County Administrator and 2021 S.T.A.R. Award winner.
The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its annual honorees as it continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary, commemorating a legacy of service.
The S.T.A.R. (Supporting Tourism Around the Region) Award was created in 2006 to recognize organizations or individuals who help grow the tourism economy, which is vital for supporting jobs and offsetting the tax burden of residents.
This year’s S.T.A.R. Award honorees are the Fort William Henry Corp. and Queensbury Town Supervisor John Strough.
In 2017, the Chamber created the Sapphire Award to honor a “gem” in the community whose efforts directly benefit the hospitality industry in a profound way. The Adirondack Pub & Brewery team and owner John Carr are the recipients of this year’s Sapphire Award.
In honor of the Chamber’s 70th anniversary, the Chamber also created a Platinum Award for this year to recognize office manager Christine Dowd Molella who will retire at the end of the year following 45 years of service.
The awards were presented at the Chamber’s 70th Anniversary gala celebration on Nov. 4 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Lake George. The event sold out with nearly 200 people registered to attend.
The Fort William Henry was recognized for its longevity as well as recent investments in its property, including plans to transform the historic Carriage House into a weddings, meetings and arts venue, scheduled to open in May. The property is also the host site for many events that impact the region, including the Americade, Adirondack Nationals car show, Lake George Music Festival among others.
“The 165-plus year history of this institution is one of perseverance and succeeding against the odds. It is difficult to imagine this community being what it is today without the FWH as an anchor,” said Ryan Moore, CEO of Behan Communications. Moore, former Warren County administrator and 2021 S.T.A.R. award winner, presented the award to the hotel.
Queensbury Town Supervisor John Strough’s continued efforts on behalf of the tourism industry through his years as town supervisor have helped grow the economic impact around the region, the Chamber said.
Strough has been in his current elected position for five terms. Previously, he was elected to five town councilman terms for Queensbury Ward 3 from 2004-2013.
He has served on several local boards and committees in the community, including the SUNY Adirondack board, the Warren County EDC board, and many lake preservation committees and boards. He developed, designed, and built the Rush Pond Way and Half Way Brook hike/bike trail systems and oversees the direction and implementation of many major infrastructure projects for Queensbury.
He continues to spearhead and develop many initiatives including solar, fiber optics, lake and land preservation, and various economic development projects.
“Outdoor recreation is what we’re all about. John is as strong an advocate for outdoor recreation that you’ll find in local government, and it shows,” said Moore.
The Adirondack Pub & Brewery team has demonstrated community service for two decades, including serving dinners at the Caldwell Presbyterian Church and fundraising for Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and the Rotary and Lions clubs, they are always happy to provide their time, talent and products. During the pandemic, the staff, all remained employed. When the Pub wasn’t open, they were assigned to prep meals for seniors a few days a week in addition to other areas in the community that needed “hands-on” assistance.
Molella has been employed by the Chamber for 45 years. In her many years of dedication to the Chamber and the region’s tourism industry she has worked in a variety of roles to help support the region’s tourism economy.
“Chris’s legacy will be what’s here tonight. Today’s Chamber of Commerce — loaded with talent, ready to go, ready to support Lake George, the entire county and the entire region,” lake George Mayor Robert Blais said.
The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Inc. strives to drive tourism to the region year-round while fostering a vibrant business community.