The Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce awarded Tom Putnam with the 2009 Community Leader of the Year award at its Annual Dinner. This award recognizes businesses, individuals, and organizations in Schoharie County who have made significant contributions to the community, its quality of life, and economic well-being.

Tom is the Founder, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Fenimore Asset Management. Tom imparts the ongoing vision for Fenimore and provides insight and guidance to its separately managed portfolio business and FAM Funds. Not only is Tom dedicated to Fenimore’s investors, he is passionate about investing in the community.

Tom serves on the: Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care Board; NYSHA Foundation (Fenimore Art Museum) Board; and Guideposts Foundation Board. He is also an Elder at Schoharie Reformed Church. Additionally, Tom has served on the Cobleskill Regional Hospital and Schoharie Chamber Boards.

For 36 years, Fenimore and its associates have donated significant human and financial resources to a variety of charities and worthy causes throughout the Capital Region. From serving on not-for-profit boards and participating in company-wide acts of service, to maintaining a Contribution Committee and specified level of annual monetary support, Fenimore has not wavered from Tom’s original commitment.

The culmination of Tom’s tradition of giving is Fenimore’s annual charity FAM 5K “Fund” Run/Walk. Since 1994, the FAM 5K has been held each September and has grown to more than 800 participants and 200 volunteers. It is a fun-filled, memorable day in the spirit of family, good health, charity, and service.

Each year the proceeds from the race are donated to one of five different local charities on a rotating basis: Catholic Charities of Schoharie County; Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care; Habitat for Humanity of Schoharie County; Schoharie County ARC; and Schoharie County Community Action Program. The goal is to help raise awareness about each organization and provide financial resources while showcasing our community in a positive light.

Tom’s legacy is that Fenimore’s caring, giving and service tradition will continue for many generations.