ONEONTA _ Anyone wanting to know what was great about the county only had to look at the award recipients at the Otsego County Chamber dinner on Friday, said chamber president and chief executive officer Rob Robinson.
About 285 people came to the Hunt Union Ballroom at the State University College at Oneonta to honor former state Supreme Court Judge Robert A. Harlem and Cooperstown's Otesaga Resort Hotel at the annual dinner.
The strong support each recipient has in the community brought out about 25 more people than last year, Robinson said, which in the current economy is quite a statement.
Harlem received this year's Eugene A. Bettiol Jr. Distinguished Citizen award from Eugene Bettiol Sr.
He told Harlem that all the good things he has done "will travel a long time," as they continue to influence others.
Harlem was elected Otsego County and surrogate court judge in 1972. He was nominated for state Supreme Court in 1978 and subsequently elected to serve the Sixth Judicial District, retiring from the bench in 1991.
In 1955, he incorporated the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club and has served on its board.
Harlem said all the praise he has received from the award was "difficult to handle."
But "the award does not go to a man, but to a community," he said.
He praised all those who have shown him how to appreciate life. "You enjoy being with people who are doing things to help people," he said.
In presenting a resolution from the state legislature, Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, said, "we honor you for your service. You truly are a distinguished citizen."
The NBT Bank Distinguished Business of the Year award was presented to the Otesaga by bank Senior Vice President Jamie Reynolds.
With 135 guest rooms and 9 conference rooms, "it has attracted thousands annually from around the globe, providing lasting memories," he said.
Area assemblymen also presented John Irwin, the general manager, with state commendations.
In calling the Otesaga "an economic engine for the area," Reynolds noted the 100 years of continuous ownership by the Clark family.
Irwin accepted the award on behalf of Jane Forbes Clark and all the employees.
"We appreciate it and consider it a great honor, he said. "We strive to create a feeling of family."
This is made easier by having so many employees with the hotel for more than a decade, he said.
"We will try to live up to the ideals of this award for another hundred years," he said.
