The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation recently announced Michael Metzger as its 2021 John D. Hamilton Community Service Award recipient. Submitted photo

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation recently announced Michael D. Metzger as this year’s John D. Hamilton Community Service Award recipient. A reception celebrating Metzger is scheduled for September 24 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.

The Community Foundation has annually presented its John D. Hamilton Community Service Award since 1994 to recognize an individual’s dedication, leadership and support in furthering community spirit and enhancing the quality of life in the region. It is named for John Hamilton, in appreciation of his tireless efforts and leadership throughout the community.

“We are honored that our first public event since COVID, is an opportunity to celebrate Mike and his decades of service to our community,” said Tory Irgang, Community Foundation executive director.

A Rochester native, Metzger, and his wife, Marge, moved to Chautauqua County when he was assigned to Bauch & Laumb’s Jamestown office. What was only supposed to be a temporary assignment turned into a 38-year residency that allowed his passion for community service to grow.

One of his first volunteer roles was as a write-in candidate for the Bemus Point Central School District Board of Education. Since then, he has served as a leader for several local organizations including, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, American Red Cross of Southwestern New York, Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier and The Resource Center.

Currently, Metzger is a Chautauqua Institution Board of Trustees member, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Investment Committee member; County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors chairman; and INSYTE Board of Directors member.

Most notably of all Metzger’s volunteer roles has been his involvement with Junior Achievement of Western New York. For over 25 years, Metzger has taught the Junior Achievement Economics for Success program to eighth-grade students at Falconer Central School. He has arranged tours of local businesses for students, helped them develop resumes, and even staged mock interviews between students and employees of local businesses.

In 2013, Metzger was named to the Junior Achievement of WNY Chautauqua County Advisory Committee, to help create strategies to engage more local schools, volunteers and funders.

“Mike is a shining example of what a community leader should be,” said Peter Stark, John D. Hamilton Community Service Award committee chair. “We are grateful that Mike and Marge chose to make Chautauqua County home all those years ago. In that time, he has used expertise from his professional career and his dedication for helping others to better our community and support and encourage residents of all ages.”

Professionally, Metzger has worked for more than 30 years in the private sector. He currently serves as Vice President for Finance and Administration at Fredonia. Previously he was Vice President and Strategic Advisor for Blackstone Advanced Technologies LLC, President of Blackstone Business Enterprises, Chief Financial Officer for Acu-Rite Companies and Comptroller for Bauch & Laumb.

The reception honoring Metzger is scheduled for Friday, September 24 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the award presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event will be available for purchase starting August 16.

For more information on the event, including how to purchase tickets or to send Metzger a congratulatory message, visit crcfonline.org/metzger or contact the Foundation at (716) 661-3390.