GREENE – The local business community gathered at the Silo Restaurant in Greene on Wednesday to laud hand-picked businesses and individuals that have been influential in shaping the community over the last year.
Scores of leaders in business, politics and nonprofits attended the 55th annual gala hosted by Commerce Chenango. Each year, the event provides an opportunity to spotlight the positive and recognize those who strive to improve Chenango County.
“This gives us a chance to shine the spotlight on individuals and organizations that play a big role in making Chenango County a better place to live,” said Commerce Chenango President and CEO Steve Craig. “Some of these folks are people we see every day. They’re household names, but we don’t always think about them.”
Commended this year were Elizabeth Monaco, the chosen recipient of the organization’s Young Professional Award; Ann Coe as the recipient of the Commitment to Community Award; and UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital as the Distinguished Business of the Year. All three recipients were also awarded state recognition from Assemblymen Cliff Crouch and James Seward, and Congressman Richard Hanna.
Monaco has served as Executive Director for the Chenango United Way since 1999. Since then, she has led the agency through multiple fundraising efforts and events that have brought in more than $7.2 million in annual campaign contributions and $1 million in endowment funds. She has additionally encouraged young people to practice charity with the Chenango County Youth Philanthropy Council and served on several state and local boards, including the United Way New York State Board of Directors as the Small Cities Chair, the Community Advisory Board of the Upstate Institute at Colgate University, and the Chenango County SPCA Board of Directors.
“It’s a great honor to receive this (award),” Monaco said. “We really have a lot of challenges at the United Way over the years, with the economy, difficulty of raising money, and the increasing needs.”
Monaco also thanked United Way volunteers, givers, and board members who have helped along the way. “They’re really the ones who have made this organization a success,” she said.
As a Norwich native, Coe has a vested lifelong interest in the success of the community. Using her talent as a graphic artist, she has provided visuals for countless organizations, including Circulars Unlimited, Rapid Reproduction, Colorscape Chenango, Chenango Blues Association, Chenango Arts Council, A Touch of Moore, Commerce Chenango, FoJo Beans and Catholic Charities, among many others.
