The Peru Gazette

From the North County Chamber of Commerce

Updated with additional information 3/18/21 Plattsburgh – 3/17/2021 – The North Country Chamber of Commerce has been hosting the St.Patrick’s Day event for more than 60 years. After a rough 2020, we came back this year– virtually, but that did not stop us from some IrishShenanigans!

This special event honors the Irish person of the Year, a tradition based on the dedication of volunteerism, whether in business, community, or civic activities…or a combination of any of these. This year the Chamber honored Bob Smith as Irishman of the Year. A well-deserved recipient who has proven his dedication and support to the North Country for many, many years.

For those of you who don’t know Bob Smith, he has been an incredible leader in our community for more than 45 years. He is the owner of Nine Platt Hospitality group, which includes Best Western Plus – Plattsburgh, and the former Ground Round. He has been active for years in charitable and services organizations. Beyond that, he was one of the leaders in developing and advocating for the Clinton County Occupancy tax. If you need a hand Bob is there! As he liked to say, “There is no right way to do the wrong thing!”

He is married to the love of his life, Diane and they have 3 kids, Lindsey, Kristen and Michael, as well as 5 grandchildren. And we would be remised if we did not mention his adorable furchild, Quincy, a 100lb Bernadoodle. He credits his success to his family, especially his wife, Diane, his staff, including his COO and all-around right arm Julie Kramer and his father for teaching him the value of community. Fun fact, Bob’s father was also named Irishperson of the year in 1972, so this is one of the few Father & Son Irishperson duos.

Amidst a pandemic, the Chamber had to once again go virtual but we wanted to ensure an entertaining event – not just your typical webinar with a guy at the podium! Sponsors were supportive of our change of plans (THANK YOU!) and we were thrilled to host this annual event. A reimagined event with Matt Boire at the helm channeling his best “TonightShow” host impression and commanding the room (or camera) for an hour of merriment. Then we left it in the capable hands of Chris Boire who produced the show.

We appreciate everyone who joined this morning and we hope you were entertained and saw that virtual events don’t have to be boring! We could not have done this without the support of our sponsors: Dannemora Federal Credit Union (and thanks for the wine fridge!)

CDPHP

Kavanaugh Realty (Thanks for the wine!)

Boire Benner Group

We must give a special extra shout out to Matt Boire, for going along with us as we reworked this event, he spent countless hours writing scripts and having a camera up close and personal, Kevin Killeen who although he thought he “retired” from this gig, came back out in full force to help, Deacon Mark Bennett for his blessing, Kelly Donoghue and Jay Lesage for the rendition of Danny Boy, Matt Spiegel and his team at Olive Ridley’s, Adam Crosley and Gaelen Trombley for their singing abilities, as well as Chris and Jacob at Boire Benner Group who transformed the chaos into reality!

We cannot thank everyone enough for their continued support – your Chamber team appreciates it!