COVENTRY – Commerce Chenango recognized a community member and a local business for their contributions to the Chenango County community Wednesday night at their 52nd Annual Dinner, held at the Silo Restaurant in Coventry. The event was sponsored by NBT Bank and Frontier.

Those recognized were this year’s recipient of the Commitment to Community award, David Burrell, and Distinguished Business of the Year, Sidney Federal Credit Union.

Presented first was the Commitment to Community Award.

“This award is given annually to an individual who has shown significant commitment to our community through their leadership and individual contributions,” explained Maureen Carpenter, president of Commerce Chenango.

According to Carpenter, Burrell has made an impact on the community both as an entrepreneur and a volunteer. He’s made a difference in the lives of area residents and visitors alike, she explained, through his involvement in events such as Pumpkin Fest and the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament as well as organizations like Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County and the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID).

According to New York Pizzeria owner Frank Baio, whom Carpenter quoted, Burrell is known for his “legendary” work ethic and his ability to get things done, as well as his “big heart.”

“Many things that Dave has given his time and talent to will never be recognized because he doesn’t do it for attention; he does it because he believes it is the right thing to do,” Baio said, adding that it was an honor to be his friend.

Burrell is also known for his tendency to volunteer his friends, his reputation as a practical joker and his ability to “talk the ear off a brass monkey,” Carpenter laughed before returning to a more serious note.

“He is unquestionably an individual that continues to improve Chenango County’s quality of life. We are privileged to have him as part of our community,” she said.

Burrell briefly took the podium after receiving his plaque.

“I’d like to thank everyone here tonight for this award,” he said, explaining his take on giving back to the community he calls home. He says it is the message he always give his staff when he asks them to donate their time to a worthy cause.