Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award

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.  Over the years, the award has been presented to many deserving individuals for their contributions and service to our community.

This prestigious award is made based on outstanding citizenship and outstanding contribution in civic or social welfare activity.  A panel of past Shapiro Award Recipients, members of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and esteemed community members review nominations in five key areas including outstanding citizenship, achievement, leadership, dedication, and motivation.

The 71st annual Shapiro award was presented to Beth A. Linderman. Mrs. Linderman was presented with the award on February 27, 2025. Beth is known 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 lasting and 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.

The community is once again invited to nominate a fellow community peer for this prestigious honor. Attention should be directed to those individuals who act in a volunteer capacity, with dedication and motivation to contribute without any thought of reward.  Entries must be made for an individual, 18 years or older and reside in Jefferson County.

The award will be formally presented at a dinner hosted by the Greater Watertown–North Country Chamber of Commerce on March 26, 2026, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Watertown.