To the Editor:

The Guilderland Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner celebrated so many deserving award winners last week, on June 3, it’s hard to single any one out. But, I did want to pay special tribute to three award winners.

The Small Business Person of the Year award went to James Murray. Imagine the changes, and the challenges, he has seen in his 40-plus years in the insurance business. In a very humble speech, Jim gave the credit for the Murray Group’s success to the people he has hired, some of them family. He demonstrated once again no person can be a great leader unless he takes genuine joy in the successes of those who work for him (or her).

Ed and Shirley Frank received the chamber’s Award of Merit for the remarkable work they have done with Choices 301. Their organization has placed a laser focus on the importance of safe driving. It has undoubtedly saved many lives. They have dedicated the effort to the memory of their only child, which remains a heartbreaking twist to their story. Yet, it is also an inspirational account of creating much good out of tragedy.

It was a night that made me proud of Guilderland and reminded us once again our greatest assets are the values of the people who live here.

Mark Grimm

Guilderland

Editor’s note: Mark Grimm is the Republican candidate for the Albany County Legislature’s 29th District.