CAZENOVIA — This month, Madison County Distillery (MCD) in Cazenovia was recognized as an outstanding business by both the Central New York Business Journal and the New York State Senate.

On Dec. 7, MCD was awarded the 2023 Veteran Owned Family Business of the Year Award by the CNY Business Journal.

The award was presented during the annual Family Business Awards ceremony at the SKY Armory, a woman-owned family business in downtown Syracuse.

This year’s gathering honored seven family-owned businesses that are headquartered in CNY.

MCD was co-founded by Mike Basla, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general.

Basla received his commission in 1979 as a distinguished graduate of officer training school. After serving multiple assignments, he retired in 2014 as the chief, information dominance and chief information officer for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force.

Upon retiring, Basla returned to CNY intending to help grow the local economy, create jobs, and give back to veterans.

In 2017, he co-founded MCD on an 80-acre farm known as “The Maples.”

Basla has two daughters, Beth Ketchum and Marissa Basla, and one son, Adam, who are all actively involved in the business. Marissa runs all operations. A nephew, Chris Jansen, is also a partner in the business and the master distiller.

“The Central New York Business Journal has been recognizing family businesses in Central New York for nine years at an annual breakfast each year,” said Jill Allen, director of BizEventz, a CNY Business Journal partner. “Companies are selected through a nomination process and reviewed by a panel of judges. We salute Madison County Distillery and Mike ‘Coach’ Basla for all he is doing for veterans and his community. Not to mention, Madison County Distillery has some of the best tacos around. They were nominated by Clear Path for Veterans, and it is a great honor to be able to recognize them this year.”

For a list of the other winners of the 2023 CNY Business Journal Family Business Awards, visit cnybj.com/2023-family-business-awards/.

On Thursday, Dec. 14, NYS Senator Joseph A. Griffo stopped by MCD to present the business with a NYS Senate Empire Award.

The award recognizes businesses that are leaders in their industry, use innovative methods or products, increase jobs and economic growth, and make significant community contributions.

The NYS Senate’s highest honor for small businesses, the Empire Award is presented periodically to local businesses that exemplify a dedication not only to their customers and employees but also to the growth, prosperity, and betterment of their communities and New York State.

“It was an honor to present a New York State Senate Empire Award to retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Basla, his family, and the staff at Madison County Distillery,” Griffo said in a Dec. 15 press release from his office. “This family-owned business has helped to grow the local economy by creating jobs and attracting visitors to Cazenovia, Madison County, and Central New York and has supported veterans and their families. I wish Madison County Distillery continued success.”

According to the press release, Griffo has advocated for and supported the needs of business owners and employers throughout his senate district and NYS. To help improve the state’s economic climate and to make it more business-friendly, he has proposed lowering taxes and energy costs and reducing regulations.

“My family and the Madison County Distillery staff, whom I also refer to as family, are humbled to recently receive back-to-back awards recognizing our efforts,” said Basla. “. . . We were surprised and totally appreciative. In both cases, they noted our entrepreneurship, pursuit of excellence, fun family events, and focus on giving back to the CNY community. We work hard to make each guest’s visit a memorable experience through a welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and quality products. We thank CNY Business Journal President Marny Nesher and Senator Griffo for these honors and especially all those who support our business. Your recognition and feedback say that we are doing things right, and we plan on continuing to do so for many years to come. Thank you again and please come visit us.”

MCD is located at 2412 Rt. 20 E., Cazenovia.

For more information, visit madisoncountydistillery.com.