Four Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Members Honored for Community Service and Business Leadership

 Four Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce members were recently honored for their dedication to the community and business leadership. Engraved glass awards were presented to each honoree at a gala dinner attended by more than 170 guests and held at the Mansion on the Hill at Colonial Terrace recently.

MetLife and Peter Swansen Jr. received the “Business of the Year Award,” Chapman Manzer and his company, Manzer’s Landscape Design and Development received the “Quality of Life Award,” Janice Molloy received the “Maureen Erickson Volunteer of the Year Award” and Linda Murphy, Putnam County Savings Bank received the first ever “Chairman’s Award.” 

The “Business of the Year Award” is given to the company that has developed into a thriving business, and one that demonstrates evidence of consistent contributions to the community.

Swansen, who accepted the award on behalf of MetLife, is the agency sales director of the MetLife Financial Services office in White Plains, and leads a team of 12 financial advisors.
 
Swansen, a Putnam Valley resident, is an active member of the chamber, who makes time in his busy daily schedule to help out in a variety of chamber roles.  He coordinates MetLife’s involvement in Peekskill Celebration’s Dragon Boat Races and even arranged for the MetLife Blimp to fly over the event last year.
 
"When the Chamber recognizes one of its member businesses, it re-motivates you to be active in the Chamber," said Swansen.
 
The “Quality of Life Award” was awarded to Peekskill native Chapman “Chappy” Manzer and his company, Manzer’s Landscape Design and Development.  The award is given each year to the firm or organization that has made a significant contribution to the community.
 
Manzer’s community work today is visible to all.  His firm designed and helped build the new Healing Garden at the VA Hospital in Montrose, and Manzer and his team stepped forward and added the finishing touches to Peekskill’s 9-11 Memorial at the Riverfront Green.   Manzer, along with one of his mentors, Coach Matt Moore, also coaches seventh- and eighth-grade wrestlers at Putnam Valley Middle School.
 
“What’s nice about this is that I enjoy doing volunteer work because I want to, not because you want to be recognized. But when you are recognized for it, it feels good,”  said Manzer. 

The “Maureen Erickson Volunteer of the Year” award is given each year to the person who generously gives of his or her time for the betterment of our residents.
 
Peekskill resident and attorney Janice Molloy contributes countless hours of her time and energy to the local community through many different organizations.  She is involved with the Peekskill Education Foundation, the Lion’s Club, the Lincoln Society of Peekskill, and Peekskill Celebration.
 
“The community needs all the volunteers it can get. Every non-profit, service organization and charity needs labor, new ideas, and fresh blood,” said Molloy.

The first ever “Chairman’s Award” was created to honor a distinguished individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the Gateway Chamber of Commerce.   This year the award was given to Linda Murphy, Vice President at Putnam County Savings Bank.
 
Murphy is the first to raise her hand when the call goes out for volunteers for the Chamber’s many functions.  Her work includes helping at the Annual Chamber Golf Outing to raise funds for scholarships,  the annual dinner gala, the annual Summer Groove and more.
 
“I try and volunteer whenever they need someone to do things.  I’ll do any type of job they give me to do.  I like to be involved, and I like to do whatever I can, no matter how menial it may be,” said Murphy.

The honorees participated in a seven minute video tribute which was shown at the dinner.

For more information on the joining the chamber, visit www.hvgatewaychambercom or call 914-737-3600.