Senator O'Mara honors Beverly Stamp as a 'Woman of Distinction' at a statewide ceremony in Albany
May 7, 2013
Albany, N.Y., May 7—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) honored Beverly “Bev” Stamp, co-owner and operator of Lakewood Vineyards near Watkins Glen, as a New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” at a ceremony in Albany this evening.
Stamp, a longtime and beloved ambassador of New York State’s nationally and internationally renowned wine and grape industry, represented O’Mara’s 58th Senate District at the statewide awards tribute in the Legislative Office Building. She and her husband, the late LaMont “Monty” Stamp, are widely admired as stalwarts of the industry.
"Over the course of the past three decades, no one has done more than Bev Stamp to promote the excellence and quality of New York State’s wine and grape industry. She’s a beloved ambassador for New York State wines. She’s given the industry her heart and soul, every step of the way, as the industry’s growth has unfolded as one of New York’s great success stories,” said O’Mara. “Bev is one of the Finger Lakes region’s true treasures. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to recognize her contributions, honor her commitment and pay tribute to her community service as a ‘Woman of Distinction.’”
The Senate's annual "Women of Distinction" program, which began in March to coincide with Women's History Month in New York State, allows senators statewide to select one honoree from their respective legislative districts for this distinguished, statewide honor.
Donna Gridley, President of Women for New York State Wines and co-owner, with her husband Louis, of Gridley Vineyards on Bluff Point (Yates County), nominated Stamp for this year’s “Woman of Distinction” award.
Gridley noted that Stamp is one of the founding -- and still active -- members of Women for New York State Wines. Founded in 1981 as the promotional arm of the New York State Wine Grape Growers, the group’s original members were the wives of vineyardists whose goal was to increase consumer awareness of New York’s wines and other grape products. For more than three decades these women, nicknamed “Ambassadors of Taste,” have crisscrossed New York’s wine-producing regions and neighboring states conducting tastings and other promotional events. Their enthusiastic leadership has played a pivotal role in the industry’s remarkable success over the past generation. Stamp has served as the organization’s treasurer for over 30 years.
Gridley said, “"Bev is truly deserving of this honor. We are all blessed to know her and her compassion for the industry. She’s our ‘energizer bunny’ with her boundless energy and ideals for the New York wine and grape industry."
In 1988 the Stamp family established Lakewood Vineyards Winery. The award-winning farm and winery have been widely recognized by numerous industry organizations and community associations for quality and excellence – including the 2011 “Conservation Farmer of the Year Award” from the Schuyler County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Stamp has been active in numerous local projects and associations, including the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and the Watkins Glen-Montour Falls Zonta Club. Zonta International is a worldwide service organization of business and professional executives working to improve the status of women.
Stamp also currently serves on the Reading Town Board.
