DELHI — Delaware County Business Alliance President, Todd Pascarella, began the awards portion of the evening with a promise and a statement of beliefs. The beliefs are that Delaware County is a melding of natural resources, authentic communities, and rural life with open spaces and amenities. He states that our county's residents are independent, hard working and neighborly. That they are driven by collective action. And that the business community is battle tested with a strong work ethic, connected to the community and mutual support. And that the alliance is an indispensable voice for the private sector, providing essential connections.
The promise was that our county's businesses are built differently, with an independent spirit. Therefore they need a champion: a strong private sector voice for managed growth, an advocate for civic connections and fair rules, a partner in skills development, an organization that convenes and celebrates. He promises that the alliance will be all these things.
Some may not recognize the rebranded name, the Delaware County Business Alliance. This organization started life as the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in 1963.
I spoke with some members before the dinner and awards, and there was a common message, that their business joined to support the local community and to network for success, not simply for their business, but for the betterment of Delaware County.
Peter Curran of Margaretville Telephone Company informed me that MTC joined the business alliance "because we believe in supporting our local community." The value in membership is the connection to the other members, "it's not just supporting the community, but the community supporting us through membership." Glen Faulkner from MTC echoes Curran's sentiments, saying that they have been members "for a long time. The business community is so important to our whole communities. We need to make sure they remain healthy, and working collaboratively, having networking opportunities and showing some recognition, it is all beneficial. That's why we are here. "
Zach Haverly, the Code Officer for Delhi, represented DCT at the dinner. He attended with his wife, Stacy Haverly of DCEC, the Delaware County Electric Cooperative, one of the companies recognized with a Business Award at the dinner. "DCEC, we're rural power, started as dairy farmers in the 1940s, stringing them through the fields." Due to the nature of their business, they can't grow as a business, but they are members in the alliance "because we love to support our community," Stacy says.
Ken Prestidge was there, representing the Delhi Telephone Company, another of the night's award winning businesses. He explains that they maintain a seat on the Alliance, working closely with past presidents Valerie Nichols, who has served in the organization for "seven to ten years," as Ken remembers; and Ray Pucci, and now with Todd Pascarella. Ken joined the Chamber, now the Alliance, about three years ago. "We want to know what is going on in the business community, so we can be attuned to what is happening as well. One of the best ways to do it is to stay active with your business members, stay in the meetings and see what is going on. It is an avenue to know what [a person or company] is developing from these meetings. We serve Walton with fibers, so if a company is at the chamber meeting, I'm going to find out where they're going, what they're doing, how they're building, who is providing them with service. It is very beneficial to our community. The Alliance is trying to enhance the businesses in our local community and I think they are doing what they should be doing. We're trying to build stronger relationships with everyone across the community." Ken would like to see more members joining. To businesses that have yet to join the Alliance, Ken says, "What are you waiting for, come see us.
In presenting the award, Pascarella gave some history of the Delhi Telephone Company. " The Delhi Telephone Company was founded in 1897 by Stephen F. Adee, a local attorney who recognized that accessible telecommunications would drive regional and global growth. Believing that efficient communication should be available to both residents and local businesses, Adee secured backing from local investors to establish the business. In its earliest days, rural service relied on makeshift "farmers' lines" supported by short poles and fence posts, starting with 124 subscribers in its first year." He also spoke of the future plans of DTC. "Over its 129-year history, DTC has expanded its network reach from 350 road miles in Delhi to over 1,300 road miles across Delaware County, growing its customer base to more than 6,700 subscribers. Today, the company offers a full suite of services—including broadband internet, telephone, cable, home security, and smart home automation—while maintaining its founding commitment to community involvement, technology adoption, and local customer support."
Other businesses that won Rising Stars Awards this night are the "Inn at Octagon Acres," "Catskills Digital," "EightyMain," and "Pony's." They are being recognized as "having made a positive impact and impressive name for themselves in a short time." Those honored by the Alliance were also recognized by an additional presentation of Congressional Certificates of Recognition handed out by Eric Ball on behalf of Congressman Josh Riley.
Pascarella ended the evening by introducing his son Max. Max faces the world on two wheels, and faces the world he does. He is an incoming student at SUNY Delhi. Pascarella explained that one of the reasons for choosing SUNY Delhi is its successful efforts to become wheelchair accessible. Max had the honor of presenting Dr. Mary H. Bonderoff, the President of SUNY Delhi with the Ray Pucci Community Connector Award. It was presented to Dr. Bonderoff for "outstanding leadership, inclusive and collaborative vision and enduring dedication to uniting higher education with Delaware County's business community, driving regional workforce vitality and strengthening the economic fabric of local towns and villages. Pascarella read a letter sent to him by Dr. Bonderoff, which gives a clear picture of her vision for the college.
“I am honored to serve as president of SUNY Delhi, where my work is grounded in a simple belief: education changes lives, and strong communities are built through meaningful relationships. Throughout my nearly 40 years working for SUNY, I have focused on bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging, and expanding opportunities for students, families, and the communities we serve. My commitment to Delaware County extends well beyond our campus. Through partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, government leaders, and regional employers, I work to strengthen our economy, address workforce needs, and connect education with opportunity. As co-chair of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, I am proud to advocate for investments that support innovation, housing, workforce development, and long-term regional vitality.
To me, being a community connector means listening, building trust, and helping people recognize what we can accomplish together. I am grateful to the Delaware County Business Alliance for the 2026 Ray Pucci Community Connector Award and proud to share this recognition with the many partners whose collaboration makes our community stronger.”
Both student Max and President Bonderoff were visibly delighted to give and receive this award. Dr. Bonderoff told Max that she will always remember his name on campus, as she has a middle child also named Max. It was a perfect way to end this meaningful evening.
Photo: Business Alliance President Todd Pascarella, Ken Prestidge from DTC accepting their award, and Eric Ball from Congressman Josh Riley's office.
