CANTON — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual membership meeting March 11 and presented two appreciation awards.

In addition to recognizing businesses at their annual dinner in the fall, the awards allow the Chamber to appreciate close partners and board members.

The 2021 “Chamber Appreciation” Award was presented to the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department as a partner who has gone above and beyond to ensure the well-being of the Chamber, its mission, and its members, a press release from the Chamber said.

Rouse, who presented the award, said that “A year ago, we quickly formed a partnership with Public Health to ensure accurate, up-to-date information was being communicated to our members and the business community. A year of meetings, constantly changing guidelines, and an effort to be ahead of sourcing resources and information was what was needed to keep calm and keep moving on. As a member of the County’s reopening committee, the Chamber saw firsthand the intense situations, ongoing developments, and thoughtful considerations made by the Public Health Department on an ongoing basis. Navigating a ship, with an incomplete and fluid map…The pressure, the commitment, and the hope that kept us going, was only a fraction of what Public Health has championed and continues to lead.”

The 2021 “Chamber of Commerce Day” Award was presented to a board member, Christa Carroll of the United Helpers.

Presenting the award to Carroll was past-president Michelle Quinnell-Gayle, who said that Carroll is “a board member who shows a special interest in the well-being of the[img_assist|nid=295767|title=STLC Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ben Dixon presents the 2021 “Chamber of Commerce Day” award to Christa Carroll, VP for development for Society of the United Helpers. Photo submitted by Ben Dixon. |desc=|link=none|align=right|width=350|height=297] Chamber and St. Lawrence County as a place to live, work and play... ‘A chamber of commerce day’ is a ‘very pleasant day with no weather concerns.’ Christa has a positive attitude and contributes beneficially to making our organization and this county as ‘blue-skied and sunny’ as it can be! In her short time on the board Christa has become a go-to member for new ideas, support, or feedback. Her positive and sincere perspective is always welcome, and she always has the Chamber in mind. In the last year, Christa contacted us to see if they could shift their employee holiday gifts to support Chamber members and local producers, recognizing the importance of every dollar for our members, especially this year. Christa was on our Rockstar welcoming committee for our Open-Air Market at the Power & Equipment Museum, sharing her enthusiastic spirit with every car that entered, easing what could have been an overwhelming experience as we welcomed people for our first event during COVID, in a new location, and under unique circumstances. The staff and volunteer crew felt at ease knowing that Christa’s shining smile, even under a mask, would set the stage for our guests to have a wonderful experience.”

A surprise recognition was also delivered upon Suzanne Casaday, Chamber insurance administrator and membership coordinator, who announced her retirement on June 30 of this year after 20 years as a member of the staff.

Dixon shared comments about Casaday and said that she “started working for the Chamber in April 2001, brought in as the Health Insurance Administrator. Over the past 20 years, she has played many roles, chipping in and stepping up for whatever was needed, from office assistant, to gift shop management, to St. Lawrence Leadership Institute administration, to window decorating and event admission…all appreciate the day-to-day support and assistance and her role as key organizer of all documents and information in the office.” Dixon noted Casaday’s organized nature, dependability, and willingness to learn and help in any way needed. He wished Casaday many sunny days with grandchildren and family in her retirement.

Nadia Cutler, President of the Chamber Board, noted changes to staffing in the past year, including the hiring of Executive Director Ben Dixon on Feb. 1 and the hiring of Regina Caswell as office manager. She also shared recent Board changes including the upcoming retirement of Daniel Maguire of Kinney Drugs and the addition of Paul Redfern from St. Lawrence University.

Executive Director Dixon highlighted Chamber activities in, and priorities for, 2021. Director of Tourism Brooke Rouse shared trends in, and planned activity for, tourism this year. Laurie Marr of the Development Authority of the North Country spoke to the rural broadband survey being performed in St. Lawrence County.

New Chamber members and the 2021 budget were also presented, and Chamber Leadership Circle members were recognized for their major investments in the Chamber.