Receiving the Noel Desch Key Person of the Year Award stirred up a lot of emotions for me. There’s certainly pride in being recognized, but more than anything, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and even a bit of disbelief. The truth is, I feel like this community has done far more for me than I’ve done for it.
When my wife and I moved to Ithaca in 2022, the transition wasn’t as easy as I expected. Starting over in a new place after the pandemic came with a level of loneliness that caught me off guard. At the same time, I was going through a personal shift in my life. I had made the difficult decision to step away from people I had looked up to for years after experiencing repeated actions that caused a lot of pain. That decision left me feeling disconnected, not just from those relationships, but from the life I had known up to that point. I felt lost, unsure of what direction to take, and without clear examples to follow.
In the middle of that uncertainty, I made a simple but important decision. If I didn’t have strong examples to follow, I would start by doing the opposite of what I had seen before. That meant taking care of myself and being intentional about how I moved forward. I went to therapy, spent time reading and learning, and most importantly, I began showing up in the community. At first, it was just about being around people and trying to feel connected again. I attended events, volunteered when I could, and made an effort to be present.
Over time, something shifted. People started saying, “I see you everywhere,” but what stood out to me was that I was seeing them everywhere too. By consistently showing up, I began to meet incredible individuals who became role models, mentors, and friends. I found myself surrounded by people who were living out the idea of service above self in a way that felt genuine and consistent. Through my involvement with the Tompkins Chamber of Commerce and the Ithaca Rotary Club, I saw firsthand what it looks like when people are committed to their community not for recognition, but because they care about making a difference.
At the same time, my work was evolving. Jeremiah Craig Media technically began in 2018 when I started creating online content focused on cowboy boots, Western wear, and my music. During the pandemic, while I was living in Boston, I made the decision to formalize it into an LLC and began working more intentionally with small businesses to help them tell their stories through video and social media. When I relocated to Ithaca, I realized there was an opportunity to bring those skills into a new context.
I started using my platform not just for product reviews and music, but also to highlight the work being done by local organizations and nonprofits. I brought my camera to ribbon cuttings, Rotary service projects, festivals, and community events. What I found was that people connected with that kind of content. They wanted to see what was actually happening in their community and understand the people and stories behind the businesses and organizations they supported. It reinforced the idea that people care deeply about where their money goes and who they are supporting, especially when they feel a personal connection.
As I became more involved, that initial act of simply showing up grew into a deeper level of participation. I joined the boards of both the Tompkins Chamber of Commerce and the Ithaca Rotary Club, which gave me the opportunity to contribute in ways I hadn’t before. Through those experiences, I noticed something unique about Tompkins County. Having lived in larger cities like Boston, Seattle, and Phoenix, I had seen how industries often operate in separate spaces with limited overlap. In Tompkins County, there is a level of collaboration that crosses industries in a way that feels both natural and powerful. Business owners, nonprofits, artists, and volunteers regularly come together, creating opportunities that wouldn’t happen in more segmented environments.
There were several moments over the past year that reinforced how special this community is. One of the highlights was participating in the Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off. What started as a fun idea with friends quickly turned into a serious effort with the support of local partners and sponsors. Winning People’s Choice was an exciting outcome, but more importantly, it demonstrated what can happen when people come together with shared energy and enthusiasm.
Another meaningful experience was helping to promote and participate in regular Route 13 cleanup efforts. That initiative brought out dozens of volunteers and resulted in the removal of thousands of pounds of trash. It was another example of how people in this community show up for one another and take pride in where they live.
The Noel Desch Key Person of the Year Award represents a legacy of service and integrity. While I never had the opportunity to meet Noel Desch, I have heard from many who knew him, and his reputation as someone who consistently gave to others without expectation of recognition is clear. To be associated with that kind of legacy is incredibly meaningful, especially in a community that values those qualities so strongly.
I’ve learned that Noel Desch often said, “Every day is a gift,” and through my experiences here, that idea has taken on new meaning. Being involved in this community, especially during a time when I needed connection the most, has made that sentiment feel very real.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the people around me. My wife, Brynna has been there through everything, encouraging me to stay involved and supporting me during some difficult moments. The people I’ve met through the Chamber, Rotary, and the broader community have all played a role in shaping this experience. Their willingness to show up, connect, and support one another is what makes this place special.
Looking ahead, I see this award not as a finish line, but as encouragement to continue building on what has already started. I plan to keep working with local businesses, creating content, and finding ways to contribute to the community that has given me so much. I’m excited to continue growing my work, including expanding my online content and membership offerings, while also staying connected to the people and organizations that make Tompkins County what it is.
At its core, this recognition feels like a reflection of the community itself. It is a place where people show up for one another, where collaboration is valued, and where service is a shared priority. I’m grateful to be a part of it and thankful for the opportunity to continue contributing in the years ahead. Thank you.