Rhinebeck Area Chamber of Commerce announces annual dinner

The event features political leaders who present updates from a government perspective, and recognizes a local business/community member who goes above and beyond to contribute positively to the area.

The 2020 Good Egg recipient is Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation’s Colleen Cruikshank, whose contributions to the Rhinebeck landscape reach far and wide. The award recipient is chosen by the Rhinebeck Chamber board of directors each year, and selected based on an individual’s significant presence in making a difference.

Doors open for the event at 5:30 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. and a sit down dinner at 7 p.m.; there will be a cash bar. A brief summary of the business climate will be addressed as it relates to Rhinebeck and the Hudson Valley, providing an opportunity for business leaders and the general public to hear firsthand the “state of Rhinebeck.”

Participants will address issues relevant to the community. Invited guests include Rhinebeck Village Mayor Gary Bassett, a representative from the Rhinebeck town board and the Rhinebeck Central School District board. The event is open to chamber members ($85) and non-members ($95); sponsorships and program ad placements are available.

A focal point of the evening is the Good Egg presentation, which will be given by Rhinebeck Chamber Board President Philip Meltzer to honoree Cruikshank. A resident of Rhinebeck since 1996, Cruikshank has held and continues to hold numerous active posts in the community. Her local career began as a manager at Southlands Foundation, and later as executive director of the Rhinebeck Chamber (where she co-established the Good Egg Award honor).

She joined the Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation in 2015, where she is involved in growing the hospital and its services through philanthropy. Her current affiliations include work with the Frost Memorial Fund, and board seats at Dutchess Tourism Inc. and the Dutchess County Planning Board. Other past volunteer roles include Astor Services for Children & Families, Brookmeade Community Foundation board, Rhinebeck Crew Inc. board and Culture Connect.

“I was really honored when my dear friend, colleague and chamber E.D. Carolyn Bernitt shared the good news,” Cruikshank said. “I look forward to celebrating with my family and friends that evening,” she adds. The Good Egg trophy is a colorful purple-hued glass sculpture designed and created by local artist Tom Stoenner.

To learn more about the dinner and sponsorship and ad opportunities, visit http://rhinebeckchamber.com, email rhinebeckchamber@gmail.com or call 845-876-5904.