Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Awards

Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce held its 2017 awards banquet Tuesday evening at the Oakwood Inn Event Center. Chamber Executive Director Andrea Keller said the purpose of the event was “recognizing and honoring the local businesses and community leaders who make our community so great.”

Award winners pictured (L to R) are, front row: Lori and Lindsey Richcreek, Tippy Creek Winery, new business of the year, sponsored by Crossroads Bank; Karla Walker and Cindy Hagan, Chubbies Pub & Grub, restaurant of the year, sponsored by The Papers Inc.; Jenna Akers, Heather Kitson and Kelly Wedehase, Bliss Boutique, retailer of the year, sponsored by Lake City Bank; Holly Tuttle, Women of Today, nonprofit of the year, sponsored by Team Tuttle Mortgage LLC; and Katie Conrad, on behalf of Kim Conrad, named Syracuse woman of the year posthumously, sponsored by Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware. Kim, long known for community involvement, died in an automobile accident on Christmas; back row: (R to L) are John Stump, general manager, Main Channel Marina, most uniquely Syracuse award, sponsored by Northern Lakes Insurance; Michael Conrad and Stephen Conrad, on behalf of Kim Conrad; Dr. Eric Leffler, Syracuse man of the year, sponsored by Owen Family Funeral Home; Kim Nguyen, Wawasee High School principal, outstanding educator, sponsored by Lakeland Animal Clinic; Scott Beasley, Northern Lakes Insurance, young professional of the year, sponsored by Horizon Bank; Ryan Zimmerman and Brady Miller, PolyWood, service excellence award, sponsored by MutualBank; Daniel Richcreek, Tippy Creek Winery; and Eric Erlenwein, Interra Bank, ambassador of the year, sponsored by Parker Hannifin.

(Story By The Times Union)