BETH LINDERMAN NAMED AS THE 71st ISRAEL A. SHAPIRO CITIZENSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
Dec 18, 2024 01:58PM ● By Nicole Petrus
Watertown, NY – The Greater Watertown – North Country Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce
the 2024 Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award recipient, Beth A. Linderman. This is the 71st annual Shapiro
award proudly presented by the GWNC Chamber of Commerce.
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.
Outstanding community leadership starts with a clear, compelling vision, and Beth exemplifies this perfectly. As Suzie Renzi-Falge highlights, Beth has the ability to see beyond present challenges and imagine a future where our community is thriving. She has the foresight to identify problems before they escalate into crises and the strategic mindset to devise solutions that benefit all members of the community.
Beth’s vision is never self-serving; instead, it is focused on the collective welfare, aiming to create a lasting, positive change. For example, her work with Planned Parenthood, Rotary, and her church showcases her advocacy for education reform, sustainability initiatives, and healthcare access. She understands the importance of a long-term commitment to progress. By uniting our community around shared goals, Beth motivates people to invest their time, skills, and resources to toward achieving those goals.
“When a leader leads with their heart, holds strong to their values and never ever compromises their integrity, they provide an example from which we may all learn. Beth Linderman is that kind of leader.” - Denise Young
Great community leaders are often the ones who put the needs of others before their own. Beth demonstrates selflessness through her actions and their willingness to dedicate time, energy, and resources to the betterment of our community. Her leadership is not driven by personal gain, but by a genuine desire to improve the lives of others and our community as a whole. Beth is a selfless leader who often works behind the scenes, organizing events, securing resources, and encouraging others to contribute in any way they can. She shows up when needed, whether it's helping with a community cleanup, volunteering at church, or offering mentorship to a young person. Her dedication is infectious, inspiring others to join in and contribute.
When there is a community in need, Carolyn Osborne shares that “Beth steps up and serves with both enthusiasm and distinction. She has already improved life in Watertown with her volunteerism and will continue to do so in the finest tradition of Shapiro Award Recipients.”
Rev. Dr. Andrew Long remarks that Beth is a “powerful and important voice at decision-making tables because of her ability to listen, discern carefully, and consider who a given decision will impact.” Denise Young echoes in these praises noting “every service that Beth provides is with a clear and heartfelt purpose to improve the quality of life of others through service.”
The award will be formally presented at a dinner hosted by the Greater Watertown–North Country Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in the Banquet Room at Faichney Drive Business Complex. Reservations can be made by online at www.watertownny.com or by contacting the GWNC Chamber of Commerce at during business hours at (315) 788-4400.
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.
Outstanding community leadership starts with a clear, compelling vision, and Beth exemplifies this perfectly. As Suzie Renzi-Falge highlights, Beth has the ability to see beyond present challenges and imagine a future where our community is thriving. She has the foresight to identify problems before they escalate into crises and the strategic mindset to devise solutions that benefit all members of the community.
Beth’s vision is never self-serving; instead, it is focused on the collective welfare, aiming to create a lasting, positive change. For example, her work with Planned Parenthood, Rotary, and her church showcases her advocacy for education reform, sustainability initiatives, and healthcare access. She understands the importance of a long-term commitment to progress. By uniting our community around shared goals, Beth motivates people to invest their time, skills, and resources to toward achieving those goals.
“When a leader leads with their heart, holds strong to their values and never ever compromises their integrity, they provide an example from which we may all learn. Beth Linderman is that kind of leader.” - Denise Young
Great community leaders are often the ones who put the needs of others before their own. Beth demonstrates selflessness through her actions and their willingness to dedicate time, energy, and resources to the betterment of our community. Her leadership is not driven by personal gain, but by a genuine desire to improve the lives of others and our community as a whole. Beth is a selfless leader who often works behind the scenes, organizing events, securing resources, and encouraging others to contribute in any way they can. She shows up when needed, whether it's helping with a community cleanup, volunteering at church, or offering mentorship to a young person. Her dedication is infectious, inspiring others to join in and contribute.
When there is a community in need, Carolyn Osborne shares that “Beth steps up and serves with both enthusiasm and distinction. She has already improved life in Watertown with her volunteerism and will continue to do so in the finest tradition of Shapiro Award Recipients.”
Rev. Dr. Andrew Long remarks that Beth is a “powerful and important voice at decision-making tables because of her ability to listen, discern carefully, and consider who a given decision will impact.” Denise Young echoes in these praises noting “every service that Beth provides is with a clear and heartfelt purpose to improve the quality of life of others through service.”
The award will be formally presented at a dinner hosted by the Greater Watertown–North Country Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in the Banquet Room at Faichney Drive Business Complex. Reservations can be made by online at www.watertownny.com or by contacting the GWNC Chamber of Commerce at during business hours at (315) 788-4400.
