40 Under Forty

Photo: Klineberg Photography

No doubt hosting Syracuse's 40 Under Forty event every November for the last 9 years has been such an honor. Every year three dedicated judges sift through many nominees to identify the 40 best to honor at this event at the Oncenter.

The Business Journal News Network works hard to celebrate people in the community who are making a difference. From a woman who has dedicated her life to working with the elderly to small business owners, lawyers, dot-com workers and more- this event aims to highlight many people from different backgrounds.

Jerry Klineberg of Klineberg Photography had fun meeting the honorees this year. They were asked to bring in an object that represented who they are- outside of their jobs. There were 2 dogs, a cat,  triathlon items, golf clubs and ipads. He said it was fun not knowing what was going to come through the door.

This is not a stuffy awards ceremony. We encourage people to cheer every time an honorees picture flashes up on the big screen. There is a lot of lively conversation and we live tweet!

Of course no event of this magnitude (more than 400 people attend!) can happen without sponsors and the presenting sponsor of Teracai and CXTec led the way for many supportive businesses- including my station YNN.

Photo: Klineberg Photography

A behind the scenes note--- you have to know I practice each honorees name several times! Imagine being responsible for saying 40 people's names correctly! It's overwhelming- and I know that the honoree and their supporter appreciates it when I get it right! It's thanks to the hard work of the woman who organizes it all! Joyl Clance is tasked with putting it all together- annnnd making sure I have a meticulous script filled with pronunciations. I have to say she does a stellar job!

If you'd like to see some of the behind the scenes pictures people tweeted look up the hash tag #40u40. While you're there be sure to follow me @JoDeeKenney and the Business Journal News Network @BizEventz. YNN Reporter Brad Vivacqua came out to cover the event as well. To see the news coverage of the event you can go to YNN's website HERE.