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The Greater Watertown ? North Country Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2023 Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award recipient, Carl McLaughlin.
The award was established by Arnold I. Shapiro to honor the memory of his father, a long-time business leader in the community. A director of the Chamber at the time of his father?s passing in 1952, Mr. Shapiro sensed a need in Watertown for a symbolic annual recognition of exceptional leadership on behalf of our city. This prestigious award is made on the basis of outstanding citizenship, achievement, leadership, dedication, and motivation. This is the 70th annual Shapiro award proudly presented by the GWNC Chamber of Commerce.
?Carl embodies all that the Shapiro Award represents,? Michelle Carpenter shares. ?His commitment to the betterment of our community is evident in all that he does. Whether serving on numerous boards, leading fundraising efforts, or simply volunteering, Carl has been a dedicated servant to our community for decades.?
?It takes all kinds of leaders and leadership styles to support any community and help enhance the quality of life for those that live there,? Kevin Jordan muses. ?Carl McLaughlin is a leader who quietly works behind the scenes, mentors those that work with him, allows other to be recognized for the work they do, takes a "cup half full" approach to dealing with challenges, and all the while providing the steady consistent underpinning necessary for community projects and initiatives to be successful. I applaud Carl's leadership style and unconditional commitment to the greater Fort Drum/Watertown community.?
Carl exemplifies the Rotary motto: ?Service Above Self?. A distinct sentiment echoed by Howie Ganter, Jeremiah Papineau, Dave Zembiec, Scott Weller, Anita Prather Harvell, Mark Prashun and others. His volunteerism, impressive professional career and dedicated efforts as a Rotarian are more than commendable. He has contributed greatly to numerous local non-profits for the betterment of our community. He has devoted countless hours as a board member, committee member, and volunteer for such organizations as: Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson Community College, Center for Community Studies, Neighbors of Watertown, North Country Arts Council, Samaritan Keep Home and Summit Village, Victims Assistance Center, Watertown Noon Rotary Club and Rotary International and WPBS.
Among his noteworthy experiences, it is Carl?s leadership role in Watertown's beloved Concert in the Park that truly exemplifies why he is so deserving of this Award. Concert in the Park has been a longstanding summer tradition in the City of Watertown, featuring the music of the Orchestra of Northern New York and a spectacular fireworks display. In 2017 when the Watertown Noon Rotary Club was asked to assist the City of Watertown in hosting the event for our community, Carl selflessly stepped forward to lead the way. He has not only played a large role in organizing the event each year but has also led the fundraising efforts necessary to ensure its sustainability for years to come. The event requires many months of preparation and coordination with numerous businesses and organizations. Carl devotes countless hours planning the event in partnership with the City of Watertown, Northern New York Community Foundation, Operation Yellow Ribbon, and Zoo New York.
Through his leadership and his respected ties to the community, The Watertown Noon Rotary Club raises nearly $30,000 each year. Without this funding, the event would not be possible. In the weeks leading up to Concert in the Park, Carl manages many of the event details himself and does a great deal of the leg work. The day of the event, Carl is at the center of it all, directing volunteers, answering a barrage of questions, and ensuring everyone is where they need to be. Although Concert in the Park is a team effort and a culmination of the work of many, it is Carl's leadership, his passion, and his commitment to serving our community that is the pillar of the event's success.
In addition to all he has helped to accomplish through his non-profit work, Carl's professional achievements have also greatly impacted the North Country community. Carl dedicated 32 years of his professional career to education administration, including 18 years as the Director of Personnel and Transportation for the Watertown City School District. Upon retirement, Carl became the Executive Director of the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization. During his 12-year tenure, Carl worked closely with the Command at Fort Drum and community leaders to successfully manage a 100% increase in the Soldier population at Fort Drum, along with a similar increase in dependents.
In 2010, Carl was awarded Fort Drum's Man of the Mountain Award, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Fort Drum and its integration into the North Country. He is also a Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army from 1967-1969 and was awarded the Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal for his service. His love for his Country and support of our military forces is evident.
