Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award

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 71^st 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.

At the heart of outstanding community leadership is a clear, compelling vision. Suzie Renzi-Falge points out that Beth is able to see beyond the present challenges and imagine a future where our community is thriving. She has the foresight to identify problems before they become crises and the strategic mindset to devise solutions that will benefit all members of the community. Her vision is not self-serving but oriented toward the collective welfare, aiming to create a lasting, positive change. Take, for example, her current work with Planned Parenthood, Rotary, and her church. She is always advocating for education reform, sustainability initiatives, or healthcare access. She understands the importance of a long-term commitment to progress. Beth's vision helps to unite our community around common goals, and she motivates people to invest their time, skills, and resources 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.”