BUDD LAKE, NJ (Morris County) – Applause erupted from the crowd, as members of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce presented two local business owners with awards during a special ceremony this evening.
This year’s 2019 Business & Humanitarian Awards lit up the room at Audio Visual Dynamics on Sands Shore Road in Budd Lake, NJ.
Both Tom Schiano, owner of Mama’s Café Baci, and Joan Westpy, owner of Westpy Marketing Services, were honored for their generosity and tremendous efforts throughout the community.
Schiano received the chamber’s award for Business Person of the Year.
“Mama’s is growing and growing,” he says. “Thankfully we have such a great team, and it’s not just me. It’s really my team and of course my family. So I am excited and very humble for this award and to be among so many great peers.”
Joan Westpy, owner of Westpy Marketing Services and President of Hackettstown Rotary, took the podium as this year’s winner of the Humanitarian Award.
“There are so many people, and so many people right here tonight, that step up and do the right thing for helping other people throughout the community. So I feel very honored, and blessed to receive this award,” says Westpy.
When it comes to choosing the recipients, President of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce, Harry Browne says a committee is formed to look at all of the candidate’s credentials.
“This year’s recipient, Tom Schiano, is almost second to none. What he does in the community, and what he gives back is incredible. He was just hands down the person for this year. And as for Joan Westpy, the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, Joan’s efforts and her work with the Hackettstown Hospital Foundation, the Rotary, and all of the incredible things she has done over the years, it was clear that she was our person!” explains Browne.
The Humanitarian Award honors the memory of Tom Klecka, whose was known by the chamber for his volunteer efforts over the years. The nominee for this award is not required to be a member of the chamber.
Also another chamber member will soon be celebrated. During the event, Browne announced Patricia Singer of Follow Me Social Media will be receiving the Chamber’s 2019 President’s Award.
For more information on the Mount Olive Area Chamber, and to view upcoming events CLICK HERE!
