Alden Chamber of Commerce

Alden Chamber's Signature Events

Membership Dinner / Distinguished Citizen

CHAMBER HOLDS SPRING MEMBERSHIP DINNER

Members and guests of the Alden Chamber of Commerce enjoyed dinner and an evening together at MaGavin’s Restaurant & Pub on Tuesday, May 17, for the Chamber’s Annual Spring Membership and Election Dinner. Among the guests were family and friends of Arlene Cooke, recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. A beautiful plaque, from Laser Ace Custom Engraving, was presented to Arlene’s nephew, Al Hassenbohler, by Chamber President Steve Weber.

President Weber presenting to Al Hassenbohler

on behalf of Arlene Cooke

Arlene Cooke has given a life-long dedication to Alden and has been a long-time Councilwoman for the Town of Alden. She has sat on the Senior Citizen Committee, Finance & Audit Committee, the Environmental Commission, and was the Historical Society Liaison. Arlene pursued a career as a nurse in the Alden Central School system until her retirement. She was also active in the Fire Protection/Ambulance Committee and was instrumental in establishment of the emergency management plan. She was the Town of Alden Disaster Coordinator and Emergency Manager. Arlene has also been involved with community events including scheduling the Band Concert series and WinterFest activities where she acted as

contest judge.

After a delicious dinner and the award presentation, during which proclamations by the Town and Village of Alden were read aloud and proclamations from Erie County and the State of New York were given, the crowd attentively listened to Tom Ulbrich, Executive Director of the University of Buffalo’s Center of Entrepreneurial Leadership, who spoke about “The Small Business Community – America’s Innovation Machine”. Tom pointed out that as technology advances, there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish new products, services and businesses, although the climate in New York, especially regarding taxes, makes these efforts difficult, but not impossible.

Next, Steve Weber spoke of the Chamber’s accomplishments during the past year and outlined current and future activities. Chamber President Weber receives his appreciation gift from Director Brooks Bowman Director Brooks Bowman then presented Steve with a gift of appreciation for his year of service as Chamber president. Steve thanked retiring Director Christopher Dundon (MaGavin’s Restaurant & Pub) for his service to the Chamber over the past three years, as well as acknowledging Noll Ferris (Doritex Corporation) for his work as Chamber Treasurer.

President Weber receives gift from

Director Brooks Bowman

Chamber Director Sue Galbraith next introduced the nominees for a new three year term on the Chamber Board. The nominees were: Brooks Bowman (Elwood-Jordans Agency), Christopher Gust (Alden State Bank), Nancy Hughes, Jennifer Strong (Neill & Strong, Attorneys), and Steve Weber. The vote in favor was unanimous and the dinner drew to a close.

L-R S. Weber, B. Bowman, N. Hughes,

J. Strong, C. Gust

The Chamber would like to thank the following businesses for their sponsorship of the Dinner: Alden Pharmacy, Alden State Bank, Elwood-Jordans Agency, and Greatbatch Medical. The Chamber asks that you shop locally and support these and all Chamber member businesses.

Arlene Cooke passed away a few days after the dinner was held. The Chamber hopes that the honors bestowed upon her by the Chamber, Town, Village, County and State brought Arlene a source and pride and joy in her final days.

Guests enjoying the evening