Tri-State Chamber of Commerce honors businesses

PORT JERVIS — The Tri-State Chamber of Commerce honored tri-state area businesses during their Silver Anniversary Spring Banquet, “Let’s Make Magic”, on Friday, May 8 at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing in Matamoras.

The headline entertainment of the night was Denny Corby, Magician-Mentalist-Entertainer.

“The event was a huge success and everyone was on the edge of their seats scratching their heads trying to figure out how Denny read minds, made things disappear and reappear over and over again,” said Chamber Executive Director, Charlene Trotter.

The Chamber’s “Hall of Fame” ceremony was a special part of the event recognizing businesses that exemplify excellence over decades, conduct their business with the highest ethical standards, serve as role models to other businesses and make contributions to our communities through service and support.

The 2015 inductees into the “Hall of Fame”, includes many that are multi-generational with deep roots in the tri-state area.

Royal Furniture of Port Jervis, was founded in 1929 by Sam and Nettie Rosenstein, has continued as a family business and is currently owned and operated by Jim Radeloff, who married their granddaughter Robin. Royal Furniture continues to provide a top quality service and a wide range of products, living up to the family traditions of honesty, integrity and service.

Shaun Parker of Gray Parker Funeral Home is a forth generation family member in one of the oldest family owned and operated businesses in Port Jervis, helping families navigate one of the most difficult times and making it go as smoothly as possible since 1924. Shaun Parker is an active participant in numerous community organizations serving others.

Kittatinny Canoes was started in 1941 by Ernie and Edna Olshewsky with the purchase of riverfront property and a few canoes. The reigns of the company have passed down to their daughter Ruth Jones and her son Dave and now have one of the world’s largest fleets of rafts, canoes, tubes and kayaks. Ruth and Dave have sponsored the Delaware River cleanup each summer for more than 25 years in appreciation for the river that has given their family so much for generations.

Smith Plumbing & Heating and Smith Kitchen & Bath Gallery in Port Jervis is celebrating 60 years in business this year and is proud that the company is family owned and operated by second generation owner and Master Plumber, Tom Smith and his wife Debbie Valentine, who has been with the company for over 20 years, offering top quality design-build for kitchen and bath projects. Both Tom and Debbie are Past Presidents of the Port Jervis Rotary Club and Debbie has served as a Director of the Chamber for many years.

Access Physical Therapy & Wellness has been named “Best Companies to Work for in New York State” in 2011, 2013 and 2015, and is a family owned business that has rapidly expanded to more than 15 locations in the tri-state area. Brothers Steve and Chris Albanese have “an evidenced based practice”, always seeking the best outcomes for their patients. Many of their patients were in attendance and gave a big round of applause.

Kolmar Labs is one of the top three employers in the tri-state area, is a world leader in custom formulation and manufacturing of color cosmetics and personal care products and has deep roots in our communities since 1943 when they opened their company in Port Jervis. CEO & President, Robert Edmonds and his team are committed to environmental sustainability, social responsibility and the well being of their employees. Accepting the award on behalf of Kolmar was Amy Skellett, Director of Marketing & Communications. Kolmar supports many community and Tri-State Chamber initiatives and is the main annual sponsor of Port Jervis Soap Box Derby (the largest in the world).

Located in Huguenot, the New York YMCA Camp is the perfect place where children come from the nearby urban areas as well as locally to enjoy nature, fun, activities, education and team building. The staff is incredible and their energy is contagious. During the Spring Banquet, Operations Director Heather Chadwick and her team lead everyone in the “YMCA” song.

Middletown Community Health Center, Inc. was given the “Humanitarian Award” for their expansion into Pike County bringing much needed community healthcare services to residents. Theresa Butler, CEO accepted the award on behalf of MCHC and talked about the new location in Milford and the important services provided.

Harold and Sheri Butler, organizers of “CruzinPort” were presented with the Chamber’s “Community Spirit Award” and brought the family to celebrate the night. Seven years ago “CruzinPort” was the brainchild of the Butlers and has grown into a much anticipated event for locals and tourists. On the first Tuesday of the month between May and September, Front Street in Port Jervis is turned into “American Grafitti Boulevard” from 5 to 9 p.m. with antique and collectible cars, trucks and motorcycles. Harold and Sheri have created a fun family event that brings revenue to downtown shops and restaurants.

William Schill, Port Jervis Council for the Arts and Port Jervis Tourism Board, was awarded a “Community Spirit Award” for his contributions to the arts and tourism and Paul Brislin accepted on his behalf.

Special thanks to Platinum Event Sponsors: Bon Secours Charity Health System, Orange & Rockland Utilities, Coachfirm and Neversink Media Group. Thank you Gold Event Sponsors: Kolmar Labs, Pell Wealth Partners, Floral Cottage Weddings, Pike County Dispatch and the River Reporter.

The food was provided from the chefs at Best Western Inn in Matamoras and a “Silver Anniversary Spring Banquet” cake was made by Aunt Ellie, owner of Elegant Cakes. Floral Cottage Weddings, Susan Smith filled the room with beautiful spring flowers and gave them to our honorees after the event ended. Owner Susan Smith was the Event Chairwoman.