The award was established by Arnold I. Shapiro to honor the memory of his father, a long-time business leader in the community. A director of the Chamber at the time of his father?s passing in 1952, Mr. Shapiro sensed a need in Watertown for a symbolic annual recognition of exceptional leadership on behalf of our city. This prestigious award is made on the basis of outstanding citizenship, achievement, leadership, dedication, and motivation. This is the 70th annual Shapiro award proudly presented by the GWNC Chamber of Commerce.
?Carl embodies all that the Shapiro Award represents,? Michelle Carpenter shares. ?His commitment to the betterment of our community is evident in all that he does. Whether serving on numerous boards, leading fundraising efforts, or simply volunteering, Carl has been a dedicated servant to our community for decades.?
?It takes all kinds of leaders and leadership styles to support any community and help enhance the quality of life for those that live there,? Kevin Jordan muses. ?Carl McLaughlin is a leader who quietly works behind the scenes, mentors those that work with him, allows other to be recognized for the work they do, takes a "cup half full" approach to dealing with challenges, and all the while providing the steady consistent underpinning necessary for community projects and initiatives to be successful. I applaud Carl's leadership style and unconditional commitment to the greater Fort Drum/Watertown community.?
Carl exemplifies the Rotary motto: ?Service Above Self?. A distinct sentiment echoed by Howie Ganter, Jeremiah Papineau, Dave Zembiec, Scott Weller, Anita Prather Harvell, Mark Prashun and others. His volunteerism, impressive professional career and dedicated efforts as a Rotarian are more than commendable. He has contributed greatly to numerous local non-profits for the betterment of our community. He has devoted countless hours as a board member, committee member, and volunteer for such organizations as: Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson Community College, Center for Community Studies, Neighbors of Watertown, North Country Arts Council, Samaritan Keep Home and Summit Village, Victims Assistance Center, Watertown Noon Rotary Club and Rotary International and WPBS.
Among his noteworthy experiences, it is Carl?s leadership role in Watertown's beloved Concert in the Park that truly exemplifies why he is so deserving of this Award. Concert in the Park has been a longstanding summer tradition in the City of Watertown, featuring the music of the Orchestra of Northern New York and a spectacular fireworks display. In 2017 when the Watertown Noon Rotary Club was asked to assist the City of Watertown in hosting the event for our community, Carl selflessly stepped forward to lead the way. He has not only played a large role in organizing the event each year but has also led the fundraising efforts necessary to ensure its sustainability for years to come. The event requires many months of preparation and coordination with numerous businesses and organizations. Carl devotes countless hours planning the event in partnership with the City of Watertown, Northern New York Community Foundation, Operation Yellow Ribbon, and Zoo New York.
Through his leadership and his respected ties to the community, The Watertown Noon Rotary Club raises nearly $30,000 each year. Without this funding, the event would not be possible. In the weeks leading up to Concert in the Park, Carl manages many of the event details himself and does a great deal of the leg work. The day of the event, Carl is at the center of it all, directing volunteers, answering a barrage of questions, and ensuring everyone is where they need to be. Although Concert in the Park is a team effort and a culmination of the work of many, it is Carl's leadership, his passion, and his commitment to serving our community that is the pillar of the event's success.
In addition to all he has helped to accomplish through his non-profit work, Carl's professional achievements have also greatly impacted the North Country community. Carl dedicated 32 years of his professional career to education administration, including 18 years as the Director of Personnel and Transportation for the Watertown City School District. Upon retirement, Carl became the Executive Director of the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization. During his 12-year tenure, Carl worked closely with the Command at Fort Drum and community leaders to successfully manage a 100% increase in the Soldier population at Fort Drum, along with a similar increase in dependents.
In 2010, Carl was awarded Fort Drum's Man of the Mountain Award, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Fort Drum and its integration into the North Country. He is also a Veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army from 1967-1969 and was awarded the Bronze Star and Good Conduct Medal for his service. His love for his Country and support of our military forces is evident.
Event Sponsors
Date and Time
Thursday Feb 8, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
Cocktail Hour 6:00pm
Presentation and Dinner 7:00pm
Cash Bar
Fees/Admission
$50 per person
$450 corporate table of 8
Payable in advance. Payment expected on all reservations unless canceled 72 hours prior to event. Seating is limited.
Contact Information
Kayla Jamieson, President & CEO
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