Otsego Chamber of Commerce Announce Recipients of Distinguished Awards

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of their Distinguished Citizen and Distinguished Business Awards.

John Scarzafava, Attorney at Law with Scarzafava & Basdekis in Oneonta, receives the Eugene A. Bettiol, Jr. Distinguished Citizen Award, which is given to a citizen of Otsego County who has made a long-term impact on the region and who gives back to the community.

The Scarzafava & Basdekis Law Firm and Mr. Scarzafava recently received the US News & World Reports’ highest honor awarded to a personal injury law firm. Mr. Scarzafava is praised as a community leader who contributes to the United Way Campaign, The Pit Run, the Boys and Girls Club, and Otsego County Family Services. He has also served on the A.O. Fox Memorial Board of Directors.

The NBT Bank Distinguished Business of the Year Award is given to Brewery Ommegang, based in Cooperstown. Founded on the site of a former hop farm in upstate New York, the brewery has been described as "a magical place where brewing is an art and partaking is a passion." Barbara Ann Heegan, President & CEO of the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, praised Ommegang as a homegrown business that is having a national impact.

Simon Thorpe, President and CEO of Brewery Ommegang and Duvel USA, said: “We are honored to include Cooperstown, NY on every bottle of beer we distribute and to share a little piece of our wonderful community with the country and the world.”

Award recipients will be honored on Friday, March 28, 2014 at the NBT Distinguished Dinner and Celebration of Business at the Hunt Union Ballroom at SUNY Oneonta. The theme of the celebration is “Think Local First,” a campaign to recognize excellent businesses in Otsego County.

Reservations for this event can be made through the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce's website or by calling (697) 432-4500 Ext. 207