and elegance.

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 and has a strong entrepreneurial spirit. 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. This year’s award, which will be presented by Emma Golden, will be given to Edsall Hodges, owner of the Columbus Public House.

Originally established in 1793, the Columbus Public House is rich in local history. Many changes have taken place since its beginnings as a Stagecoach stop between Cortland and Cooperstown.  In 2011, Edsall Hodges purchased the building and since that time has continued working full time, continued his catering business and has enlisted his family in the restoration of the Columbus Hotel to become the Columbus Public House.

Preserving the historical ambience of Chenango County, Hodges and his team at The Columbus Public House were just getting started when many food/drink establishments were forced to close due to the pandemic. They responded to the challenge by reaching out to local businesses to deliver top quality food to their work locations. Hodges has creatively expanded his customer base and integrated the character of the area by making special accommodations for snowmobilers in the winter and horseback riders in the summer.

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. Cost is $50 for members and $60 for the public.