SUNY Fredonia president to speak during Chamber Banquet
Dr. Virginia Horvath, the new President of SUNY Fredonia, will deliver a keynote address at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Oct. 11.
Dr. Horvath became the 13th President of SUNY Fredonia on July 1. She had been Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Fredonia for seven years, overseeing academic programs, Rockefeller Arts Center, Reed Library, information technology, graduate studies and research, Lifelong Learning, and a range of academic support services. President Horvath, who also holds rank as a Professor of English, has academic specialties in Medieval literature, British literature, children's/young adult literature, English pedagogy, and poetry. Previously at Kent State University where she was a recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Award, President Horvath was Dean of Academic and Student Services for the Kent State University (Ohio) Regional Campuses, and Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning.
A Western New York native, she is a graduate of Buffalo Seminary and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Lake Erie Regional Health System of New York. She earned a B.A. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from Kent State University.
Also speaking at the Chamber Banquet will be Jenn Suhr, a Fredonia native who won the Gold Medal in Women's Pole Vault during the 201 Summer Olympic Games in London.
The Chamber Annual Banquet is, above all, a celebration of accomplishment in Chautauqua County. Dr. Greg DeCinque, President of Jamestown Community College, will be honored as the Chamber's Person of the Year. The Chamber's Economic Development Award will be presented to the Chamber member wineries that are part of the Lake Erie Wine Trail: 21 Brix, Johnston Estate Winery, Liberty Vineyards & Winery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars, Merritt Estate Winery, Noble Winery, Willow Creek Winery, and Woodbury Vineyards.
The Community Chambers will each recognize Community Service Award winners as well. The Dunkirk Community Chamber is honoring Roosevelt and LaPearl Haynes for their years of service to the community and the Dunkirk city schools. Community volunteer Roberta Coniglio is being recognized by the Fredonia Community Chamber for her activity in many organizations including Girl Scouts, Holy Trinity Church, and Kiwanis/Key Club. The award in Jamestown is going to John Bauer for his participation in numerous organizations including the Chamber, DJDC, LucyFest, Babe Ruth Baseball, and many others. Sue Briggs is getting the Community Service award from the Silver Creek/Hanover Chamber for her efforts in promoting tourism in the region. Boy Scout Troop 126 in Mayville is receiving the award from the Mayville/Chautauqua Chamber for their service in a variety of ways. Alan Holbrook will receive the award from the Westfield/Barcelona Chamber for his work with the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department and many other organizations.
Seating space will be limited this year. As a result, anyone who wishes to attend is encouraged to register immediately. The Awards Banquet will be held in the newly renovated Williams Center on the SUNY Fredonia Campus. You can register online through our website at www.chautauquachamber.org.
Open enrollment for Bright Choices Insurance Products
Open Enrollment sessions for the Bright Choices Benefits Exchange will be held Tuesday and Thursday of this week. The Chamber has been notified that there will be substantial changes in Univera plans and rates for the 2012-2013 year. As a result, all of those who are currently enrolled in the program are encouraged to attend one of the Open Enrollment meetings to learn about pending plan design, premium, and co-pay changes.
The sessions will be held at the Chautauqua County Chamber offices as follows: Tuesday, Oct. 2, at the MTI Building, 512 Falconer St., Jamestown from either 7:30 to 9 a.m. or 5:30 to 7 p.m.; or Thursday, Oct. 4, at the JCC North Training Center, 10785 Bennett Road, Dunkirk, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. or 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Enrollment decisions are due by October 26 for all current or new Bright Choices participants for the plan year that begins Dec. 1. Anyone who has questions or needs more information can contact the Chamber at 484-1101 or 366-6200.
