Dutchess Chamber Honors Community Leaders At Hearts of Gold Gala

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce will be honoring several businesses and individuals at its Hearts of Gold gala in Poughkeepsie.

Michael Harney, pictured, and his brother, Paul, will be among those being honored by the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce in February. The Harneys are second-generation tea makers and are based in Millerton.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Carol Reif

12/30/2016 11:00 a.m.

The annual event will be held at The Grandview starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The honorees and awards are:

Marist College will be receiving the Good Neighbor Award, and honor that is bestowed on local businesss that demonstrate “great corporate citizenship through volunteerism and support of the community and the Chamber’s nonprofit partners.” Chamber officials said Marist College is known for its “deep roots in the Hudson Valley community.” It partners with local organizations to providing reduced tuition rates and is commited to supporting local causes.
Paul Mancarella of De’S Jewelers will receive the Community Spirit Heart of Gold Award, which is given to an individual who “visibly embraces the community in order to make it a better place to live and work.” According to Chamber officials, Mancarella has served on its board of directors and is heavily involved as co-chair of the Legislative Action Committee, which advocates for the business community with our elected representatives. Mancarella, it said, “never hesitates to volunteer his time and efforts to a cause.”
The Next Generation Award will be going to Angela LoBianco Barone and Joseph LoBianco of Hyde Park Brewing Company, Inc. and Michael and Paul Harney of Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders. That award is given to businesses that have “survived the test of time and been passed successfully from generation to generation.” Barone and LoBianco are second-generation owners of Hyde Park Brewing Company, Inc., which has served handcrafted beer paired with fresh cuisine emphasizing seasonal, local, and fresh ingredients since 1996. The Harneys are second-generation partners of Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders in Millerton, which was founded by their father in 1983 in Salisbury, Conn. The business started by brewing six teas; it now more than 300.
Kathy Ferrusi of Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union will be receiving the Community Service Award. That honor goes to an individual who “selflessly gives of their time and talent to improve the community” in which folks live, work, and thrive. According to the Chamber, Ferrusi has donated countless hours to the Chamber, The Chamber Foundation, and many other local nonprofit organizations and causes. She exemplifies the belief that “the more given, the more received,” the Chamber said.

Reservations are now being taken for the gala.

For ticketing information, visit www.dcreoc.org/gala, or call (845) 454-1700, ext. 1000.

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