Shaping Tioga County’s future

Shaping Tioga County’s futurePictured, from left, are Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy's office, Tioga County Legislative Chair Marte Sauerbrey, Les Wagner, Recipient of the Community Service Award, Tioga County Chamber President & CEO Sabrina Henriques, PhD., Elizabeth Morse, and Harris Weiss of Governor Kathy Hochul's office. (Sebby S. Truesdail photo)

By JoAnn R. Walter —

The 2025 Annual Community Awards Night, hosted by the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, was held on Jan. 30 at the Owego Elks Lodge, located at 223 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. 

The Tioga Chamber described the event as, “A night dedicated to recognizing the remarkable individuals and organizations that make Tioga County a vibrant and thriving community. This prestigious event will honor those whose exceptional contributions have made a significant impact in our area.”

It was also a night to celebrate and honor those who are shaping the future of Tioga County. Chamber members who attended the event had the opportunity to network by connecting with local business leaders and community members, as well as meet elected officials and government representatives.

Shaping Tioga County’s future

Pictured, from left, are Tioga Chamber President & CEO Sabrina Henriques, PhD., Tioga County Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey, Scott Poulton of Tri-Town Insurance, Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, Harris Weiss of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, and Tom Poulton, Kay Poulton, and Art Poulton of Tri-Town Insurance, recipients of the Presidential Award. (Sebby S. Truesdail Photo)

The Tioga Chamber President and CEO, Sabrina Henriques, PhD, noted, “The Tioga County Community Awards highlighted the vibrancy of our community and made for an exciting night! For the first time, we had three categories with ties. In the three years I have been here, we have celebrated not one, but two centennial milestones.”

Tri-Town Insurance was honored and awarded the Presidential Award at the event, and was celebrated for their 100 years in business.

On behalf of the Tri-Town staff, Scott Poulton shared, “It is a wonderful honor for Tri-Town Insurance to be acknowledged by the Tioga County Chamber with the Presidential Award, and it is extra special for us as we are also celebrating our 100th year in operation! We are very thankful for all our friends in the community who allow us to provide protection and peace of mind for their families and businesses over the many years while being a part of Owego, Tioga County, and the Southern Tier of New York and Pennsylvania. We also know we could not be in this wonderful position without the support of our entire highly trained licensed staff. As we say, ‘We’re Lookin’ Out for You,’ has been our slogan for many years, and we are looking forward to many more friends and years to come.” 

Shaping Tioga County’s future

Pictured, from left, are Tioga County Legislative Chair Marte Sauerbrey, Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, Harris Weiss of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, Tina Barber, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for South Central N.Y., and recipient of the Non-Profit of the Year award, Art Poulton of Tri-Town Insurance, and Sabrina Henriques, PhD, President & CEO of the Tioga Chamber. (Sebby S. Truesdail Photo)

Henriques added, “Tri-Town Insurance is an exceptional business with deep roots in this community and has a rich history. We were thrilled to showcase and share this moment with them. Additionally, we introduced new categories, such as Junior Chamber of the Year, and included students in the program.”

Awards included signed proclamations from the N.Y.S. Legislature, N.Y.S. Congress, and the N.Y.S. Executive Chamber.

Small Business of the Year award was extended to Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home of Owego.

Shaping Tioga County’s future

Pictured, from left, are Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, Sue Williams, Shawn Fahey of Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, and the recipient of the Small Business of the Year award, along with Tioga County Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey, and Harris Weiss of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office. Tioga Chamber Photo.

Company of the Year winner was Best Bev, LLC, a full-service beverage contract manufacturing company. Best Bev’s co-packing facility is located in Waverly.

Non-Profit of the Year was awarded to the Community Foundation for South Central New York.

The Women/Minority Business of the Year was awarded to Pasto Law Firm, P.C., located in Owego. The firm is owned by Rhonda Pasto.

Shaping Tioga County’s future

Pictured, from left, are Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, Harris Weiss of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, and Rhonda Pasto, owner of Pasto Law Firm in Owego, and recipient of the Women/ Minority Business of the Year Award. (Sebby S. Truesdail Photo)

The Community Service Award was extended to Les Wagner of Owego.

In addition, Sarah Darling received the Leadership Tioga Alumni award, and Bryson Castro was recognized with the Junior Chamber Student of the Year award.

To learn more about the Tioga Chamber, visit their website, www.tiogachamber.com, or call them at (607) 687-7335.

Shaping Tioga County’s future

Pictured, from left, are Tioga County Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey, Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, Harris Weiss of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, and Sarah Darling, recipient of the Leadership Tioga Alumni award. (Sebby S. Truesdail Photo)

Shaping Tioga County’s future

Pictured, from left, are Tioga County Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey, Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, Harris Weiss of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, Bryson Castro, recipient of the Junior Chamber Student of the Year award, and Brent Doane. Tioga Chamber Photo.

Shaping Tioga County’s future

Pictured, from left, are Jack Blobe of Best Bev, located in Waverly, N.Y. and recipient of the Company of the Year Award, Tioga County Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey, Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office, and Harris Weiss of Governor Kathy Hochul’s office. (Sebby S. Truesdail Photo)

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