SEEC Celebrates Second Annual Toast of the Town - 2023 Enlighten and Aspire Award Winners Announced

Tianna Kennedy, Catskills Agrarian Alliance, Enlighten Winner with Dusty and Tom Putnam

SCHOHARIE — More than 109 people attended Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp. (SEEC) second annual Toast to the Town celebration on December 6, at 287 Main, Schoharie. SEEC benefactors, Dusty and Tom Putnam helped to lead this event that celebrated and honored the work of individuals and organizations from every corner of the County who are essential to fostering economic growth in Schoharie County.

Speaking about the occasion, honorary host and SEEC Board of Directors Chairperson Tom Putnam said, "I am immensely proud of the remarkable accomplishments in our region throughout 2023. The unwavering support and active participation of our community in initiatives such as Digital Strategies, FREE WiFi programs, and the successful pursuit of recent grants for our villages truly highlight the collaborative spirit that defines us. As we reflect on these achievements, SEEC is inspired to amplify our efforts in enhancing public and private investments across Schoharie County. Looking ahead to 2024, our focus will be dedicated to the prosperity of our Villages and historic districts. Together, we continue to shape a vibrant future for our community."

The 2023 award recipients were also named at the event. Dozens of nominations were received and SEEC was proud to name:

Catskills Agrarian Alliance and Tianna Kennedy: Enlighten Award Recipient

The ENLIGHTEN Award honors an individual or company who has filled the educational gaps serving the resiliency needs for Schoharie County. Tianna and her team are truly causing a movement and building creative bridges between farms and schools while knitting rural and urban populations together. The Agrarian Alliance is rooted in Schoharie County and collaborate with a handful of local farms at Cowbella, Middle Brook Mill, North Road Sugarworks, Thyme Hill Farm, the Charlotteville General Store and more than 35 other farms in the region.

“I have been working at this cause for 15 years. I am truly humbled by the sweet award and share appreciation for our entire Alliance,” commented Tianna Kennedy, Executive Director, Catskills Agrarian Alliance, Star Route Farm and 607CSA.

Wayward Land Brewing: Aspire Award Recipient

The ASPIRE Award was created to recognize an individual or organization that has ascended or transcended in their industry. This individual or group exemplifies best-practice efforts through demonstrated success and is inherently innovative. Wayward Lane was recognized for their efforts to transform 65 overgrown acres into a destination. Wayward Lane proudly claimed multiple silver and gold medals, alongside the title of 2023 NYS Brewery of the Year, at the NY State Craft Beer Competition; the youngest brewery to achieve such an accolade in the competition's history. It’s worth noting that the NYS competition is the largest state-run competition in the country with over 1300 entries.

“It has been a fantastic year for us, thank you” enthused Andrew Rowles, co-founder who accepted the recognition alongside partners Abbie and Adam Rosenthal and Kyle Bergen.

Enlighten Awardee: Tianna Kennedy, Catskills Agrarian Alliance

https://www.catskillsagrarianalliance.org/

Aspire Awardee: Wayward Land Brewing

https://www.waywardlanebrewing.com/