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"Warren Real Estate has made several strategic changes over the past few years", says Laurie Linn, the chair of the Chambers' Awards Committee, "and has also been deeply rooted in the Ithaca community for three generations. Warren built a brand new building in 2006, taking advantage of new technology and innovation to make the facility state-of-the art. The company has also doubled in size, growing from 34 agents to 68 active brokers and sales people, all of which makes the company very deserving of this impressive award."
Warren Real Estate was founded in 1953 by Anne Warren and has been family-owned since its inception. The company has grown steadily over the years, with annual sales of $75.3 million dollars in 2003, increasing to almost $126 million in 2006. Warren Real Estate President Bryan Warren projects sales of $175 million in 2007.Warren says, "Just to be recognized by the Chamber is a huge honor. It's such a great organization. We've done a lot to get involved with the local community, various charities and the chamber and our goal is to continue to grow and expand here. I think the fact that we're based 100 percent in Ithaca demonstrates our commitment to Tompkins County."
The Ithaca Coffee Company was founded in 2004, when owner and President Julie Crowley purchased The Gourmet's Delight in the Triphammer Plaza. Crowley moved a few doors down, so it would be next to another business her family owns - Triphammer Wines and Spirits. The Ithaca Coffee Company opened a second location in the Gateway Commons in downtown Ithaca earlier this year.
"This is a nice recognition for all the work we've put in during the past two years," says Ithaca Coffee Company President Julie Crowley, "we're really excited about it. Our employees are thrilled. They've put in a lot of effort and feel a lot of pride for what they've done in the past couple of years. A lot of our products are requested and shopping here is a personal experience for our customers. We try to be unique from the big grocery stores and carry different things."
Linn says, "Ithaca Coffee Company has shown exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and innovation in starting and growing this new business. It's an excellent example of a local business finding a need in the marketplace and filling it. I feel the company has great potential not only to grow in the Ithaca market but to serve other markets as well. I also think the Ithaca Coffee Company is a brand that could very well have regional and national appeal."
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce President Jean McPheeters offered her congratulations to both companies. "The awards committee was impressed by Warren's regional growth, its commitment to the community in its investment in a new building at Community Corners and its adherence to its business plan as a way of building success. Ithaca Coffee Company has also seen remarkable growth in just a few years. They have opened a second location in Gateway Plaza and have also grown their product line to meet their customers' needs."
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