The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) invites community members across the county to submit nominations for the 2026 ASPIRE and ENLIGHTEN Awards.

This non-traditional recognition, established by SEEC and its benefactors Dusty and Tom Putnam, honors exceptional individuals and organizations that spark innovation, elevate education, and foster lasting economic and community vitality throughout Schoharie County.

Honorees will be celebrated and announced during SEEC’s annual Toast to the Town celebration December 2, 2026.

Over the past four years, SEEC has received nominations highlighting grassroots progress across local main streets, school districts, small businesses, agricultural ventures, and cultural institutions.

“We continue to be inspired by the incredible dedication happening in every corner of our county, from creative entrepreneurs to mission-driven leaders and educators,” said Tom Putnam, SEEC Chair and Founder of Fenimore Asset Management. “Each nominee embodies the true spirit of Schoharie County: rooted in resilience, collaboration, and forward-thinking vision.”

Award Categories & Honorees

ASPIRE Award

The ASPIRE Award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that has ascended or transcended within their industry through innovation, entrepreneurship, and excellence. Honorees set regional best practices, drive economic momentum, and uplift the broader community.

• Past Winners: Tina Wellman BrightDrive Healthcare Solutions (2022); Wayward Lane Brewing (2023); Matthew Sloane Middleburgh Central School District, (2024); Lois Goblet Hessian Hill Farm (2025).

ENLIGHTEN Award

The ENLIGHTEN Award honors an individual or organization that bridges educational gaps, champions lifelong learning, or cultivates diverse and cultural experiences that enrich Schoharie County. These leaders think outside the box to solve real-world challenges and foster intellectual prosperity.

• Past Winners: Schoharie River Center / John McKeeby (2022); Catskills Agrarian Alliance/Tianna Kennedy (2023); Stephanie Shultes / Iroquois Museum (2024); Jennie Mosher/Schoharie Free Library (2025).

How to Nominate

Nominations are open now through Sunday, November 15, 2026. Community members, colleagues, and patrons are encouraged to nominate deserving changemakers by completing the online submission form:

• Online Nomination Form: 2026 Toast to the Town Awards Nomination Link

• Email: Submissions and inquiries may be directed to marketing@seecny.org

• Phone: 518.517.1700

SEEC Art Gallery, in partnership with Schoharie County Arts, is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition, Ceramic Tales, highlighting the imaginative ceramic and mixed-media works of Fly Creek-based artists Linda Suskind-Kosmer and John Kosmer.

An opening reception will take place on Friday, October 23, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at SEEC Gallery, located at 287 Main Street in Schoharie. The exhibition will run through Spring 2027.

Ceramic Tales pairs two distinct artistic approaches that explore the depth, versatility, and storytelling capacity of ceramic art.

Linda Suskind-Kosmer brings an introspective, deeply layered body of work spanning ceramics and mixed-media paintings inspired by nature, dream imagery, and personal memory. Suskind-Kosmer, who holds a BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and studied at the Tyler School of Art in Rome, builds expressive clay figures that convey complex emotional states and exist as evocative bundles of contradiction. An artist with residencies at the Millay Colony and Château d’Orquevaux in France, her work has been showcased widely in New York and Philadelphia.

John Kosmer introduces a sharp, witty narrative focus through his ongoing “Mug Shot” series. Transforming three-dimensional, face-adorned ceramic vessels into staged tableau vignettes, Kosmer gently parodies everyday traditions, social roles, and cultural tropes. Kosmer is an internationally recognized artist whose photography and artwork have appeared in over 120 exhibitions worldwide—including a 2024 solo show at PH21 Gallery in Budapest—and featured in publications such as F-Stop and DODHO magazines.

The public is warmly invited to attend the opening reception on October 23 to meet the artists and view the collection. Admission is free and open to all. Sign up today at seecny.org.

