With over 130 attendees, there was a festive mood in the atmosphere as people enjoyed the lakeside views, beautiful weather and live music.

“Our annual dinner is our chance to celebrate the success of the chamber over the past year, look towards the future, and thank our members and the business community,” said Rachel Karp, executive director of the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Garry Douglas, CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the importance of what the chamber does for the Saranac Lake area and the partnerships across the North Country region.

The highlight of the evening each year is the presentation of awards.

Scott Thurber accepts the Citizen of the Year award on behalf of Pat Brown, presented by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rachel Karp. (Provided photo — Scripted Lens Photography)

The Citizen of the Year Award honors an area resident who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the quality of life in Saranac Lake. The 2024 Citizen of the Year was presented to Pat Brown.

“Brown has given many years of her time and passionate hard work to the Saranac Lake community. She has tirelessly promoted the culture of Saranac Lake and supported local businesses, volunteered at many events, served as a girl scout leader, and helped form the Women’s College Scholarship organization,” a news release from the chamber reads. “She was also part of the committee to promote Saranac Lake as All America City in 1998, was part of bringing the Saranac Lake Riverwalk from an idea to reality. She was one of the founding members of the Village Mercantile and also awarded Winter Carnival Queen in 1999.”

The Employee Excellence Award was established to honor an employee of a member business that exemplifies great leadership, customer service, loyalty, and initiative.

This year’s award recipient was Amelia Dragone, shop manager at St. Regis Canoe Outfitters.

“Dragone cares deeply about her work and understands that she is many people’s first point of contact when they arrive in Saranac Lake to start their outdoor adventure,” a news release from the chamber reads. “She understands and embraces her responsibility to the community by encouraging responsible recreation and passing along her contagious enthusiasm for the Adirondacks. She is an incredible manager, a positive role model for fellow employees and she consistently goes above and beyond for everyone she meets, including her customers. She is fiercely motivated and always maintains the best interests of the staff, owners, patrons and the business.”

CanAm Rugby board members and volunteers accept the Business of the Year Award. (Provided photo — Scripted Lens Photography)

The Business of the Year Award is given to a chamber member that has made a significant contribution to the community through business expansion, business initiative and overall success.

The Business of the Year for 2024 was awarded to CanAm Rugby.

“CanAm Rugby is a nonprofit, all volunteer, organization celebrating its 50th anniversary and brings great economic impact to the community and Tri-Lakes region as hosts to the largest rugby tournament in North America,” a news release from the chamber reads. “CanAm Rugby has worked hard over the past few years to grow, to increase economic stimulation, and to provide family friendly activities. The tournament began in 1974 with eight teams and has now grown to over 100 teams from across the country competing over the course of three days. CanAm offers yearly scholarships at local high schools and colleges, and they also assist in financially supporting local youth sports teams.”

The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is the community’s leading advocate for business and economic development.