In many written pieces that are published this time of year, Thanksgiving is a popular theme, and I can’t say that this one is any different.
Readers of this column are no stranger to my mindset that focuses on the positive aspects of life here in Otsego County — from the beautiful four seasons we experience each year and nature’s bounty that surrounds us here, to the business opportunities and leading companies we boast within our communities. My thoughts on these topics are well known and I will not bore you with additional examples here today. What I would like to discuss are the most precious resources we have. Not rivers and streams, ponds, meadows, mountains, wildlife or the fall foliage — they are people.
It is coming up on two years since my family and I returned to Otsego County after nearly a decade away. And during this time back, I am constantly thankful for the people I knew then and the new people I have more recently come to know. The kindness, generosity and openness of the people here is a wonder to behold. So many people have been so kind to us that we could never adequately repay you, but I am going to make an attempt right now.
The current and former staff members at the Daily Star were an honor to work with, and they have been awesome in our return. Michele Clapperton, now a leader at Townsquare Media, was the first to contact me about this position at the OCCC. Without her, I would not be here. Brittany and Adam Critti have gotten married and are raising a family while being consummate business professionals. Adam Stoutenberg is at Casella Waste as an area leader with a great wife and family of his own.
Before my departure in 2015, I had the honor of attending Alyssa Oliveri’s wedding. Today, she is a valued member at ONC BOCES with two children of her own. Valerie Secor has gone from adverting consultant to general manager with a proven track record of success. Unfortunately, we lost Bob Evans years ago. He was a good man and is missed.
Joan Fox, as chair of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, was instrumental in hiring me for this position. Without her, I would still be toiling away in the Midwest. She found a home for us, and Joan and Stan Fox are valued friends.
The business community in Otsego County welcomed me personally and professionally as soon as I arrived. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them (embarrass them) now. Danielle McMullin and Alberto Cardelle (pronounced car-day-yay, please) at SUNY Oneonta, Darren Reisberg and James Kellerhouse at Hartwick, Cassandra Harrington at DMC, Klassik Irving at Capresso’s, Chrissie Balantic Sonnenberg at Get Fresh on the Main, Geoff Doyle at Foothills, Mayor Mark Drnek, Cailin Purcell at Bassett, the Chase Family at Directive and Ed May from Village Printer all began as business contacts. Today, I am proud to call them friends.
The individuals at Hill City Celebrations and Oneonta Rotary Club are the salt of the earth who do so much good work and make such a positive impact here cannot go without mention. Special shout out to Selean “Sam” Koury. A Rotarian, former business owner and Navy veteran who turns 95 years of age this Thursday. Get well Sam, we miss you! They have all embraced my participation and put up with my weirdness. All deserve medals.
And of course, I need to mention the people I am so lucky to work with today. Katrina “The Wizard of Oneonta” Van Zandt and Karen Laing (collectively known as K2) keep the Chamber of Commerce running. They are dedicated professionals who share a passion for our community and the patience to put up with me. They are planning and executing ribbon cuttings, golf outings, pickleball tournaments, board meetings, seminars, committee meetings, annual meetings and meetings to discuss meetings. Without these two ladies, this organization would cease to exist, and I am truly thankful to be able to be on the same team with them.
The business book “Good to Great” by James Collins famously addressed the value of people. No matter how good an idea, a product or a service might be, it is all about the individual people. They determine success or failure. The quote is, “It’s who first. What second.” This November, I am most thankful for the “who” in my life — my family, my co-workers and my friends. I value and I thank you all.