The SEEC Gallery at 287 Main Street, Schoharie also serves as a coworking hub open to the public Monday - Friday 9:00 – 4:30 PM. For additional details regarding directions, and programming, please call (518) 517-1700 or visit seecny.org.

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) invites the community to its Annual Open House on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 287 Main Street in Schoharie.

Focused on the power of Collective Impact, this year’s gathering highlights how strategic collaboration across local businesses, municipalities, regional partners, and residents is shaping a resilient future for Schoharie County. Guests will receive an insider’s look into SEEC’s active development initiatives, discover opportunities for community engagement, and connect directly with local leaders.

Special Guest Cassandra Majestic, CEO of Destination Marketing, will also unveil the new Schoharie County tourism promotion website.

“Collective Impact’ has depth of meaning from our focus within SEEC to our alliance building with professionals like Cass, President & CEO, Destination Marketing Corp, serving Otsego & Schoharie Counties, Chair of the Board, New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), President, Central New York Vacation Region, Team Captain, New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail, Councilwoman, Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, “ remarked Julie Pacatte, Executive Director and Board Member of SEEC. “Schoharie County is fortunate to have such talent leading a foundational economic driver such as tourism promotion.”

Attendees will enjoy refreshments and networking while exploring SEEC’s core beliefs in action:

• Placemaking & Main Street Vitality: Experience the continued evolution of 287 Main as a regional business and cultural hub, along with ongoing downtown revitalization initiatives, curb-appeal efforts, and community-centered redevelopment projects across our villages and hamlets.

• Industrial & Business Diversity: Learn how SEEC bridges connections between enterprise, institutional partners, and municipalities to support sustainable commercial growth, expand business retention, and attract new regional investment.

• Digital Access & Innovation: Explore efforts to empower local entrepreneurs through technical assistance, digital resources, educational workshops, and broadband expansion that keeps Schoharie County connected and competitive.

Since 2019, SEEC has helped catalyze meaningful public-private investments across Schoharie County, building an active pipeline that fosters entrepreneurship, preserves local heritage, and drives long-term economic prosperity.

“Real community progress doesn’t occur in silos, it happens when partners, business owners, and residents pull together in the same direction,” said Julie Pacatte, Executive Director and Board Member at SEEC. “This Open House is more than just a celebration of milestones; it’s an invitation for everyone in our community to take an active role in shaping the future.”

The event is free and open to the public, including residents, entrepreneurs, institutional partners, and regional stakeholders. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance.

Event Summary:

• What: SEEC Annual Open House

• When: Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Where: 287 Main Street, Schoharie, NY 12157

• RSVP: Visit seecny.org or email impact@seecny.org

Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC), in cooperation  with the University at Albany's Office of Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, and Industry Partnerships, is inviting local business owners to help answer that question during an interactive community innovation session that puts rural voices at the center of technology development.  

UAlbany Roadshow: Your Business. Your Insight. Shaping What's Next. will be held Monday, July 27, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 287 Main Street in Schoharie. Rather than attending a traditional workshop or lecture, participants will work directly with University at Albany researchers to identify the real-world challenges rural businesses face every day—insights that will guide the development of practical artificial intelligence tools designed specifically for rural communities. 

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the way businesses market, communicate, and operate, many rural entrepreneurs are asking the same question: Where do I begin? The Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation (SEEC) is answering that question by bringing one of New York's foremost digital innovators to Schoharie County for a free workshop designed specifically for small businesses. 

The Digital Enlighten Series Workshop #3: AI for Small Businesses will take place on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. as a hybrid event, allowing participants to attend in person at SEEC's economic development hub, 287 Main Street, Schoharie, or virtually. 

The workshop is the third installment of SEEC's five-part Digital Enlighten Series, a free educational initiative created through the organization's Digital Revolution, one of SEEC's three strategic priorities alongside Main Street Vitality and Industry Diversity. The series was developed to ensure rural businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders have access to the digital knowledge and emerging technologies shaping today's economy. 

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