Citizen of the Year | Year | Business of the Year |
|---|---|---|
Michelle Gonter | 2022 | John Roberts Salon & Spa |
Jeff Winter | 2021 | Agle's Farm & Market |
Gary Balone | 2020 | Eden Dairy Queen |
Gary Eye | 2019 | Eden Shurfine |
David Cole | 2018 | Laing Funeral Home Inc. |
Paul Zittel | 2017 | Laing-Gro Fertilizer Inc. |
Rosella & Donald Schasel | 2016 | Dr. Kevin O'Gorman Medical Office |
Glenn Nellis | 2015 | Absolut of Eden |
R. Ferris Randall | 2014 | Eden-North Collins Pennysaver |
Mary Lou Schwanz | 2013 | Franklin Meyer Dental Office |
Sheila Harris | 2012 | Eden Sewing Center |
William Rice | 2011 | Pine Ridge Enterprises, Inc. |
Edwin Walker | 2010 | Brockman Greenhouses |
Dave Allen | 2009 | Henry Agle & Sons, Inc. |
Terry Zittel | 2008 | O'Brien's Pub |
Gary Eye | 2007 | Kazoo Co., Inc. |
Ron Maggs | 2006 | John Roberts Salon & Spa |
Susan Minekime | 2005 | Mustang Major |
Richard Ventry | 2004 | Four Corners Café |
Sally Bigelow | 2003 | Schreiber & Winkleman |
Phil Muck | 2002 | Amos Zittel & Sons |
Richard McCord | 2001 | Eden Collision |
Current Board of Directors
President
Rebecca Cerne
Becca Cerne joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of directors in November 2021 and is originally from Hamburg, NY.
Becca received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University at Buffalo in 2007 with concentrations in International Business and Marketing.Becca is an advocate for small businesses and throughout her career has worked in several industries including Financial Services, Federal Government Business Development, Non-profit administration and most recently Construction Management. Becca is currently commissioned as a Notary Public, New York State.
She enjoys spending her free time with her family, volunteering, and outdoor activities.
Vice President
Melissa Keller
Melissa Keller has been a member of the Eden Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since March2021.Though she was born in New Hampshire, she considers Eden her hometown.
Currently, she works with the New York Department of State as a Revitalization Specialist 1 in Buffalo, New York.Melissa received a B.A. in Psychology, and an M.P.A. with a focus on local government from Binghamton University.Since receiving her graduate degree, she has worked as a planner in both the public and private sectors.
Having grown up in Eden, Melissa enjoys being able to work with local communities and has focused on efforts related to community and economic development.In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time along Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake, traveling to new places,and finding treasures at second-hand stores.
Treasuer
Jim Coupe
Jim Coupe joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in March of 2022and is originally from Ilion, New York.
Currently a financial advisor with Edward Jones, Jim’s journey began by earning his AA degree in Accounting from the Northwood University in 1978. He has worked as regional manager in the automotive after market in upstate NY and western PA for 30 years before joining Edward Jones. He is hoping to open an office in Eden within the next two years.
In his spare time, Jim loves to play music and played in the South City rock band with Carl the Barber for 10 years.He plays guitar and mandolin and likes to sing.
Secretary/Administrator
Tracy Keller
Tracy Keller joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in January 2023, was resided in Eden for 26 years and is originally from East Aurora, New York.
Tracy currently holds degrees in Business Administration and Electronics Technology along with a certification in Paralegal Studies. Her journey spans several careers-most recently as Office Administrator for the Eden Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining The Chamber, she served as a business team building consultant and Director of Analytics & Quality Assurance with Service Scouts, Inc. and Adviserists. Both companies specialize in the sports and entertainment industry. While working with Service Scouts, Keller partnered with Ruby Newell-Legner, President of 7Star Service, Ruby Speaks, and former National Speaker Association president, serving as Communications Coordinator.
Tracy enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and two daughters; cooking for friends and family; summers at Chautauqua Lake; and learning new things."I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." -Jimmy Dean
Daniel Buchanan
Dan Buchanan joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in January of 2022. Dan is a resident of the Town of Eden, originally from Hamburg.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Alfred State College in 2008 and is a Registered Architect in the State of New York. Dan is currently an Associate at the Architecture firm, Carmina Wood Design in Buffalo, NY. He specializes in Historic Preservation/ Adaptive Reuse, and Sustainable Design.
He spends his free time with his wife, two daughters, and their Brittany Spaniel exploring the outdoors.
Richard Cerne
Rich Cerne joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of directors in September of 2020 and is a life long resident of Eden.
Rich attended Alfred State College where he studied Construction Management and Mechanical Engineering. He works in construction management where he specializes in project estimating, and also owns his own small construction and development business.
In his free time Rich enjoys farming, hunting, and fishing.
Michelle Gonter
Michelle Gonter joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in January of 2023 and is a life-long resident of Eden, New York.
Michelle is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. As founder of the Eden Farmer’s Market, Michelle also works full time for Amos Zittel & Sons, Inc. as well as volunteers her time with the Eden Historical Preservation Alliance.
In her free time, Michelle enjoys catering and baking along with spending time with her husband, two children, the family cat and dog.
Donald Nowak
Don Nowak Jr. joined the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in January 2023. A life-long member of the community, Don graduated from Eden Jr/Sr. High School in 2007.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Hilbert College in 2011and is currently a Financial Advisor with Lighthouse Capital Associates. Don’s family owned and operated Don Nowak Ford on Main Street in Eden for many years.
He currently resides in town with his wife Candice and daughter Margo. In his free time, Don enjoys reading and casually playing the electric guitar.
Dave Walczak
David Walczak has been in the Produce Industry for 38years. 22 of those years with a prominent WNY retail grocery chain as Produce Mgr.
For 16years, he has been with Eden Valley Growers in the position of Operations Manager & also as Director of the WNY Food Hub making sure the day-to-day assignments are complete for both his staff and the growers that are supplying the cooperative with fruits & vegetables. David is also a contributing member of the NY Food Hub Collaboration & serves on the Advisory Committee for Revive Wesleyan South Creek.
David enjoys time with his family, spending time outside, camping, and travelling. He enjoys listening to a wide variety of music & singing.