Sarah and Mike Woods, owners of the Blarney Stone Pub on 26 S Broad St, Norwich, NY 13815, shown displaying their Commitment to Community Award presented to them by the BID at their annual meeting on Jan 28. for their continued reinvestment into the downtown Norwich community. (Submitted Photo), Recently retired brothers Patrick and Jim McNeil of Norwich legacy business McNeil Jewelers Inc. shown accepting honors for their decades of service to the community at BID's annual meeting on Jan. 28, 2026. (Submitted Photo)

NORWICH - At its annual meeting on Jan. 28, the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) whose overarching goal is to promote a thriving, vibrant, and welcoming downtown.

The BID presented its Commitment to Community award to Sarah and Mike Woods, owners of the Blarney Stone Pub for their continued reinvestment to improving businesses and the downtown environment.

At the same meeting, legacy business McNeil Jewelers Inc. was honored for their decades long success and contributions in the Norwich downtown area following the stores closing last year. Moving further into 2026, the BID will continue its ongoing efforts.

Commitment to Community

“A nominee's actions have visibly improved the quality of life, inspired community pride, or strengthened the social fabric of Norwich.” said the award presenter and Secretary of the BID, Missy Hayes.

The Commitment to Community award recognizes/honors individuals, businesses, volunteers, or organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the Norwich community especially in ways that support downtown vibrancy, community engagement, or local leadership.

Past winners include Rich and Todd Barnes of Chobani in 2024, Zach Thorpe of City Church and the Norwich PD in 2023, Luke Murphy of Alvogen and YMCA in 2022, Snyder Communications in 2007, and Bob and Teddi Arnell in 1999.

After living in an apartment above the Pub, Sarah and Mike Woods purchased it in 2007 and eventually the entire building in 2009 making it their responsibility to care about improving the businesses and downtown community they are part of.