Richard Adie, managing director of Cornell University’s Statler Hotel from 2002 until his retirement in 2018, received the Howard Cogan Tourism Award from the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce March 28 at Ithaca College’s Emerson Suites.

Named after the creator of the iconic “Ithaca Is Gorges” slogan, the Howard Cogan Award recognizes leaders in the community who have helped to create programs and tourism-related products that strengthen Ithaca’s reputation as a vibrant and unique destination.

Adie served on the Tompkins County Strategic Tourism Planning Board from 2009-14 and as chair from 2013-14. He received numerous awards during his career; most recently he was honored by the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association in 2017 as Outstanding General Manager (of hotels with 151 rooms or more).

The Cogan award was one of five business and community recognition awards given at the chamber’s annual dinner and awards ceremony. Also awarded:

• Distinguished Business of the Year, to Ongweoweh, a top resource in the pallet industry;
• Nonprofit of the Year, to the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County;
• Entrepreneur of the Year, to Dan Smalls of concert promotion firm DSP Shows; and
• Key Person of the Year, to Frank Towner, president and CEO of the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County.