Oneida Chamber lauds KEYS, Worthy, Gustafson & Wargo

VERNON — KEYS Kid Ambassador Alayah Green, 10, is a "cancer warrior, a survivor and a thriver," complimented KEYS Program Executive Director Colleen Bennett. "Every year we've had one of our KEYS Kids who personifies hope and inspiration and the face of our KEYS Kids," Bennett said. "Alayah's story is amazing.

" Bennett welcomed Alayah to join her in front of the audience Saturday as KEYS — an Oneida-based outreach providing musical therapy to children facing life-threatening illnesses — received the Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Distinguished Service Award. Alayah said she became a part of the KEYS outreach in kindergarten when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Now cancer free, she said she was so touched by the comfort KEYS gave her that she now wants to help other youngsters the same way.



"If you have heard anything over the years about the KEYS Program, you will know that they are all about the smiles," Alayah said, prompting teary smiles from the audience. "I am just one of those thousands, if not millions, of smiles they have impacted over the last 30 or more years." The chamber's Annual Awards Dinner was held at the Vernon Downs Hotel and Casino.

Government dignitaries offering their own kudos to the award recipients included United States Rep. Brandon Williams, state Sen. Joseph Griffo, state Assemblyman Brian Miller and Oneida City Mayor Rick Rossi.

Dinner music was performed by local keyboardist Aaron Velardi. The Longevity Award recognized CPA firm Gustafson and Wargo, 25-year Chamber members with offices in Utica and Canastota. And they are not just great accountants, but a great sounding board when needed and great friends, said Chamber Vice President Rachel Siderine.

The New Business Award went to Worthy, the Oneida boutique that empowers every shopper by offering luxury brands at affordable prices. "It is not just a boutique but a place where a woman can walk in and leave feeling beautiful," said Chamber President Sara Reinhardt. For more information on the Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce, visit www.

OneidaChamberNY.org ..