Who Enlightens and Aspires Schoharie County SEEC Announces Call for Nominations

SCHOHARIE – Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp. (SEEC) issued a call for nominations for the 2025 ENLIGHTEN AND ASPIRE AWARDS. Non-traditional recognition is offered by SEEC and its major  benefactors, Dusty and Tom Putnam, who will present the awards in December. SEEC has received  dozens of qualified nominations over the years with the selection of two annual winners. The  recognition is directed toward inspiring individuals or entities eligible from every corner of the County  who are essential to fostering economic growth in Schoharie County. 

“We have been so pleased to learn more about the inspiring work from Main Street to the valleys, from  award winning crafts to the boundless entrepreneurial spirit among us” enthused Tom Putnam, SEEC  Chair. 

The nominations should fit one of the two categories defined as: 

Enlighten Award: 

The ENLIGHTEN Award honors an individual or organization who has filled the educational gaps to support resiliency for Schoharie County. This person or group thinks outside of the box and builds  creative bridges from real-world problems to long term solutions. The ENLIGHTEN Awardee may also be  the champion of an informal cause or an intellectual movement.  

2022 Winner: Schoharie River Center (John McKeeby) 

2023 Winner: Tianna Kennedy (Catskills Agrarian Alliance) 

2024 Winner: Stephanie Shultes (Iroquois Museum) 

Aspire Award: 

The ASPIRE Award is meant 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. Always looking to instill hope, the ASPIRE Awardee fosters growth  through their commitment to their craft, company and community prosperity. 

2022 Winner: Tina Wellman (BrightDrive Healthcare Solutions) 

2023 Winner: Wayward Lane Brewing 

2024 Winner: Matthew Slone (Middleburgh Central School District) 

To learn more about how to nominate a person, business or organization, visit www.seecny.org before  noon on November 26th, email marketing@seecny.org or call SEEC at 518-517-1700.

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About Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp. (SEEC): Established by the private sector, Schoharie  Economic Enterprise Corporation, commonly known as “SEEC,” was organized as a not-for-profit to  strengthen Schoharie County by fostering economic growth. SEEC serves as a liaison to local  municipalities and institutional leaders with the common goal of highlighting distinctive points of light  within the community, cultivating entrepreneurial endeavors and enhancing the ability of local  businesses to add value to their enterprises. SEEC is guided by social, environmental and financial  principles that will accelerate growth and help provide sustainability through a collaborative and thriving  business community.