McKenzie, Nelson receive awards for projects

McKenzie received the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for his new micro distillery, Finger Lakes Distilling, that is being built in Burdett.  He was looking for a place in the Finger Lakes to build the distillery and once he chose Schuyler County, SCOPED and Schuyler County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) helped McKenzie obtain loans.  McKenzie said that they hopes to start production in a few months.

Nelson was awarded the “Developer of the Year” for his work on the Montour House.  His company, Nelson Development Group, is restoring the historic building in Montour Falls for commercial and residential use.

Some of the outgoing SCOPED board members were also honored, including Liz Stamp who was board president for 2008.  Norrie Cornelius gave a speech about Stamp and all of her contributions to the community saying “home is where the Liz is because Liz is never there.”

Craig Rust, new board president and president of Watkins Glen International, said that SCOPED would be applying for another Main Street Grant in the spring for waterfront development in Watkins Glen.