Dear Members,
Please join The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce for an “Evening with the Stars,” a celebration of the county’s entrepreneurial spirit. Our annual business awards event will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2020 beginning at 5:45 p.m. at The Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center in the Wright/Wilber National Bank Atrium.
The entrepreneurial spirit that makes our chamber and our county great is reflected in this year’s award recipients:
Custom Electronics is the recipient of the NBT Bank Distinguished Business of the Year. Under the leadership of President/CEO Michael Pentaris, Custom Electronics launched in the last year a $2.2 million expansion plan. The company added 90 jobs and plans to hire another 50 employees. Custom Electronics is proud of its strong team of workers, many of whom are long-time employees of the company. The company culture supports employees in becoming leaders. Custom Electronics has been lauded for its renewal-energy efforts and its focus on long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. Through growth, company history and collaborations across the country, Custom Electronics has positively impacted our local economy and added to quality of life by having its headquarters in Oneonta. The Distinguished Business of the Year is awarded to companies with 51 employees or more that demonstrate resilience, courage and commitment and the ability to find new solutions and working space.
New York State Senator James L. Seward is the recipient of the Eugene A. Bettiol, Jr., Distinguished Citizen Award. Since 2002, this award has been given to Otsego County citizens who have made a long-term impact on our region and who have given back to the community through their businesses.
Both of this year’s award recipients have enjoyed a close association throughout the years. Senator Seward has been a strong supporter of business and manufacturing in the regions he serves, and he has always worked hard on behalf of the business community’s needs. Early in his career, Senator Seward served as a legislative staff member to Assemblyman Peter S. Dokuchitz who, in 1964, founded Custom Electronics. Senator Seward’s positive influence has delivered results. He has secured funding for numerous local projects and causes that have made significant, long- lasting impact on quality of life for Otsego County residents.
We are proud to honor both Custom Electronics and New York State Senator James L. Seward as deserving recipients of these awards. The Chamber’s business awards have showcased some of Otsego County’s best business talent, since 1999.
The Otsego County Chamber looks forward to welcoming you to this celebratory event. Invitations will be sent out early next week.
