For immediate release:
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

2012 Leading EDGE Awardees

NEWS RELEASE 584 Phoenix Drive Rome, New York 13441 Phone 315-338-0393 For immediate release: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 Leading EDGE Awards to be presented May 18 Four Mohawk Valley companies who are on the Leading EDGE of innovation, growth and sustainability will be honored this spring when the eleventh annual Leading EDGE Awards are presented. The Leading EDGE Awards are designed to recognize companies which are located in the Mohawk Valley and helping expand the region’s economy through investment and job growth. This year’s honorees include: • Black River Systems Company Inc. for their steady growth and recent expansion project. Established in 1996, Black River Systems is an employee-owned company based in Utica, New York that specializes in advanced engineering development. They employ technical expertise and teamwork to provide solutions to the most challenging problems associated with the advanced computing and defense industries. • Gilroy, Kernan and Gilroy Insurance for going above and beyond insurance sales and service and helping make the Mohawk Valley a better community. They set and meet performance standards far exceeding the norm. Gilroy, Kernan and Gilroy sponsors a safety consortium for manufacturers, participates in employee wellness programs and participates cooperatively on initiates and with organizations that advance the region. • Oneida Indian Nation for their contribution to the tourism industry of the region. The tourism industry has a $1 billion dollar economic impact on Oneida County alone annually and this is largely attributed to the impact that Turning Stone has had in generating tourism activity. Enterprises of the Oneida Indian Nation since 1993 have generated over $1.3 billion in wages, and these enterprises have been a major source of contracting activity with local companies. The Nation has approximately 1,000 contracts with area vendors worth more than $135 M. • Mohawk Valley Community College Airframe and Powerplant Technology Program for delivering a trained workforce to the MRO industry. Since its inception in 2006, the A&P School remains the only community college-based aviation maintenance program in New York State and one of only a few one-year programs in the country. The FAA-authorized program is structured as a full-time, 40-hour-per-week training program that runs in three consecutive semesters. To date 171 students have graduated from the program. Don Carbone, co-owner of the Carbone Auto family of businesses is also being presented with the third annual Christopher Destito Award, for his dedication and commitment to the Mohawk Valley. Don along with his family has grown the Carbone Auto Group to encompass 22 auto, truck and motorcycle franchises. He supports a multitude of community events and charities and has served on the Boards of the Kelberman Center, Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Utica College Board of Trustees, Faxton Hospital Foundation and the United Way. William Pelgrin, President and CEO of the Center for Internet Security, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s event. The Center for Internet Security is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the cyber security readiness and response of public and private sector entities. Pelgrin serves as Chair of the National Council of Information Sharing and Analysis Center, Commission Member of the Center of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and was asked to participate in President Obama’s 60-day Cyberspace Policy Review. Pelgrin has received national recognition for his work in cyber security, most recently being named by Government Technology magazine as one of 2011’s Top 25 Dreamers, Doers and Drivers, and one of the Top 10 Government Information Security Leaders for 2011, by GovInfoSecurity. The Leading EDGE Awards luncheon will be held at noon on Friday, May 18 at Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro. Individual tickets are $50 and tables of eight are $375, available by contacting Mohawk Valley EDGE, 338-0393. “The Leading EDGE Awards recognize companies in the Mohawk Valley who have had a significant impact on the region’s economy, “said EDGE President, Steven DiMeo. “Whether in cybersecurity, insurance, tourism or education; these companies are steadfast leaders in their respective industries and contribute to the superb quality of life in the region.” Sponsors of the Leading EDGE Awards include: National Grid, O’Brien & Gere, Shumaker Engineering, Working Solutions, Adjusters International, Basloe, Levin and Cuccaro, Cathedral Corp., Carbone Auto Group, First Source Federal Credit Union, M & T Bank, March Associates, NBT Bank, Oneida Savings Bank, Plumley Engineering, Adirondack Bank and GHD. -- 30 -- Contact: Mary Rizzo-Bonney, 315-338-0393