01/17/04
Chamber gives annual awards
CVPH, PARC, Alexander, Dorrance, Hockney feted

By DAN HEATH Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce saluted top area businesses at its 92nd-annual dinner Friday night.

Area business leaders celebrated with "An Evening in the Orient" as the chamber presented its 2003 awards:

The Small Business of the Year Award went to Aird Dorrance Inc. of Morrisonville.

Barbara, Sheila and Frank Dorrance accepted the award on behalf of the plumbing, heating and industrial supply company founded by Aird and Barbara Dorrance in 1960. Their son, Frank, and his wife, Sheila, joined the ownership team in 1995.

"This is a very special award to us, and a fitting tribute to Aird," Sheila said, speaking of her father-in-law, who died in December. "He loved the North Country and had the vision to start the business here."

The company employs 27 people, including bath and kitchen showroom consultants with a total of 335 years of experience. "With several employees with more than 18 years of service, it’s also a recognition of our staff. Their experience, hard work, professionalism and loyalty have allowed us to become what we are today," Sheila said.

In presenting the award, the chamber recognized the Dorrance family’s commitment to community service, including work on the CVPH Medical Center Board of Directors, the Clinton Community College Board of Directors, support for local Boy and Girl Scouts and participation in Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Committee events.