Dave Koebelin Receives Award
Dave Koeblin Receives Award
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce Honors Koeblin with Presidential Award
OLEAN - Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce established a new award in 2018 as a part of its Annual Dinner - the Chamber’s Presidential Award. The Presidential Award is given to a business, organization or individual that is iconic and integral to the fabric of the business community in the greater Olean area. Recipients are selected by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
This year’s award goes to David J. Koebelin.
“David is recognized for his impactful and meaningful service as a volunteer, an elected official and an employee that fosters the community well-being in the greater Olean area,” stated Jason Crisafulli. The Chamber’s Board of Directors, headed by Mr. Crisafulli, Board President, unanimously awarded this prestigious accolade to Mr. Koebelin. Crisafulli continued, “David doesn’t do this for recognition, but his service is worthy of recognition.”
David will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner along with Colleen Taggerty and the Community Care of Western New York. The Chamber’s 117th Annual Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, November 2nd at the Old Library, with the informal reception at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:15pm. Event tickets are $55, patron tickets are $70, with a corporate table of 8 for $600.
David Koebelin’s professional career extended 35 years with Cutco. He retired recently as the Vice President of Human Resources. During his professional career, he mentored colleagues and was an instructor at both JCC Olean and St. Bonaventure University, teaching human resources management and Employee and Labor Relations courses.
He is often asked to assist boards in the community with recruiting and personnel matters. He is called upon frequently to be a guest speaker at high schools and colleges. During his lectures and speeches, he encourages youth on the importance of volunteerism and shares his experiences and gratefulness to live and work in Olean.
While David’s professional accomplishments are certainly impressive, the leadership and dedication he has shown to his community is even more extraordinary. The United Way of Olean was where he began his volunteer efforts and served the organization well for 15 years as a solicitor, board member and president (twice). David was the campaign chair for the United Way four times - 3 times in a row. This was unheard of at the time and rare to this day.
He served 10+ years as a board member and in officer positions, including president (twice) for the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce.
David served on the board of the Olean Food Pantry and served as president (twice). Other boards that he has volunteered for include Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, the Industrial Management Council, the Olean Business Development Corporation, Olean Business Improvement Association and the Cattaraugus-Allegany Workforce Investment Board.
Being a member, director, president and even a Lt. Governor for the Kiwanis Club of Olean for 28 years demonstrates his passion for wanting to serve his community. His leadership and professional qualifications were called upon by his community when he was elected to serve on the Town Council for the Town of Allegany, serving eight years.
David’s education began with Jamestown Community College in Jamestown with achieving his associate degree in Business Administration. At St. Bonaventure University, he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management Sciences and master’s degree in Professional Leadership.
He recalls that his first volunteering for the Chamber was at the 1979 Chamber Clambake (when it was held at the Castle Restaurant). Mark Hendrix and David worked the golf contest throwing back golf balls at the hole-in-one challenge.
In one of the many nomination forms that were turned in to support David, his wife, Cathy Koebelin wrapped up the main reason why her husband was chosen: “In addition to all that has been mentioned, David is a very kind and caring person that goes out of way to help others. He truly loves Olean and the opportunities that are available in our community.”
The inaugural Presidential Award went to Portville mainstay Red’s and Trudy’s, with the Olean Family YMCA, Eric Garvin and AnnMarie Wright as past year’s recipients. For more information on the dinner or other GOACC programs, please contact the office at 716-372-4433 or email info@oleanny.com.