Hartwick, Wahl To Wahl

Win Chamber Accolades

‘Success, Spirit Of Collaboration’ Cited

By LIBBY CUDMORE • for www.AllOTSEGO.com

ONEONTA – The Hartwick College Craft Food and Beverage Center, Wahl to Wahl Auto and two interns from both colleges were honored this morning as the Otsego County Chamber announced their annual business awards on the patio of the Yager Museum at Hartwick College.

“The recipients all display success, contributions to our local economic and a spirit of collaboration,” said Barbara Ann Heegan, President and CEO of the Chamber.

The Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Breakthrough Business of the Year went to the Hartwick College Craft Food and Beverage Center.  “There’s something particularly gratifying for being recognized for a ‘breakthrough’ in out 219th year of operation,” said Hartwick College President Dr. Margaret Drugovich.

“The testing, advising and educational activities provide a capacity building advantage to craft food and beverage entrepreneurs, as well as expanded research and ultimately employment opportunities for Hartwick graduates,” she said.

“The center is New York’s first and only brewing industry resource for testing, research, training and business development,” said Heegan.  “It’s a celebration of the innovative entrepreneurial spirit and has shown creativity and growth potential.”

Wahl to Wahl Auto was named as the recipient of the Keyy Bank NA 17th Annual Small Business of the Year award. “They’re being recognized for having modernized and upgraded their facilities, more than tripling their sales and number of employees,” said Heegan.

“This company started with my dad and a few junk cars in a field in the middle of nowhere,” said owner Anthony Wahl.  “We’ve come a long way since then, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of the community.”

And new this year was the Intern of the Year award, given each to an intern from Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta.  “When they asked if I wanted to nominate an intern for this award, I said ‘Yes, and mine has to win’,” said Assistant Fire Chief Jim Maloney, who nominated Hartwick College senior Demi Manesis for her work with the Fire Department’s Community Risk Assessment.

“It’s been amazing working with the Fire Department,” said Manesis, who’s majoring in Economics and minoring in Criminal Justice.  “I got stronger with my data collection, but it also turned me onto the fire fighting life.  I’m now enrolled in Fire Fighter 1 courses so I can become a volunteer, as well as EMT classes at SUNY Oneonta.”

Kevin Zambrzycki, a senior majoring in Business, Economics and Finance at SUNY Oneonta, was nominated by Michelle Catan at the NYS Small Business Development Center for his work aiding local businesses as they get started. “My favorite thing is financial projection,” he said. “I like to see how the numbers work when someone comes in and wants to start a small business.”

“Both of these young people exemplify the hands-on work, training and skill-building that will them both highly successful employees as they prepare to enter the workforce,” said Heegan.

The awards will be presented at the Chamber’s annual banquet on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Otesaga in Cooperstown.