22nd Annual Leading EDGE Awards Recognized Regional Success 

On October 26th, the 22nd annual Leading EDGE Awards, hosted by Mohawk Valley EDGE, was held in the Cypress Room at Turning Stone Resort Casino. This well-attended event focused on honoring legacy businesses and their contributions to the local economy while also providing an opportunity for attendees to network and learn about the companies’ stories.

The evening began with a networking session in the atrium, followed by a formal awards ceremony and seated dinner. During the event, EDGE Board Chairman Justin Hummel of Hummel’s Office Plus in Mohawk and EDGE’s Chief Administrative Officer Shawna Papale highlighted the power of success through partnership and the critical role of the legacy business community.

This year, the program focused on innovation through staying power, and recognized businesses that have made a lasting impact on their community, through social initiatives, supporting local causes, providing employment opportunities, and contributing to the local economy.

Utica First Insurance Company, Hale Manufacturing, and Munson Machinery – with over 400 combined years of experience – were awarded for their economic triumph and lasting impact on the Mohawk Valley. Each award recipient was introduced with a short video created by Gavin Law of Upstate Film Company, which provided an inside look at the daily operations of each business. Additionally, the program recognized two area economic champions, Mr. Charles A. Gaetano and Mr. F. Eugene Romano, as Christopher P. Destito awardees. This award is given in honor of Christopher P. Destito, a community champion who believed in the potential of the entire region. At the ceremony, the families of Mr. Gaetano and Mr. Romano accepted awards in their honor.

PROGRAM SLIDES

EDGE expresses a deep appreciation to those who made this year’s ceremony a success.
Thank you all for supporting EDGE’s mission to strengthen and grow the Mohawk Valley.

Honoree Videos

21st Annual Leading EDGE Awards

November 7^th, 2022, from 5-8pm
The Turning Stone’s Shenandoah Clubhouse
Tickets are $250 per individual

The Leading EDGE Awards were instituted in 1998 to recognize companies in the Mohawk Valley who were leaders in their industrial sector and the regional economy. We also continue to remember, honor, and celebrate a founding EDGE Board member; Christopher Destito each year at this event.  The Christopher Destito Award was created to honor an individual who possesses the same characteristics as Chris.

Last year, we hosted a week-long media-filled rollout to celebrate our first in-person Leading Edge ceremony following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, we promoted an exclusive evening event held at The Turning Stone. We plan to continue forward with last year’s event as our framework, combining a VIP style cocktail hour with a short awards program. This event will provide the best of previous events– networking with seated dining and awards ceremony. We look forward to you joining us in this celebration of area economic impact! 

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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

There is still time to support our 2022 LEA event and help honor our awardees!

Platinum: $15,000 sponsorship of The Leading EDGE Awards includes:

• Platinum Level Placement: Logo or company name promoted as an event sponsor in news releases, advertisements, event program, banners, etc. 
• A full color ad in email blasts and social media with prime placements
• Six tickets to exclusive reception
• Opportunity to give welcome remarks at reception

Gold: $10,000 sponsorship of The Leading EDGE Awards includes:

•  Gold Level Placement: Logo promoted as an event sponsor in news releases, advertisements, campaign website, email blasts, etc. 
• A full color ad in email blasts and social media with prime placements
• Five tickets to exclusive reception

Silver: $5,000 sponsorship of The Leading EDGE Awards.  Your company would receive:

• Silver Level Placement: Logo promoted as an event sponsor in news releases, advertisements, campaign website, email blasts, etc. 
• A full color ad in email blasts and social media with prime placements
• Contribute to social media content with video interview
• Four tickets to exclusive reception

Bronze: $2,500 sponsorship of The Leading EDGE Awards.  Your company would receive:

• Bronze Level Placement: Logo promoted as an event sponsor in news releases, advertisements, campaign website, email blasts, etc.  
• A full color ad in email blasts and social media
• Two tickets to exclusive 20th Anniversary Reception

Supporter: $1,000 sponsorship of The Leading EDGE Awards. Your company would receive: 

•  Supporter Level Placement: Logo promoted as an event sponsor in news releases, advertisements, campaign website, email blasts, etc. 
• A full color ad in email blasts and social media
• One ticket to exclusive reception 

INTERESTED IN OUR LEA SPONSORSHIP PERKS?
PAY BY CHECK NOW!

Please make checks payable to:

Mohawk Valley EDGE
584 PHOENIX DRIVE
Rome, NY 13441

EDGE is a 501 (c) 3 and all contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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