ARCC Reflects on Milestones
Celebrates 36th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award Honoree at Annual Dinner
On the evening of March 7, 2025, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) proudly celebrated its 36th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award honoree, George A. Ferone, with an unforgettable event attended by 300 guests at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.
The evening began with a lively cocktail hour featuring exquisite hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and ample opportunities for networking and reconnecting. After the guests took their seats, the program commenced with newly appointed ARCC Board Chair Damian D’Angelico (Fitzgerald Brothers Beverages, Inc.) introducing ARCC President Tricia Rogers. The ARCC had much to celebrate beyond honoring the award recipient, as Rogers highlighted key achievements from 2024. These included growing membership to over 860—a number not seen in many years—and engaging with more than 3,000 attendees across 98 events and meetings.
“2024 was a monumental year for the ARCC as we celebrated many milestones with the support of our members and the greater community,” said Rogers. “As we look ahead to 2025, the ARCC remains dedicated to serving our business community with the same passion and commitment.”
Rogers also expressed gratitude to the ARCC Board of Directors, with special recognition for immediate past Chair Marc Yrsha (Arrow Bank) for his service. ARCC Vice President of Marketing & Communications Amanda Blanton then took the stage to acknowledge and thank the many volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and talents to ensure that the ARCC’s small staff of five can fulfill its mission.
“The time and effort that the ARCC Board of Directors, our Ambassadors, and volunteers invest in the Chamber—on top of their own jobs and personal lives—is truly special. We are so grateful for their commitment,” Rogers added.
Rogers continued by recognizing the numerous community partners in attendance that evening, whose contributions make the region so distinctive. Among them were John Taflan (Warren County Administrator), Dr. Kris Duffy (SUNY Adirondack), Glens Falls Mayor Bill Collins, and Chuck Barton, CEO of the Warren-Washington IDA. Leaders from neighboring Chambers of Commerce were also present, including Todd Shimkus (Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce), Gina Mintzer (Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB), Anne Boles (Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce), and Norris Pearson (Rensselaer County & Regional Chamber of Commerce).
New York State Senator Dan Stec, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and Assemblyman Matt Simpson took the stage to present Ferone with an adopted resolution, while proclamations from Warren and Washington counties were also noted during the remarks.
The J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award presentation was delivered by Paul Scimeca, President & CEO of Glens Falls Hospital, before the assembled crowd. Scimeca highlighted Ferone’s many contributions to Glens Falls Hospital and its Foundation over the years. He specifically recalled the hospital’s 2010 “Raise the Roof” campaign, in which Ferone played an integral role. The campaign raised funds to replace the roof and air handling system at the Floyd H. Rourke Inpatient Surgery Center, and Scimeca noted Ferone’s enthusiasm, including his participation in a related video series.
In his acceptance speech, Ferone humorously mentioned using AI to draft his remarks before delivering two versions—one written by AI and one penned by himself. The audience responded warmly, as many businesses are familiar with using AI to create content. The evening’s most poignant moment came when Ferone offered heartfelt remarks, expressing gratitude to his community and, most notably, his wife of 47 years, Carol, for her unwavering support throughout his remarkable journey. Over his impressive 44-year career with Tribune Media Services, Ferone not only excelled professionally but also devoted himself to serving on numerous boards and committees, including a term as Interim President of the ARCC.
Though Ferone humbly acknowledged others in the community as equally deserving of the award, his tireless commitment to the health and wellness of the region made it clear he was a truly worthy recipient of the 36th Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award. He concluded his speech with a brief mention of the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation’s current fundraiser, *Any Day. Any Time. Every One.*, a campaign raising funds to build a new emergency department at Glens Falls Hospital.
Nominations for the 37th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award will open in late spring of this year.
