Programs

Scholarship Program

All graduating seniors from Watkins Glen, Bradford, and Odessa-Montour Central Schools who will be attending college are encouraged to apply for the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Award.

The $350.00 award is presented at graduation ceremonies to one senior based on an application and essay on a topic selected each spring.

Hall of Fame

Sponsored by the Schuyler County Legislature and the Chamber of Commerce, the Schuyler County “Hall of Fame,” first instituted in 1995 – with selections that year and again in 1996, 1997 and 2000 – was established to “recognize and honor dedicated individuals who have unconditionally contributed their energy, commitment and persistence to achieving their vision for Schuyler County.” In that process, each member of the “Hall of Fame” has improved and enhanced life in Schuyler County for all.

The concept behind the “Hall of Fame” – to honor the most deserving individuals for their life’s work and their significant contributions of time and talent on behalf of others -- is also special and important in that it helps preserve the history and tradition that is Schuyler County.

Hall of Fame nominations are sought from the community each spring, for an October induction. Plaques are installed in the Schuyler County Office Building in Watkins Glen.

Leadership Schuyler is designed to develop individuals for future leadership roles in the Schuyler County area. SCOPED, Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and Corning Community College seek program candidates who live or work in Schuyler County and are interested in developing their skills and knowledge of community issues, as well as in pursuing leadership roles in their community and career. Candidates must complete an application form and provide two reference forms to be reviewed by the Leadership Schuyler Committee. A maximum of twenty-five individuals, representing a cross-section of the community are selected to participate in the program each year.

Visit the Leadership Schuyler Web Site.

Business Awards

To recognize our members and businesses in Schuyler County, the Chamber of Commerce presents three awards annually. Nominations are sought from our members, on behalf of their peers.

Lifetime Achievement in Business Award

Presented at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet each January, Lifetime Achievement Award nominees may include a successful partnership of one or more persons, must be a past or present member in good standing of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, must own or manage a local business and have taken business risks to create jobs or trade over a period of time, must have demonstrated staying power as an established business, must be actively involved in community and civic organizations in Schuyler County over at least the last 15 years, and must be of the stature as to keep the award prestigious and compliment past/future winners.

Past Lifetime Achievement Award winners include: Lloyd Cotton, Robert Carpenter, Anthony Pulos, Kenneth Wilson, William Peters, William Simiele, Dominick Franzese, Joanne McLaine, James Chedzoy, Monty and Beverly Stamp, Carol Bower, Tom Wade, Stan & Sharie Beaver, Brubaker Family, Nick Anagnost, Steve Gillette, and Joe and the late Helen Franzese.

Community Spirit Award

Presented at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet each January, Community Spirit Award nominees must be either a business or individual that has demonstrated leadership and excellence in philanthropy, encourages civic initiatives and/or facilitating humanitarianism, has made this significant contribution within the last five years, and positively impacts the community in which the business operates.

Past Community Spirit award winners include: Ron Mathews, Moose Lodge #426, The Arc of Schuyler County, Glenda Gephart, Roseanne Paradiso, Rose Ciccone, and Charlie Haeffner.

Leader in Business Award

Presented at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet each January, Leader in Business Award nominees must be in good standing with the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, made a dynamic contribution to the Schuyler County business community within the last decade, helped expand the business mix in Schuyler County, continue to foster economic opportunity such as creating new job opportunities, assumed considerable business risk and be a highly respected entrepreneur.