NORWICH – On Wednesday Commerce Chenango will host their 2019 Soiree, the annual celebration to honor and thank member businesses. Sponsored in part by NBT Bank and NBT Insurance Agency, the event will take place under the tent at NBT’s main branch on South Broad Street in Norwich beginning at 5 p.m.

This year’s Soiree will feature Business of the Year, Blueox Energy Products and Neighborhood Markets. This award is a tribute to the business that demonstrates consistent business growth, dedication to excellence and quality, and investment in their business, employees and the community.

In the 1950’s and through the 1960’s, Thompson Fuel Service supplied the local area with fuel oil, kerosene and coal. In 1965, David L. Emerson bought Thompson Fuel and later gave his son David B. a portion of the ownership. At this time the company began to supply gas stations in the local area. In the late 70’s, Neil Bartle bought into the business and Thompson Fuel became the Blueox Corporation offering service and installation in the plumbing and heating industry and began adding the Nice & Easy Convenience stores. As Neil became the President of Blueox in 1995, the company was becoming known as a leader in the service and installation business.

In the past two years Blueox has incorporated the two sides of its business together under one name. Blueox Corporation now owns and operates Blueox Energy Products & Services based in Oxford, New York as well as 9 convenience stores now operating under the name of Blueox Neighborhood Markets. Their employee count is now 125+ and they continue to grow.

Julia Miller, Vice President of Business Growth and Development for Blueox said “We are honored to have been nominated for this award but to actually receive it is a true testament to the team we have in place here at Blueox. Our people are innovative and forward thinking and constantly challenge us as employers to do the same. That type of culture is infectious and has been a core principle in guiding our organization and moving things forward for our business.”

Also honored will be Entrepreneurs of the Year, Dan and Michael O’Reilly, who are both Norwich natives. They have overcome the sometimes monumental task of overhauling unused buildings and repurposing them, thus turning vacant properties into profitable ones. Founded in 2015, Principle Design and Engineering prides itself on its ability to complete a multitude of projects regardless of size, location, or financial value. “Our compact nature and diverse group of professionals, allows us to be very effective and competitive in building design, civil engineering, mechanical/HVAC and electrical/lighting design,” say the brothers.

They have completed a variety of projects including; Brewery Ommegang Visitor Center AND Restaurant Renovation; Norwich Studios East, A 12-unit apartment building; 5000-sq-ft of renovations for Chenango County Cornell Cooperative Extension and the USDA; Business Renovations for Sidney Federal Credit Union; Capital Projects with Chobani; and others too numerous to name.

“We are the guys answering the phone, making the copies, drawing the plans and executing the project. We aren't owned by an out-of-area firm, and we certainly aren't just a small sublet office. We're local, we live here, have families here and have a shared interest in not only seeing projects through, but working at rates that are reasonable and fair,” said O’Reilly.

The Commitment to Community award will be presented to the Oliver Family who has not only run their family owned and operated business since 1966, but give back to the community in which they grew up, and now live in with their families.

Robert and Shirley Oliver had a passion for the outdoors and camping. That passion grew into a business venture when they started selling Nimrod campers in their front yard. That customer loyalty and appreciation Robert and Shirley instilled in their yard has lasted over 50 years and three generations.

Jordon, Tyler, and Andrew now run the family business in both Norwich and LaFayette, and have continued the tradition of staying involved in the community, along with Mom and Dad - Marilyn and Jim. They all make a habit of devoting their personal time and leadership skills to committees, projects and events for the benefit of others.

Pegi LoPresti, has worked with the Oliver’s side-by-side throughout the years and says, “As life-long residents of the Norwich Community, the entire Oliver family has been active in numerous capacities that have added to the quality of life for the residents of Norwich and greater Chenango County. From a successful and thriving family business to various Boards and Committees, Blues Festival, Pumpkin Festival and volumes of other events; this family has truly embraced the concept to get involved and give where they live. We are blessed they chose Norwich as the place they call home.”

On behalf of the family, Tyler Oliver shared, “At Oliver’s Campers our donations and sponsorships to the Little League, Relay for Life, Council of Arts, Rotary, Norwich BID, Sports Boosters, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Gus Macker, Unadilla Motocross and other local events is always for the sole reason of providing assistance where it is needed and where we can.”

Steve Craig, President and CEO said, “Commerce Chenango congratulates all the winners for their continued success and for their willingness to model how businesses can make a positive impact in our community.”

The Canasawacta Country Club will be catering the event. Other corporate sponsors include, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, UHS Chenango Memorial and Golden Artist Colors.

Organized in 1959, Commerce Chenango is a not-for-profit, community based organization. Visit www.chenangony.org for more information on Commerce Chenango services and programs.