Chamber To Honor Awards Recipients on Thursday, April 25

ONEONTA—Later this month, the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce will hold its Spring Dinner and Awards Ceremony at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown.

This year’s award winners include a community leader, a fledgling enterprise and an established business familiar to all.

The chamber event on Thursday, April 25 will kick off with cocktails and networking from 5:30-6:15 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner beginning 6:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony. For more information, visit otsegocc.com.

2024 Eugene A. Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen Award
Julie Dostal
Award to be presented by Bassett Healthcare Network

From the Chamber:

Julie Dostal is an example of what one individual, armed with courage and conviction, can do to affect the world around her. She believes that addiction is a 100 percent preventable disease from which people can, and do, recover. Julie promotes a stigma-free, open-armed, recovery-friendly community throughout the region. Her work is hard, but this is often the case when a person is dedicated to doing the right thing for her fellow human beings.

Everyone knows Julie as the force behind LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions. She has personally provided care and counsel to hundreds, if not thousands, of people in recovery. And while her impact on Otsego County and this region of Upstate New York is substantial, Julie has a lifelong list of accomplishments that bear witness to her stellar career.

Among these achievements are: adjunct instructor at SUNY Oneonta; master trainer in Communities that Care; certified New York State trainer in Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment; New York State licensed mental health counselor; certified prevention professional; president of the National Professional Association of Council Executives; president of the Council on Addictions of New York State; Board of Directors member of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependencies; and a New York State Woman of Distinction.

Julie is just as special on the personal level. She is an award-winning poet, a middle school choral teacher, a valued friend, and a woman in long-term recovery, as she says, “by the grace of God.”

Julie’s hard work, perseverance and dedication have exemplified the highest standards of citizenship, integrity, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive difference in our community. Her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impression inspiring all to strive for excellence and service. Through her remarkable achievements, Julie has enriched the lives of those around her and has also helped to shape the future of Otsego County for the better.

Nomination Excerpts:

“…has been a leader in advocating for better health, helping those with addiction issues with alternative programs for years and has made the LEAF organization a major player in all community discussions and events. She has raised the bar of awareness of ways the community can improve, and her staff and board have made several keystone events for the community to enjoy for years.”

“Julie and her team have served as a leader in the advancement of health and well-being of individuals and family in our communities. She has created an impactful, positive footprint across the county and in the day-to-day lives of students, parents, and workers. She had the opportunity to bring a new strategy, the ONEbox, to Otsego County. Oneonta was the first community in New York State to implement the ONEbox strategy.”

Thoughts from Julie:

I was completely speechless when I got that call from the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce to tell me about the award. It was a surreal moment in my life. I am both excited and honored to stand amidst this year’s exceptional awardees, Cooperstown All Star Village and Vêsucré, as well as the list of those who have received the Eugene Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen Award in previous years. I look at that list and I see people, leaders, whom I have truly looked up to in our community. I saw a Facebook post this morning about the award, and one of the most important sentences in the post started with, “Julie and her team…” I am keenly aware that this award would not have been possible without an amazing, talented, heart-centered team and an equally amazing Board of Directors that have supported us at every step. Just thinking about them makes me smile. I am definitely a grateful human being!

—Julie Dostal

2024 Breakthrough Award
Vêsucré
To be presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

From the Chamber:

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce 2024 Breakthrough Award recipient is Vêsucré, a woman-owned business that is shattering barriers, pushing the boundaries and pioneering work in innovation. Sarah Hartmann and her team at Vêsucré are fearless innovators who dare to dream and challenge convention. They have demonstrated exceptional creativity, determination, and vision, and are revolutionizing the world of creamy frozen desserts.

Vêsucré is an innovative and health-conscious company that burst onto the scene in 2023. This maker and purveyor of vegan desserts can now be seen at events and along Main Streets throughout the region on their unique “Icicle Bicycle.” Their product can also be found at local eateries as the operation continues to grow in scope.

Vêsucré is the accomplishment of Sarah Hartmann. Born right here in Otsego County, Sarah’s professional career took her to multiple places, including New York City. After a successful stint in Gotham, Sarah decided to come back to her roots and take the leap of faith to start Vêsucré. In just over one year, Sarah has willed Vêsucré into a thriving business that has gained considerable attention. Sarah was awarded a micro-enterprise grant from the City of Oneonta to aid in her expansion. Cornell University took notice as well, awarding Sarah a scholarship to the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture.

Today, Vêsucré has three full-time employees, with Sarah, Charlie Shaw and Gwen Calchi forming the nimble team of dedicated pros that have brought this business to the next level.

