Each year, during the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner Meeting, the association highlights two business owners or organizations from the community with their “Business of Honor” and “Award for Service” tributes.

On Nov. 3, at the chamber’s 15th annual dinner meeting, 37 different non-profit organizations were honored for their service and dedication to citizens in Cazenovia and the surrounding areas.

“The term ‘not-for-profit’ is an IRS expression. These organizations may not see earnings, but the people they help certainly benefit because of them,” said GCACC Chairman Gene Gissin. “We have more than 24 not-for-profit organizations in the Cazenovia area, and I think that speaks highly of the community’s dedication to helping others.”

The event, which was held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Morgan Room of Hubbard Hall at Cazenovia College, allowed the 115 chamber members in attendance to learn more about the 37 organizations and all that they do around town.

After a welcoming speech by Gissin, drinks and dinner, representatives from 24 of the honored organizations were given opportunities to speak to the crowd, informing them of their philanthropic efforts and accomplishments, as well as their economic contributions and needs.

Without a “bottom line” or monetary indicators of success, many of the non-profit rely heavily on volunteers, government grants and donations from the community. Many of the non-profit representatives thanked the audience of business owners for their support and asked for their continued assistance in serving those in need.

Of the 37 non-profit organizations honored by the GCACC were: American Legion Post 88, BRiDGES, CAVAC, CazCares, Inc., Cazenovia and Nelson United Methodist Churches, Cazenovia Area Senior Association, Cazenovia Central School, Cazenovia College, Cazenovia Forum, Cazenovia Garden Club, Cazenovia Lake Association, Cazenovia Lions Club, Cazenovia Preservation Foundation, Cazenovia Public Library, Cazenovia Restoration Corporation, Cazenovia Village Baptist Church, Cazenovia Volunteer Fire Department, Cazenovia Watercolor Society, Cherry Valley Memorial Post #113, VFW, Community Resources for Independent Seniors, First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia, Friends of Lorenzo, Friends of The Cazenovia Public Library, From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc., Lorenzo Driving Competition, Madison County Office For The Aging, Inc, Nelson Farms at Morrisville State College, Open Door Baptist Church, Project Café, Rotary Club of Cazenovia, Route 20 Association of NYS, Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, SCORE, Society For New Music, St. James Roman Catholic Church, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park and Summit Church.

For more information on the GCACC, their members, contributions and events, visit their website cazenoviachamber.com, call 655-9243 or email [email protected].

Pierce Smith is editor of the Cazenovia Republican he can be reached at 434-8889 ext. 338 or [email protected].