The Fab5 Young Professional Celebration highlights the achievements and impact of young professionals, aged 21 to 40, who are excelling in their fields and making an impact in Tompkins County.
This year, the Fab5 Committee sought young professionals who have been able to shine and excel despite the unprecedented challenges our community has faced. The committee received a historic number of nominations for individuals who did remarkable things this past year.
Two additional awards were also added this year; an Essential Worker Hero award was created to recognize a young professional who was considered essential throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and an Above and Beyond award was added to recognize an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to our community.
Tompkins Connect is pleased to announce the winners of the 6th Annual Fab5 Young Professional Awards, sponsored by the Tompkins Trust Company. Join us in congratulating this year's winners:
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Not-for-Profit Leader of the Year - Johanna Anderson, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, for her remarkable leadership during this challenging time.
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Business Leader of the Year - Patrick Blackman, Coltivare, for his inspiring leadership to the Coltivare staff, TC3 students, and Ithaca community.
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Rookie of the Year - Ben Sandberg, The History Center in Tompkins County, for his creativity and commitment as a new leader of The History Center during this challenging year.
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Entrepreneur of the Year - Olivia Ashline-Royale, Easy Living Hats, for her exceptional entrepreneurship and dedication to supporting the Ithaca community.
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Volunteer of the Year - Juliana Garcia, Mutual Aid Tompkins, for her contributions towards developing the Tompkins County Mutual Aid response, with the help of her team.
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Essential Worker Hero Award - Emily Mallar, Cayuga Health Partners, for her exceptional efforts of providing rapid medical communications throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling the medical community to reduce the number of hospitalizations and Emergency Room visits.
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Above and Beyond Award - Melissa Madden, PressBay Food Hub, for her work in bringing fresh, local food to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
All members of the community are invited to honor and celebrate these young professionals at the free virtual 2021 Fab5 Young Professional Awards Celebration on Thursday, March 4, 2021 from 6:00 to 7:30pm.
The event will be live-streamed via YouTube with a watch party option via Zoom for those who would like to virtually attend and chat with other guests in attendance. Additionally, there will be a special signature Fab5 cocktail that can be purchased from Monks on the Commons and enjoyed at home while watching the event.
This year's FREE virtual event will include interviews with the winners so attendees can hear their stories and learn more about the work they've been doing in our community.
Featured Annual Events
Economic Summit
The Tompkins Chamber presents key local issues impacting local businesses and developers, policy issues impacting the business community, and local insights from participants in a national economic outlook survey. Partnering with Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED), the event includes important updates about our economy, workforce, upcoming projects, and strategies to move forward and achieve a sustainable economic recovery.
Annual Dinner & Awards
One of the premier business community events of the year, the Annual Meeting highlights the Chamber community and previews the goals and initiatives for the coming year. Come and celebrate the success of our business community and economic development with hundreds of local leaders and elected officials! Join us as we raise a glass to the companies, not-for-profits, and volunteers who partner with us to help our community thrive.
Golf Tournament
This day on the green combines top-notch golf with valuable networking and advertising opportunities. Held at one of the County’s finest and professionally-rated golf courses. Staggered start golf tournament with several prizes, including skins. Lunch and beverages provided.
Great Big Chamber Auction
See and be seen by the region’s top business executives and small business owners. The Great Big Chamber Thank You & Auction holds tremendous value to our sponsors, donors, and attendees as it is one of our most highly publicized and attended events. The Great Big Chamber Auction portion helps underwrite the events and programs that support our Chamber members. Traditional silent and live auction, networking, and nonprofit recognition awards.