Wades' White Gate Inn Receives Business Improvement Award

Brian J. and Kathleen R. Wade opened the White Gate Inn Bed & Breakfast at 503 Caroline St., Ogdensburg, barely two years ago in September 2008.

Success as the only bed and breakfast in the city's downtown center, and one of only two inside the city, has been immediate and continuous. The Goldbergs operate the Way Back Inn at 247 Proctor Ave.

And that impressed the Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce, which on Thursday named the White Gate Inn the honoree of its 2010 Business Improvement Award.

The White Gate Inn is a perfect fit, according to Sandra M. Porter, the chamber's executive director.

"This award is given to a business that has a profound positive impact on the community and its appearance by renovating and revitalizing an existing building into a thriving business enterprise which the community can be proud," Ms. Porter said in a prepared statement.

"The Wades' recent renovation of the historic 503 Caroline St. former Hasbrouck residence beautifully brings one of Ogdensburg's proud homes back from almost total ruin. The Wades have added a much needed bed and breakfast to the downtown area encouraging guests from around the world to visit the (Frederic) Remington Art Museum, the St. Lawrence River, St. Lawrence Golf Course, historic walking trails and area restaurants."

The Wades, added Ms. Porter, "are outspoken advocates of the opportunities for other bed and breakfasts in the city's downtown area."

"We're really thrilled to be selected by the chamber," Mr. Wade said Thursday, seated in the White Gate's sprawling kitchen.

"It's a great honor."

Mrs. Wade said she was "thrilled" that the chamber and the community have recognized their new business.

She gets out a photo album with page after page of color snapshots of smiling White Gate visitors, from several states, Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines and college parents.