Universities Establish Oneonta Inclusive Business Award

By WRILEY NELSON
ONEONTA

SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College honored five organizations with the inaugural Oneonta Inclusive Business Award at a ceremony on May 9. Students, faculty and staff from both colleges were invited to vote for their choices from a pool of 18 businesses nominated by campus-wide surveys. In order to be nominated, a business had to provide “exceptional service to diverse populations, treat customers with utmost respect and civility, and go above and beyond in meeting the needs of its diverse customers,” a release said.

Wise Guys Sammy’s, Social Eats Café, Oneonta Boys and Girls Club, Boba Yaga and King’s Kakery Pastry Shop each received the award at SUNY Oneonta’s Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence.

“I was very honored and humbled to have received this award for practicing diversity and inclusion in my bakery,” said Allison King of King’s Kakery. “It makes me very proud to know that our community, both college students and locals, feels that our business is inclusive to all. For us, that simply starts with a kind greeting as soon as you walk through our door.”

Bob Escher, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club, said, “We appreciate this recognition from Hartwick and SUNY Oneonta. All kids ages 6-16 are welcomed here free of charge, which is something we are very grateful for. Creating a community that raises strong, kind, confident kids is why we are here.”

Nathanial Roberts of Boba Yaga added, “This award is particularly special to us because it was nominated and voted on by college students in our community. Your support means the world to us, and we are so grateful for the recognition.”

The Inclusive Business Award is the result of collaborative efforts by SUNY Oneonta’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, subcommittees of the President’s Council, and Hartwick College’s Offices of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and Human Resources, Inclusion and Compliance. Both universities said they aimed to foster participation in the wider Oneonta community.

“The role of businesses and organizations in fostering a sense of belonging within a community cannot be over-emphasized,” said SUNY Oneonta Chief Diversity Officer Bernadette Tiapo. “To build a thriving and more vibrant community, it is important that our students and employees, as well as residents and visitors to Oneonta feel welcome and supported by the local businesses and organizations.”

A new call for nominations will be sent to both campus communities each spring.

“We’re very excited that this recognition will become an annual tradition,” said Hartwick College Vice President for Human Resources, Inclusion and Compliance Suzanne Janitz. “We want people from all walks of life, including our students, staff, and faculty, to feel comfortable and welcomed in Oneonta.”