ARCC Celebrates Robert Nemer as 35th Annual Juckett Award Honoree
On Friday, March 8th, 2024, The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) presented the annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award to Robert Nemer.
Originally created in 1988, the award honors someone who “demonstrates a fierce commitment and hands on dedication to the betterment of our community,” explained Amanda Blanton, ARCC Vice President, Marketing and Communications. J. Walter Juckett himself was an inspiring individual who participated in a variety of civic, charitable, religious, political, business, and educational activities, and received many honors for his work.
This year, the event was hosted at the Sagamore Resort, where guests enjoyed dinner, live music, and of course recognized Nemer’s accomplishments and service to the community.
Nemer moved to Upstate New York from Philadelphia – where he was an elementary school teacher – in 1970, to help his father run his Volkswagen dealership in Albany. He partnered with his brother Peter to establish the Nemer Motor Group in 1971, which currently includes four dealerships.
Through his business, he has made several contributions to Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital, and the Hudson Headquarters Health Network. He and his wife, Francine, have also donated their own money and time to these health centers.
Nemer is also a founding member of the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition, Inc. that was responsible for the acquisition of the Cool Insuring Arena, then known as the Glens Falls Civic Center: “He played a pivotal role in not only saving the arena, but also saving the hockey team multiple times,” said Blanton.
Additionally, partnering with The Post Star and the Tri-County United Way, Nemer started the Kids with Packs Program. Every year, he collects hundreds of backpacks that get filled with school supplies. The backpacks are then donated to children in need throughout 14 schools in Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and other counties.
Nemer also serves as a board member for the Hudson Headwaters Health Network, and the SUNY Adirondack Foundation. He is an active member of the Lake George Association, serving on the Council of Business Advisors.
Furthermore, he is a founding member of LG30, which is a select group of donors that are committed to the LGA mission of protecting and safeguarding Lake George. Nemer also frequently invests in the LGA’s Science-to-Solutions programs.
All of the above achievements, and many more, made Nemer the obvious recipient for the 35th J. Walter Juckett award. The ceremony began with an introduction from ARCC Board Chair Marc Yrsha, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company. ARCC President and CEO Tricia Rogers then said a few words about Nemer and introduced the following: U.S. Senator Dan Stec, N.Y.S. Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, N.Y.S. Assemblyman Matthew Simpson, and constituent liaison for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Josh Williams. Each person talked about Nemer’s accomplishments and presented their proclamations to him.
The ceremony concluded with Nemer’s friend James Towne, who gave a speech reminiscing on his friendship with Nemer and personally presented the award to him. Following the ceremony was a night of celebration for all Nemer has accomplished: “Our community really came together to support a wonderful man. The energy in the room was like no other. A huge thank you to the Sagamore Resort, our sponsors, Mr. Nemer, and our community for a truly special night,” said Rogers.