CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – State Senator Lea Webb is honoring another local business.
On June 25, Webb presented Area 51 with the NYS Senate Empire Award, which is the highest honor for small businesses in the state.
Webb says the Cortland hobby and pop culture store has “emerged as a vibrant and inclusive hub for gaming and community connection.” The Area 51 storefront opened in the Corset Building in 2022 before expanding to a larger location in Riverside Plaza this past November.
The business was originally launched in the 90’s as The Crowe’s Nest. It close closed in 2009 and continued primarily as an online business.
“Receiving the NYS Empire Award is a tremendous honor for Megan, me, and our entire team,” said Frank Crowe, co-owner of Area 51. “When I first started this journey in 1995, I wanted to create the kind of space I did not have growing up: a place where people could gather around gaming, be themselves, and connect with others who shared their interests. Gaming has a universal way of bringing people together, and as Area 51 has grown over the years, it has been especially important to us to offer something for everyone, whether they are lifelong hobbyists, new players, families, or people simply looking for a place where they feel welcome. We are incredibly grateful to the Cortland community for supporting us through every chapter of this journey, and to Senator Webb for recognizing what Area 51 has become. We remain committed to giving back to our community and continuing to provide a safe, welcoming space where people of all backgrounds can play, collect, connect, and belong.”
You can read more from State Senator Lea Webb’s Office here.
