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Potsdam Chamber of Commerce to honor CPH president and Hankfest founder at annual award ceremony

Posted 10/22/13

POTSDAM – The president of Canton-Potsdam Hospital will receive the 2013 Potsdam Chamber of Commerce “Commitment to the Community Award” for encouraging collaboration with other healthcare …

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Potsdam Chamber of Commerce to honor CPH president and Hankfest founder at annual award ceremony

Posted

POTSDAM – The president of Canton-Potsdam Hospital will receive the 2013 Potsdam Chamber of Commerce “Commitment to the Community Award” for encouraging collaboration with other healthcare providers and expanding and improving medical services.

The award will be presented to CEO David Acker at the chamber’s annual dinner on Nov. 13.

The chamber will also honor Greg Bouchard, founder of the annual Hankfest musical event, with the Outstanding Citizen Award for his contributions to the community.

According to a release issued by the chamber, Acker has placed the health of the Canton-Potsdam area at “center stage.”

“He is a respected leader in the forefront of discussions encouraging collaboration among other North Country hospitals and health providers with the goal to improve delivery of health care services to meet the needs of the region,” the release said.

Acker’s vision to improve the health care provided in the community can be seen in the construction of the Center for Cancer Care, the Helen Snell Cheel Medical Campus at 49 Lawrence Avenue, the renovations of the EJ Noble building in Canton, and collaborations with local colleges in research, CPA and PT programs, and nursing programs, the release said.

The subsequent effect on the community is new residents, job growth, and a more financially stable health care provider.

Acker serves on the boards of the North Country Healthcare Providers and Northern New York Healthcare Association and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

He has ensured the hospital sends representatives to (and supports) the St. Lawrence Health Initiative and the Potsdam Educational Opportunities Fund, the release said.

Acker has encouraged CPH to sponsor local sports activities for children, host activities at the hospital for kids such as a Halloween and holiday party, sponsor collegiate and community sports venues, and the Fire Department’s fund drive for a new ladder truck.

Bouchard, who is also being honored is best known as the creator of Hankfest, an annual music event in Potsdam that celebrate country music while raising money for a local charity.

The event grew out of the love his parents and he had for country music, specifically Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline. It has raised funds for a variety of local charities including the American Red Cross, The Warner Cancer Treatment Center, Potsdam Humane Society, Hospice, The Birthplace at CPH, Boys & Girls Club of Ogdensburg, and Cerebral Palsy Assoc. of the North Country.

He is also a member of the Potsdam Kiwanis Club, and serves on the Potsdam Chamber Events & Festivals Committee. He also helps call bingo for the senior residents at Debra Drive, and is always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Greg visits many Potsdam merchants on a weekly if not daily basis. “His visiting is just another way for Greg to show his interest and caring for the community. He always asks how you and your family are.”

The Potsdam Chamber dinner is Nov. 13 with a mixer at 6 and dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Cheel Center Barben Room at Clarkson University.

Reservations can be made by contacting the chamber office, 315-274-9000 by Nov. 1.