NORWICH – Local supporters of the Baden-Powell Boy Scout Council joined a long list of New York state politicians and automobile industry executives Thursday evening to honor the council’s 2007 Distinguished Citizen, Tom Morrone.
Simulcast television made it possible for all of the approximately 400 in attendance at the Canasawacta Country Club to watch the live presentation as well as pre-taped remarks from New York State Senator Tom Libous.
“When I think of citizenship, I think of Tom Morrone,” Libous said from his office in Albany.
The award, given annually, acknowledged the long-time Christman Motors general manager and political activist for his many contributions to Chenango County and his service to the community. Eagle Scout Dylan Neubauer pointed to Morrone’s character being within the spirit of Scout Law.
“To have the Boy Scouts single him out to honor speaks a great deal about Tom Morrone,” New York State Assemblyman Gary Finch said. “His greatest asset is his integrity, whatever his investment in the business community.” Finch joined Senator James Seward, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Assemblyman Peter Lopez in honoring the Norwich businessman.
Former Speaker of the New York State Assembly Clarence Rappleyea read a letter from former Governor George Pataki that thanked Morrone for “being a tremendous asset and help to me when I was governor.” Rappleyea described Morrone as “the embodiment” of a Boy Scout. “He has all the chemistry of successful leadership.”
All 10 invited speakers acknowledged Morrone’s personal dedication to his wife, Sally, and to his large family. Grandson Tommy Dean said, “Every town, city and county should have a Tom Morrone. He’s done a lot for each and every one of us. Your acts of selflessness have made this community what it is today and it has been a great place to grow up.”
Christman’s sales Mmanager and business partner Hank Scudder told the audience that Morrone sold his first automobile while still in high school. “He’s the best grassroots salesman I ever knew,” Scudder said. “Long-term relationships with family and friends have been Tom’s bread and butter.”
Special guest Tammy Carnrike, former president of the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce and current chief executive of the Detroit Chamber of Commerce, said Chenango County “is stronger” due to Morrone’s contributions. She pointed to the number of local jobs Christman Motors has provided over the decades, to Morrone’s leadership within the local community and to his dedication to improving the state’s infrastructure, such as the state Rte. 12 corridor.
“He has helped Chenango County gain a greater competitive advantage in the state,” she said. “I’ve recently learned that automobile dealers are always seen as leaders in their communities ... as risk takers and entrepreneurs. It has always been Tom’s heart that helped make those decisions about this community. He believes in this community. This is a community that is stronger due to the contributions of Tom Morrone.”
Master of Ceremonies and local attorney Thomas C. Emerson said Morrone was an easy target to roast: “You’re a used car dealer and a politician. It’s a darn good thing you weren’t a lawyer.”
Morrone joins past award recipients who most recently have included David & Mary El Emerson in 2004, the late Duward H. Crandall in 2005 and George E. Staley in 2006.