Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce marks 80th year with membership gala
WARWICK: During dinner-dance, organization awards members for their accomplishments.
| 21 Nov 2019 | 10:55
The Warwick Playground Dreams Committee received the Commitment to Community Award at the Chamber of Commerce festivities. Chamber Board President John Redman, far left, joined by Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, second from left, and Warwick Mayor Newhard, far right, presented the award. (
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The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce marked its 80th anniversary with a membership celebration at Minerals at Crystal Springs Resort in Vernon, N.J., on Saturday, Nov. 16
More than 150 guests took part in a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing to live music provided by the E’lissa Jones Band.
The festive event, themed, “the Valley of Dreams,” was billed as a tribute to the past 80 years and a celebration of the present.
During the evening, Michael Johndrow, the chamber's executive director, offered his traditional keynote speech regarding the current “state of the chamber, ” followed by the introduction of the 2020 board of directors.
Each year at the annual membership celebration, the chamber presents awards to its most outstanding members for their accomplishments.
Chamber Board President John Redman, joined by Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Warwick Mayor Newhard, presented a series of awards, including tribute awards to the founding five businesses that have consistently renewed membership for 80 years.
These original signers of the chamber’s certificate of incorporation in 1939 were Broadfield Group, Parkin Plumbing & Heating, Seely & Durland Insurance, St. Anthony Community Hospital and Warwick Valley Telephone.
Other awards included those presented for building renovations, creative repurposing, volunteer of the year, most valuable person, entrepreneur of the year, community revitalization and commitment to the community.
- Roger Gavan