The Annual Dinner

The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of The L.O.U.I.E., Enterprising Business, and Presidential Awards for 2024. One individual and two businesses will receive the highest recognition bestowed by the GOACC and be honored at our 118th Annual Dinner on November 7.

James M. Stitt, CEO of Cutco Corporation, is receiving 2024’s L.O.U.I.E. (“Love of Olean, United In Enterprise”) Award. This award is given to an individual who exemplifies the enterprising spirit of commercial growth and admiration for the greater Olean community, qualities which were embodied by the namesake of this award, Louis Marra.

Stitt is well-respected in his leadership of one of the area’s largest employers – Cutco Corporation. He is held in high esteem for his broad spectrum of community involvement, embodying the “people first” values Cutco set a precedent for.

Last year’s recipient was Colleen Taggerty, Interim Superintendent at Wellsville School district, and former superintendent of the Olean City School District.

Hedley Brook Agency, Inc. is this year’s recipient of the Enterprising Business Award, presented to a business that exemplifies the unique “hometown” charm of the greater Olean area in manners of administration, customer service, or display of inventory.

At Hedley Brook, they believe personal service requires real people. As their slogan states and business proves, Hedley Brook is dedicated to treating you as a person, not a policy.

Total Senior Care was last year’s recipient of the Enterprising Business Award.

And last but certainly not least, taking home the Presidential Award this year is Tri-County Arts Council. This award is bestowed upon an iconic or institutional business/individual, located in the greater Olean area, who has become an integral part of the fabric of this community.

The Tri-County Arts Council is proud to offer and celebrate both art and culture that has been created right within our own community. They are the inspiration of the Tri-County region, committed to filling the community with diverse, creative, and vibrant art and culture.

Last year’s recipient of the Presidential Award was David J. Koebelin.

“The Greater Olean Area is incredibly fortunate to have a such strong pool of individuals and organizations for our Board and Committee to consider for these awards each year,” says Adam Jester, Interim Executive Director of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s honorees truly exemplify what it means to champion the economic vitality and overall well-being of our community, and we’re excited to honor them at the Annual Dinner.”

Full profiles of the winners will soon follow. This year’s winners will be honored at the Chamber’s 118th Annual Dinner, Thursday, November 7, at St. Bonaventure University Conference Center. For more information, visit the GOACC website www.Oleanny.com or give us a call (716) 372-4433.

Chamber Members and their employees can purchase tickets to the Annual Dinner by visiting shop.oleanny.com. Find tickets for purchase under the “Event Tickets” tab. Seats are limited! Please RSVP by October 30 to events@oleanny.com.

The L.O.U.I.E. Award

Given to an individual who symbolizes the enterprising spirit for the greater Olean community, qualities which were embodied in the life of Louis Marra.

Enterprising Business Award

Presented to a business or a non-profit that exemplifies the unique “hometown” charm of the greater Olean area in administration and operation, customer service, or display of inventory.

The Presidential Award

Given to a business, organization, or individual that is iconic and integral to the fabric of the business community in the greater Olean area.