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The awards were presented to both organizations at a Chamber luncheon, Friday, November 10, 2006 at the Lakewatch Inn on East Shore Drive in Lansing, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.
(Left to right) Strebel Planning Group's Janie Barnaba,
Paul Strebel, Leslie Strebel, Elaine McGlaphlin, Chris Strebel
The November 10th event was the first of two that the Chamber will hold this year, in response to suggestions from members. The membership indicated it thinks Annual Award recipients are deserving of more recognition from the Chamber, than has been possible in the past, when all annual awards were presented at the Annual Dinner Award recipients are chosen from nominations made by Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce members.
“The awards committee looked at several Chamber member businesses for Small Business of the Year and New Business of the year,” says Committee Chair Laurie Linn. “In an effort to build criteria and rating factors we looked at more than just gross sales. We looked at businesses growth in the number of employees, the commitment the businesses had made to the Chamber, volunteerism in the community, and any financial contributions made to the community. We evaluated whether the businesses had a clear mission and vision statement and, lastly, the committee looked at business innovation. Both Strebel Planning Group and Felicia's Atomic Lounge have made great strides in all these areas of business strategy. Both businesses deserve to be applauded and recognized for the good work they provide their clients, customers and our community”.
Laurie Linn, Noel Desch
“This is a wonderful honor,” says Paul Strebel, President of the Strebel Planning Group. “I’m extremely proud of everyone in our organization and our overall team effort. Each associate works equally hard toward our vision and goals as a firm. We pay attention to every detail in order to bring superior service to our clients.”
Strebel Planning Group was founded in 1985. It provides tax, accounting, financial planning, business development and employee benefits services to individuals and organizations across the northeast.
Felicia’s Atomic Lounge opened in 2004. Its philosophy is that a lounge is for lounging, relaxing, socializing, music, thinking and creating. Felicia’s also provides off-site liquor catering in partnership with other local food caterers.
Amelia Sauter (left), Leah Houghtaling
Felicia’s co-owner Amelia Sauter says, "We are truly honored to be chosen as the 2006 New Business of the Year. Our goal is not just to make creative cocktails, it is to foster a sense of community and belonging, to provide a place where people can relax, enjoy good company and have stimulating conversations. We think we've succeeded in that goal. We are thrilled that the community has embraced Felicia's, and we are happy to have the opportunity to give back to the community and to be a part of the economic development of the West End.”
The Chamber will present the Large Employer of the Year Award to Cornell University and Not-For-Profit of the Year Award to the Sciencenter, at a luncheon on December 8, 2006. All awardees will also be recognized at the Chamber’s annual dinner, which will be held on January 25, 2007.
The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that advocates economic, social and cultural services that enhance the quality of life and the free enterprise system in Tompkins County.
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