SYRACUSE — As BlueRock Energy, Inc. continues settling into its new home in the Barclay Damon Tower, its top official is looking forward to an upcoming event.
The Central New York Sales & Marketing Executives (CNYSME) will honor Phil Van Horne, chairman and CEO of BlueRock Energy, Inc., as the 41st recipient of its Crystal Ball Award.
The CEO will receive the award on May 3 at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center during the annual Crystal Ball and Sales & Marketing Excellence Awards.
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BlueRock Energy is a Syracuse–based energy company that provides electricity, natural gas, and renewable-energy products to small and medium-sized businesses across New York.
Van Horne says he was “surprised” when he was notified that CNYSME had selected him for the award.
“It’s pretty humbling when other people from the outside look at what you’ve done and recognize you in a way like this,” he adds.
Van Horne, who spoke with CNYBJ last fall (Nov. 21) upon being selected for the honor, says he doesn’t see it as a “personal award.”
“I really look at it as an award for the entire company and what we’ve managed to create here in 13 years,” he says.
Van Horne founded Blue Rock Energy in 2003. It’s now headquartered in the Barclay Damon Tower at 125 East Jefferson St. in downtown Syracuse. It had been operating at 432 North Franklin St. in Syracuse’s Franklin Square area.
“The company has grown and we’ve added people,” says Van Horne.
The firm also has operations in a small space at 308 Maltbie St. in Syracuse, which Blue Rock will maintain once it moves to Barclay Damon Tower, he added.
CNYSME annually bestows the “prestigious” Crystal Ball Award to a local businessperson or group of business people for contributions to the sales and marketing profession and for their endeavors in the areas of community development and support, the organization said.
Marketing efforts
BlueRock Energy in July 2013 announced an agreement to become the “official” energy provider for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. In the deal, BlueRock also sponsors the team’s “Player of the Week.”
In another sports-marketing deal, the company provides electricity and natural gas at the Barclays Center for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA and the New York Islanders of the NHL. The agreements also include additional promotions with the Nets and Islanders as well.
BlueRock Energy also sponsors the Syracuse Crunch minor-league hockey team.
Van Horne is often seen and heard marketing his firm’s services in advertising on local TV and radio stations.
The company is also involved in charity work with local organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Food Bank of Central New York. In addition, Van Horne serves on the board of directors of the Syracuse Rescue Mission.
Criteria, recent past winners
The criteria for Crystal Ball recognition includes holding a position of CEO, president, or director of a Central New York business; a person who visibly impacts the progress and prosperity of Central New York; a leader who “demonstrates commitment to superior quality and professionalism”; a person who “fosters excellence” in their industry; local involvement in community and civic organizations; and demonstrates and practices an “appreciation” of the sales and marketing industry, according to a CNYSME news release.
“We are very excited Phil accepted this year’s Crystal Ball award,” Karie Ballway, president of CNYSME, said. “Phil has built his company to be an absolute pillar of the Syracuse business community and this will be an incredible example for aspiring sales and marketing professionals in the area.”
Van Horne will join a list of past Crystal Ball winners that includes the 2016 recipient, Allen Naples, senior VP and regional president of M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB); the 2015 winner, Robert Daino, president and CEO of WCNY, the area’s public broadcaster; and the 2014 winner, Howard Dolgon, owner, president, CEO, and team governor of the Syracuse Crunch minor league hockey team.
Other past winners include Peter Belyea, president of CXtec and TERACAI in 2013; Debbie Sydow, former president of Onondaga Community College in 2012; John Stage, founder and CEO of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in 2011; Peter Coleman, the publican of Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub in 2010; and Edward (Ed) Levine, president and CEO of Galaxy Communications in Syracuse in 2009, according to the CNYSME website.
