The Putnam Business Council (PBC), the county’s largest business organization and primary advocate, voice, and resource for the business community, celebrated today the winners of the 9th annual Trailblazer Awards, Putnam’s largest business networking event. This year’s theme, Excellence in Economic Development, honors 35 professionals and organizations that contributed to the growth and economic stability of Putnam County.
The awards luncheon took place at Villa Barone in Mahopac on Tuesday, October 29th, where more than 150 entrepreneurs and professionals joined in honoring this year’s winners. Elected officials were in attendance, including Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, who addressed the audience and emphasized the vital contributions that local businesses bring to the community.
“Putnam County has never been better,” said County Executive Odell. “Moody’s recently upgraded our credit rating to AA1, making Putnam one of only five New York State counties with this level of credit worthiness. We achieved this distinction because we are fiscally responsible, and our local businesses are contributing to our overall success, providing employment and a strong taxpayer base. I’m proud to serve this county and proud of all the economic development leaders we are celebrating here today,” added Odell.
The Putnam County Business Council has been recognizing business excellence and non-profit achievement since 2011. Honoring professional achievement and civic contributions in the Putnam County community, the Trailblazer Awards represent the highest acknowledgment from professional peer judges across the county.
“The Trailblazer Awards serves two key purposes,” said Jennifer Maher, chairwoman, Putnam County Business Council. “First, we are here to spotlight the achievements and contributions of our local businesses while promoting the overall economic climate of our community. Secondly, this event serves to bring business professionals, entrepreneurs, and non-profits from every corner of Putnam together to network, collaborate and share ideas. I am honored to support and celebrate this dynamic cohort of achievers and economic development leaders.”
2019 Trailblazer – Excellence in Economic Development – Award Winners Promotional Excellence Category Winners
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Marianne Chalusian |
Admin Mahopac Moms |
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Nancy Olnick |
Magazzino Italian Art |
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Susan Branagan |
Cold Spring Farmer's Market |
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Brett Freeman |
Halston Media |
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Sabrina Cruz |
Admin Lake Carmel Facebook Page |
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Charlie Melchner |
Mahopac Marina |
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Peter Scherer |
Hops on the Hudson |
Economic Development Excellence Category Winners
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Amit Patel |
Gino's Grab & Go |
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Daniel Doyle |
Doyle Dental DDS |
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Jennifer Carlquist |
Boscobel House and Gardens |
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Joe Bulzacchelli |
Advanced Automotive of Carmel |
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Kate Liberman |
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival |
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William Endico |
Ace Endico
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Mark Weiss |
Tompkins Corners Culture Center |
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Sara Kaplan |
Kent Lakes Commons |
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Jason Berg |
Guardian Veterinary Hospital |
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John Russo |
Froggy's Deli |
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Kathleen Finlay |
The Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming |
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Susan Kussin |
Kent Countryside Nursery & Landscaping |
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Owen Jordan |
Deli Land |
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Richard D'Andrea |
Park Ford |
Leadership in Economic Development Category Winners
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Paul Guillaro |
Unicorn Contracting |
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John Clancy |
Clancy Movers |
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Carmel Town Board |
Carmel Town Board |
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Jeffrey Contelmo |
Insite Engineering |
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Jason Angell |
Ecological Citizen's Project |
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Danielle Pack McCarthy |
Phillipstown Behavioral Health Hub |
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Eliza Starbuck |
Cold Spring Chamber |
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Michelle Smith |
Hudson Highlands Land Trust |
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Putnam Valley Town Board |
Putnam Valley Town Board |
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Robert Panny |
RPK Precision Homes Inc |
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Terrence Murphy |
Former New York State Senator |
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Thom Ianniccari |
Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce |
Chairperson Circle Award Winners for Meritorious Excellence
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Gerry Klein, Tompkins Mahopac Bank |
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Doug Cunningham, The Putnam County News and Recorder |
Over the years, the Trailblazer Awards has drawn more than 1,000 attendees to network and celebrate the best and brightest in Putnam. The annual gala has celebrated special categories, including “Entrepreneurial Spirit“, “The 40 Under 40” and “Women in Leadership”.
Photo credit: Vincenza Villani Photography