LOWVILLE — The owner of a Lowville real estate business that literally rose from the ashes has been named the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce 31st annual businessperson of the year.

Roger L. Abbey, owner of Good Morning Realty, will receive the award at a banquet Nov. 15 at the Glenfield fire hall on Blue Street.

“He is always looking for ways to better the community,” said chamber Executive Director Anne L. Merrill. “And he’s so easy to work with.”

Mr. Abbey was selected for the honor partly because of his dedication to community causes, both through active leadership and behind-the-scenes support, she said.

“He’s always been very supportive of the chamber,” Mrs. Merrill added.

Mr. Abbey has been on the Lowville Cream Cheese Festival’s planning committee since its inception and has served as its chairman.

He also serves on the boards of Constableville Hall and Snow Belt Housing Co. Inc. and is active with the business associations in Lowville and Brantingham.

“I’m just flattered and honored,” Mr. Abbey said. “It’s a very special designation.”

The honoree was raised in Sinclairville, north of Jamestown in Western New York, and earned a degree from SUNY Fredonia in 1973.

Two years later, he purchased the first Century 21 Real Estate franchise in Jamestown. He later sold the business.

After a short stint in New York City, Mr. Abbey moved his family to Lewis County, where he bought Towpath Inn in Turin. He later purchased a second inn and sold both five years later, when he established Abbey Appraisal.

Mr. Abbey and Donna M. Loucks in 1997 started Good Morning Realty, and the business — now owned by Mr. Abbey and his son, Britt — in recent years has added Lee Signs to its business portfolio.

The business was located at 7613 N. State St. until a February 2011 fire destroyed the historic Times Block building in which it was housed.

While unable to salvage much from his business and his portion of the three-parcel block building, he soon afterward restarted the business in a storefront at 7556 S. State St., which he owns with his son.

The Abbeys also own the downtown building at 7657 S. State St. that houses the Journal and Republican.

Mr. Abbey lives in Brantingham with his fiancée, Nancy Benoit, and has sons, Britt and Tad Abbey.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to preregister by Nov. 7 by visiting the chamber office at 7576 S. State St., calling 376-2213 or emailing donna@lewiscountychamber.org.

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