The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the five business and community recognition awards that will be presented at the Chamber Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 18th, at Ithaca Downtown Conference Center.
The award categories are: Distinguished Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, the Noel Desch Key Person of the Year, and the Howard Cogan Tourism Award.
Distinguished Business of the Year is being awarded to Warren Real Estate, for more than 70 years, Warren Real Estate has been a trusted name in local real estate and a pillar of the Tompkins County business community. What began in 1953 with Ann Warren—one of the area’s first women Realtors—has grown into a multigenerational, family-owned business that continues to lead with integrity, professionalism, and heart.
Today, under the leadership of Bryan Warren, the company includes over 185 agents across nine offices serving 13 counties throughout New York and Pennsylvania. In 2024 alone, Warren Real Estate surpassed $615 million in annual sales, leading the market in both average sale price and per-agent productivity.
But their impact extends far beyond business metrics. The company opened a new downtown Ithaca office this year, invested in solar power, and donated to more than 50 local nonprofits. These efforts reflect a deep and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community well-being, and economic vitality.
Non-Profit of the Year is awarded to Love Living at Home, Love Living at Home (LLH) has made an extraordinary impact on Tompkins County through its grassroots, volunteer-powered model dedicated to helping older adults age in place with dignity, safety, and social connection. In just over eight years, LLH has supported more than 450 individuals, providing over 1,200 direct services annually through a dedicated network of over 100 volunteers and more than 200 members.
LLH exemplifies sound organizational practices and a deep commitment to community. From coordinating food insecurity initiatives that benefit local organizations and community pantries to maintaining a sponsored membership program that ensures 15% of its members receive services at no cost, LLH works to make its programs accessible to all.
More than a service provider, LLH is a connector. The organization links older adults with vital resources, offers virtual and in-person programs to build meaningful relationships, and takes intentional steps to combat the effects of social isolation.
Love Living at Home may be a relatively young nonprofit, but its impact is far-reaching. It stands as a powerful example of neighbors helping neighbors and building a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.
Entrepreneur of the Year is being awarded to Trade Design Build, Trade Design Build has become a standout presence in Tompkins County, offering a rare combination of architecture, construction, and custom woodwork. Their integrated approach allows them to thoughtfully guide clients from concept to completion, creating beautiful and functional spaces with exceptional attention to detail.
The team is known not only for the quality of their craftsmanship but for the care and patience they bring to every project. Thoughtful, kind, and deeply committed to service, they have earned the trust of clients and community members alike.
Grounded in integrity and driven by a strong sense of purpose, Trade Design Build continues to grow in all the right ways. They are expanding their team, portfolio, and impact while staying true to their values. We are proud to celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit, local leadership, and ongoing contributions to a vibrant Tompkins County economy.
The Noel Desch Key Person of the Year Award will be presented to Gladys Brangman, Gladys Brangman is a visionary business leader who has made an enduring impact on Tompkins County through her work building a more inclusive and equitable business community. As the founder and CEO of Business Leaders of Color (BLOC), she created a space where overlooked and underrepresented entrepreneurs are not only supported but seen, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.
BLOC is more than a network. It is a movement for social justice in commerce. Its members are committed to reshaping systems and leveling the playing field so that all business owners have the chance to succeed. Under Gladys’ leadership, BLOC continues to grow in reach and relevance, building meaningful connections and creating pathways to opportunity.
With clarity of purpose and unwavering dedication, Gladys’ work has made a significant and lasting impact on the Tompkins County community.
The Howard Cogan Tourism Award, Rick Manning has spent decades shaping Tompkins County into a place that welcomes everyone to explore, connect, and enjoy. His work has elevated the experience of both visitors and residents by transforming public spaces and expanding access to the natural and cultural assets that make our region special.
As a key leader in the creation of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, Rick helped establish one of the area’s most beloved recreational resources—connecting people to the lake, to each other, and to the heart of Ithaca. Through his leadership with Friends of Stewart Park, he championed the development of the park’s accessible playground and year-round public restrooms, making it more inclusive and family-friendly for all seasons.
Rick’s impact extends beyond trails and parks. As the founder of Winter Village Music Camp and organizer of Music on the Trail, he’s helped infuse our landscape with music, gathering community through shared cultural experiences.
Rick’s vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit reflect the very best of what this award represents. His years of service have not only strengthened our tourism offerings but have also left a lasting legacy of joy, accessibility, and connection.
The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau proudly applaud these outstanding honorees for their ongoing contributions to the vitality, resilience, and quality of life in Tompkins County.
|
|