The Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce announced the winner of the 2010 Citizen of the Year, Charles Kelley.

Kelly has been an outspoken advocate for Ogdensburg and St. Lawrence County for his entire 56 year career with the Ogdensburg Journal/Advance News. As the publisher and editor of newspapers in Ogdensburg, Massena, Potsdam, Canton and Malone, Chuck is well known as a passionate believer in the North Country.

Carmen & Blake Gendebien, founders of the Jules of Life Foundation, have been selected to receive the 2010 Outstanding Community Service Award. The Jules of Life Foundation is dedicated to helping children with pediatric cancer in St. Lawrence County through inspirational events and financial support. Carmen and Blake have opened up their hearts and home farm to raise money for local kids with cancer, often enabling them to fulfill their wishes to participate in their dream trip or visit with a celebrity, easing some of the hardships of being a kid with cancer.

Kathie & Brian Wade of Whitegate Inn Bed & Breakfast have been selected to receive the 2010 Business Improvement Award. This award is given to a business that has a profound positive impact on the community and its appearance by renovating and revitalizing an existing building into a thriving business enterprise which the community can be proud. The Wades recent renovation of the historic 503 Caroline Street former Hasbrouck residence beautifully brings one of Ogdensburg’s proud homes back from almost total ruin. The Wades have added a much needed Bed & Breakfast to the downtown area encouraging guests from around the world to visit the Remington Art Museum, the St. Lawrence River, St. Lawrence Golf Course, historic walking trails and area restaurants. The Wades are outspoken advocates of the opportunities for other bed and breakfasts in the city’s downtown area.