2009 Nomination Form and Selection Criteria

The Hall of Fame Committee invites you to submit, for consideration, the names of community leaders who meet the standards for Hall of Fame induction.  The 2009 Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame Dinner is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 6 at the Albany Marriott. To nominate a deserving candidate you can either complete and submit the on-line nomination form or you can download the PDF file located on the web site Home Page. 

Selection Criteria

• The inductees must be appropriate role models for youth.
  
• Individuals considered would be from large and small businesses and corporations, entrepreneurs, educators, professionals or government officials - anyone who has made a significant contribution to the free enterprise system and has enhanced the business environment of the Greater Capital Region.
  
• The emphasis will be on contemporary accomplishment with two or three chosen; one being inducted posthumously.
  
• The honorees may or may not currently be holding the position in which they achieved major success and for which they are being honored.
  
• Anyone who has left the above-mentioned area but has made a significant contribution while a resident may also be considered.

On Thursday, May 15, 2008 more than 400 well wishers witnessed the induction of three outstanding individuals into the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame. Their induction brings the number of area leaders that have received this honor to thirty-eight. Entering the Hall of Fame were Thomas E. D'Ambra, PhD, Chairman & CEO, AMRI; Thomas J. Marusak, Co-founder & President, Comfortex Corporation; and Melvin H. Osterman, Esq., (1934-2005) Co-founder, Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, LLP. Mike Tucker, President & CEO of the Center for Economic Growth, served as Chair and Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

 

Induction into the Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame is a preeminent business award for the region. As such, the honorees chosen to receive the award not only meet the high standards established for the honor, but are themselves, a sign of the quality of the award. The inductees are part of an illustrious group, living and deceased, that are noted not only for their leadership in enhancing free enterprise, but also for their contributions to our community.

Since the event was founded and is co-sponsored by Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York, Inc., whose prime audience is youth, the honorees must also be outstanding role models for these students.  Young people that participate in Junior Achievement programs learn about the values of free enterprise through in-school and after-school programs.  Youth in general  will be motivated, inspired and encouraged by the example set by these "Champions of Free Enterprise."