Nomination Excerpts:

“…a testament to their outstanding innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to community impact. Their dedication to social responsibility sets Vêsucré apart as a beacon of ethical and inclusive business practices. Sarah Hartmann, owner and founder of Vêsucré, exemplifies the essence of community-driven entrepreneurship. Sarah’s focus on collaborating with local family-owned farms and markets to bring their plant-based treats directly to consumers not only supports the local economy but also fosters a sense of connection and authenticity. Vêsucré fills a crucial gap in the market by catering to individuals with dietary restrictions, offering sweet treats that are both indulgent, plant based, dairy and gluten free. Sarah’s creativity in flavors and product naming, coupled with her unwavering commitment to community engagement, exemplifies the epitome of a Breakthrough Business.”

“…developed this product in Oneonta, utilizes another local business for their manufacturing facility and is now expanding. They offer the product to various health food stores and restaurants locally and across Upstate New York, have a mobile bike that sells the treat in the summer months, and is continuing to grow. They received grant funding to hire new employees and have a working relationship with the ARC Otsego, Springbrook, and Pathfinder Village to hire intellectually or developmentally disabled individuals to help manufacture and sell their products. This out-of-the-box thinking helps supports those living in our community who are not always offered a job in the traditional positions available. Sarah has done a fantastic job creating a one-of-a-kind product and is looking to continue to grow her business with more products and more job openings to those with IDD.”

Thoughts from Sarah:

“We are deeply honored to receive the Breakthrough Award from the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce. This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work of the entire Vêsucré team, as well as the exceptional support we’ve received from local business owners [and from] city and county resources and programs. Our partnerships with The Arc Otsego and Springbrook have been instrumental in providing opportunities to individuals with ID/D (intellectual or developmental disabilities), highlighting our commitment to equity and inclusivity. Winning this award reinforces our belief that Otsego County is a place where startups can thrive while making a positive impact in the community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the team at Cooperstown All Star Village and Julie Dostal for their remarkable achievements.”

—Sarah Hartmann

2024 Business of the Year Award
Cooperstown All Star Village
To be presented by NBT Bank

From the Chamber:

Cooperstown All Star Village has undergone quite the transformation over the last few years. In March 2022, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment purchased an 80 percent share of the business from its founders and local residents, the Patton Family. Since then, Cooperstown All Star Village has made numerous improvements to the facility, with more on the horizon.

The current ownership has made significant, if quiet, investments in local communities as well. They have eagerly supported many youth-focused and non-profit organizations as a partner in efforts to increase quality of place. According to tourism reporting firm Sports Destination Management, Coopers-town All Star Village is a Champion of Economic Impact. The 2023 season brought $94.79 million of spending into Otsego County. And the future looks even brighter.

Rick Abbott, chief executive officer of Cooperstown All Star Village, has been the person entrusted to accomplish the organization’s goals in this market. He is an experienced leader, a trusted community partner, and a great friend to this county.

Nomination Excerpts:

“Cooperstown All Star Village was named 2023 Champion of Economic Impact in sports tourism. As a world-class family resort for 12U baseball teams from around the world, Cooperstown All Star Village experienced its most successful summer in 2023 with an estimated economic impact of $94.79 million. This year, Cooperstown All Star Village welcomed a record 763 teams and 12,000 participants from 35 states and countries as far away as Australia.”

“In the Sports Destination Management article, Rick Abbott, chief executive officer of Cooperstown All Star Village, is quoted: ‘I’m incredibly proud of our team and their attention to detail to provide an incredible experience for every player, coach, and family member that makes Cooperstown All Star Village their youth baseball destination… We’re much more than baseball. We’re a destination that young players and their families will remember forever. And, in turn, they have a lasting impact on our region.’”

Thoughts from Rick:

Being nominated for the award alone was quite the surprise. The region is filled with so many deserving companies who do so much to make their neighborhood a better place to live and work. Needless to say, upon hearing that we had been selected as the winner, we were overjoyed and humbled by the recognition. Cooperstown All Star Village has, and always will be, a part of what makes this area great. We deeply care about our customers, who come to experience the premiere youth baseball resort in the country. That caring also translates to how we take care of our employees. We are always amazed by how many local students, teachers, parents, retirees…want to come work with us each summer. We strive to create an inclusive and fun work environment for everyone. On behalf of everyone at CASV…we are thrilled to have been named Business of the Year!

—Rick Abbott

Congratulations again to the three award winners and thanks to the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce for providing information for this section!