St. Lawrence County Chamber honors three businesses at annual dinner

POTSDAM — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce (STLC) recognized three businesses for their achievements during its annual dinner held on Oct. 23 at The Stables at Windy Point in Potsdam. The winners were: Hosmer’s Marina of Ogdensburg; Currant Renewable Energy, LLC of Massena; and Summit SHRED LAB and Storage of Potsdam. Besides the business recognition, the event brought together community members for an evening of networking, recognition, and inspiration, the STLC said in its announcement.

Awards

Hosmer’s Marina received the Customer Service Excellence award, which was established to recognize a chamber business that has been extraordinary in its delivery of products and services to its customers, the chamber said. Curran Renewable Energy was recognized with the Local Producer of the Year award, honored as an STLC business that has developed its capacity for creating and selling a product that is locally sourced and value-added, “raising awareness and pride for local products.” Summit SHRED LAB was recognized with the Business of the Year award, as it contributed to the growth of the St. Lawrence County economy and “brings pride to the business community.” “It was wonderful to recognize Summit SHRED LAB, Hosmer’s Marina, and Curran Renewable Energy as three examples of businesses contributing to the business climate, quality of life, and vitality of our county,” Ben Dixon, executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, said in the announcement, “A common theme with these awardees — and all the businesses that were at the dinner — is a clear commitment to the communities they are part of.” Event agenda Besides the award presentations, Lenore VanderZee, president of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, provided opening remarks before Dixon offered a “State of the Chamber.” Dixon reflected on the past year as “one of evolution” pursuant to the mergers of the STLC, Ogdensburg, Canton, and Massena chambers, staffing changes, and improvements to membership benefits. The year’s major highlights included expanded marketing and promotion reach, networking events, leadership-development programs, support to nonprofits, tradeshows and events, several new tourism initiatives, and promotion of the Total Eclipse. The evening began with a cocktail hour featuring a string duo, networking, and auctions, followed by a buffet dinner provided by Big Spoon Kitchen and desserts from Sugar Valley Bakery. The chamber’s dinner event wrapped up with silent and live auctions led by Dawn Merz, with auction-item donations from several chamber member businesses. The event was supported by STLC Chamber Leadership Circle members and event sponsors, including AmeriCU and The Stables at Windy Point as the Red Carpet sponsors; Northern Credit Union as Awards sponsor; and CST Group Inc. as Entertainment sponsor, the STLC said.