Philipstown.info/The Paper publisher chosen business person of the year
By Kevin E. Foley
Building on its new found momentum from growing membership, a renewed commitment to unity among the business community and other organizations, and even a new website, the Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual dinner next week on March 21 at the Dutchess Manor on Route 9D.
The highlight of the dinner will be the presentation of awards in several categories to individuals and business organizations including the 2013 Business Person of the Year, Gordon Stewart, publisher of this website and the weekly publication The Paper. “I couldn’t think of a more pleasant surprise since we moved to this wonderful community, and that’s saying a lot. I am honored by the chamber’s recognition of our organization and heartened to see the group’s newfound emphasis on unity amongst the entire business and nonprofit community, which can only serve to benefit out town and villages,” said Stewart.
In its announcement released Monday, March 11, the chamber said it has added new categories to their awards program in order to best represent what the community has to offer.
Criteria for the awards are outlined on the Cold Spring Area Chamber’s website, coldspringnychamber.com. Contributing to the well-being of the community and having a positive social or economic impact upon the area are some of their requirements.
The 2013 honorees are as follows:
Business Person of the Year Gordon Stewart
Cultural Achievement of the Year Gallery 66 NY
Small Business of the Year Moo Moo’s Creamery
Medium Business of the Year Tight Rope Interactive
Nonprofit Business of the Year Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Restaurant Hospitality Business of the Year Garrison Café
Retailer of the Year Reigning Dogs and Cats Too
Sustainable Business of the Year Glynwood Farm
Young Professional of the Year Katie Robertson
Innovation in Business The Living Room
Realty Business Person of the Year Sylvia Wallin
Katie O’Donnell Award of Excellence Rand Bridget Otten
Ailes refuses award
One minor upset in the Chamber’s intentions occurred Monday after the organization released its awards announcement in an email to media. In the original press release, Putnam County News and Recorder Publisher Elizabeth Ailes was listed as a co-honoree for Business Person of the Year along with Stewart. But shortly thereafter when apprised of the award, Ailes refused it, according to chamber officials, who quickly sent out a second release without her name.
The awards dinner, open to all, will start with a cocktail reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. A brief business meeting prior to the awards ceremony from 7 to 7:30 will take place to discuss Pedaling Into Spring, the May 4-5 festival, and the upcoming summer festival, both new initiatives of the Chamber.
Congratulations to all of the honorees! I look forward to sharing this special night with you all on March 21.
“Ailes Refuses Chamber Award” should be your headline.
” . . . growing membership, a renewed commitment to unity among the business community . . ”
Now why would someone not want to be a part of that spirit and refuse the recognition shown her by her community?
Since there is going to be an extra place available, I would like to attend and observe.