Karen Powers Named the October Community Hero of the Month
Tompkins Chamber, in partnership with the Tompkins Trust Company, has named retired school teacher Karen Powers the October Community Hero of the Month, for her extensive volunteerism especially within the Trumansburg community. The Community Hero of the Month Award recognizes individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community.
Powers, a former school teacher, has served the Trumansburg community in many ways, notably as the organizer of Takin’ Care of T’burg since 2012. Takin’ Care of T’burg is a group of volunteers who work to beautify Trumansburg by maintaining flower planters and municipal garden beds in the village’s downtown, as well as ensuring the Children’s Village is clean and in good repair.
Powers also serves as chairperson of Trumansburg’s Gemm Shop, which is a volunteer run nonprofit organization and thrift store that sells donated and consigned items including clothing, shoes, jewelry, domestic goods, books and much more. Money raised by the Gemm Shop is donated back into the community, supporting local events, organizations and area schools.
Additionally, Powers serves on the Trumansburg Street Tree Advisory Committee, the Trumansburg Events & Tourism Committee, and the Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Although the award recognizes Powers’ work, she would like to bring attention to the many other volunteers who also help make the village of Trumansburg a positive place to live and work. “I am truly honored to receive this award, but would like to add that Trumansburg is very much a giving-back community. I am one of many people who give back and many of them do so under the radar. There are so many people doing positive things for our community.”
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz stated, “Tompkins Trust Company is pleased to recognize Karen Powers’ extraordinary contributions to Trumansburg and the wider Tompkins County community as a whole.”
Tompkins Chamber President Jennifer Tavares said, “Karen is the epitome of a dedicated community leader who quietly rolls up her sleeves and does the hard work of creating community and beautifying spaces to improve the quality of life for area residents. Her impacts are felt throughout Trumansburg in so many ways.”
To show the community’s appreciation for her work, Powers will be awarded a Community Hero of the Month plaque as well as a gift card for Downtown Ithaca from Tompkins Trust Company.
Listen to the interview here.
About Tompkins Trust Company
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Trust Company has 13 locations in Tompkins County, Cortland, Auburn, and Syracuse. Bank services include complete lines of consumer deposit accounts and loans, business accounts and loans, as well as trust and investment services and leasing. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are offered through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information about the bank is available at www.tompkinstrust.com.
About Tompkins Chamber
With over 650 active members, the Tompkins Chamber is dedicated to making our community a great place to live and work. The Chamber is a progressive, forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting business in our region by being the community’s nexus. The mission of the Tompkins Chamber is to foster sustainable economic growth through service to our members, strategic advocacy, workforce development, destination marketing, and quality-of-life investments.
About Community Hero of the Month
The Tompkins Trust Company, in partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Hero of the Month Awards, which will give deserving recognition to individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community. The program will begin March 2021 and will announce community heroes each month.
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz shared his excitement for the new program, “We are looking forward to honoring these incredible community heroes who have done so much for Tompkins County and are pleased to collaborate with the Tompkins Chamber on this important and meaningful initiative” Hartzadded, “It is especially important to recognize the accomplishments of community members who have stepped up this past year, as COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the entire community.”
“This is a wonderful way for us partner with Tompkins Trust Company and show gratitude to these deserving community members who have demonstrated exemplary service to our community,” said Jennifer Tavares, President & CEO of the Tompkins Chamber. “We’re excited to highlight how much the Trust Company and Tompkins Chamber alike value strong leadership and commitment to our community with the establishment of this new recognition program.”
The monthly winners will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Trust Company.
