Steve Chirello, owner, Steve Chirello Advertising, received a Sales & Marketing Excellence (SME) Award from Central NY Sales & Marketing Executives (CNYSME), at its 46th Annual Crystal Ball event, May 18, at Marriott Syracuse Downtown.
“Many thanks to Wagner Dotto, editor and publisher, Oswego County Business Magazine, who nominated me for this award,” Chirello said. “I love collaborating with my clients on successful projects, and it’s an incredible honor to be recognized by my colleagues in sales and marketing here in central New York.”
Chirello was one of 19 local professionals who received an SME award at the event, which also honored Stephanie Crockett, president & CEO, Mower, with its highest award, the 2023 Crystal Ball. Bernard Bregman, of BBB Marketing, a CNYSME founder, and Devin Negrete-Harvey, event co-chair, presented Chirello with the award.
The SME awards were created in 1977 by CNYSME to recognize “the best and brightest” for excellence in sales and marketing. Awards are based on accomplishments in understanding the customer, understanding the market, conveying a positive company image, attaining objectives, and community and civic involvement. CNYSME was founded in 1935 and is the area’s recognized voice of the sales and marketing profession, the only organization focused exclusively on the needs of the sales and marketing professionals.
Chirello Advertising celebrates its 27th anniversary this year. “We’ve been privileged to help a number of small businesses get started and grow, and we’ve helped develop their logos and brands along the way,” Chirello said. “Within the last two decades, marketing tools have significantly changed, as well as the variety of ways clients use professional marketing and public relations consultants.”
Over the years, Chirello has worked with more than 30 student interns, most from SUNY Oswego’s communication studies programs. “It has been a great pleasure to be able to provide students with hands-on experience within the realm of public relations, marketing and advertising,” Chirello said. He has worked on projects for a wide variety of clients during his career, including celebrities Al Roker, Alec Baldwin and Leonardo DeCaprio.
