Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Chair, Matt Griesemer of Freeman Howard, PC is pleased to announce the six finalists for the 24th Annual Crystal Apple Award.  The official slate of nominees for the 24th annual award includes Hudson Valley Creamery, LLC, Germantown Variety, Crossroads Food Shop, Hudson Cruises, Inc, Columbia Land Conservancy and Won Dharma Center.  The Crystal Apple Award is presented to a Chamber member business to recognize an extraordinary contribution to economic progress, community improvement, and the quality of life in Columbia County over the previous year.

Matt Griesemer stated, “The 2012 slate of candidates include outstanding businesses that have contributed immensely to the vitality of Columbia County.  The Crystal Apple gala is a fantastic opportunity to collectively share our appreciation for their imperative support.”

The official slate of six nominees were nominated by their business peers.  The ballot of official nominees is mailed to the Chamber membership for voting to determine the recipient of the 24th Annual Crystal Apple Award.  The prestigious award consists of a stunning crystal apple.  The apple symbolizes Columbia County’s simple beauty, agricultural heritage and quality of life. 

The recipient of the Crystal Apple Award will be announced at the awards gala on Friday, March 22, 2013 at Columbia Golf & Country Club.  The Gala is the premier Chamber event in the area and all members of the Chamber are invited to attend.  The event will feature a video presentation of each of the nominees. 

Invitations and ballots will be mailed to the Chamber membership.  Tickets for the gala are $75 per person or $570 per table of eight and can be reserved by contacting the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 until March 15.  Columbia Golf & Country Club is located at 295 Route 217 in Claverack.

Columbia Economic Development Corporation, Ed Herrington, Inc. and Fingar Insurance are Contributing Sponsors of the event.  DELL’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C, Inc.; Freeman Howard, PC; Shallo, Galluscio, Bianchi & Fucito CPA’s, PC and The Bank of Greene County are Supporting Sponsors of the event.  

Media Sponsors for all Chamber events this year are: Clear Channel Radio, Mid-Hudson Cablevision, Inc., Berkshire Homestyle and The Register Star/Chatham Courier are Media Sponsors.

Major Sponsors for all Chamber events this year are: A. Colarusso & Son, EP Nevins Insurance Agency, Kinderhook Bank and Taconic. 

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia County, providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members.  Those seeking more information concerning the Crystal Apple can contact David Colby, Chamber President at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.  The Chamber offices are located at 1 North Front Street in Hudson.

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