Issuu

Wednesday • July 30

SBC

SBC Connects:

Strathallan Cityview

Thursday, September 4, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Join us for an end-of-summer summer networking event while enjoying the stunning views of the Rochester skyline. This casual event o ers the perfect opportunity to make

SBC Cares:

Thanksgiving Drive

Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22, 2025

Help us ensure a happy Thanksgiving for over 3,000 families in Greater Rochester. There are multiple ways to help! Build food boxes with your company containing the requested items, make a monetary donation of a minimum of $50 to cover the approximate cost of one food box, or volunteer your time to pick up or distribute food boxes.

Welcome

• Brett Davidsen, News10NBC Anchor/Reporter

Remarks

• Steve Hogan, President, Small Business Council

• Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber Community Partnership Awards Presentation

• Connected Communities

• Prosper Rochester

Special Guest Speaker

• Salvatore ‘SoccerSam’ Fantauzzo, Founder, CEO & Franchisor of Salvatore’s Pizza

PROGRAM Agenda

2025 Business Person of the Year Award Presentation

• Under 25 Employees Finalists Showcase

• Over 25 Employees Finalists Showcase

Business Person of the Year Award Winners Announced

• Under 25 Employees Winner Remarks

• Over 25 Employees Winner Remarks

Closing Remarks

Thank you to our Selection Committee

We thank the independent panel of judges that determined the winners of the Business Person of the Year Awards. These community leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries volunteered their time to assess nominations and choose the finalists based upon success in both civic and professional areas, specifically in the areas of growth, leadership, achievement, and community service.

• Paul Guglielmo, Craft Cannery

• Stephanie Ryan, Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship

• Alex Whitaker, Tri Tower Telecom

Celebrating Business Leaders in Greater Rochester

The Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber affiliate, is pleased to present its annual Business Person of the Year awards. Welcome to our celebration, and congratulations to all of this year’s finalists!

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our community. The hard-working individuals who run these organizations are choosing to invest in our area to make it a more vibrant place to live, work, and play. Greater Rochester Chamber’s membership is made up of over 85% small businesses, and we are proud to work with our Small Business Council affiliate to provide support and recognition for this vital part of our business community. As part of this, the Business Person of the Year Awards have been presented annually for over 40 years to help achieve our Small Business Council’s mission to connect leaders and celebrate their work. We are proud to come together with over 300 business and community leaders today to recognize their contributions to Greater Rochester.

This year’s finalists are all outstanding examples of professional excellence in our community. Each of them and their organizations play a crucial role in shaping Greater Rochester into the vibrant, thriving region it is. We encourage you to look through this publication to learn about these outstanding small business leaders in our community making a difference. We hope you’re inspired by their stories, impact, service, and vision for a better Greater Rochester.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners who helped make this event possible. Additional thanks to our community for rallying behind this annual event to make it the resounding success it is. Your attendance today is an important part of the success of all small businesses - the backbone of our Greater Rochester economy. We are honored to spend this time with you and recognize such a distinguished group of business leaders.

Best of luck to all!

Steve Hogan 2025 Board President Small Business Council

Bob Duffy President and CEO Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

MEDIA PARTNER

PREMIER RECEPTION SPONSOR

CORPORATE SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

• Canandaigua National Bank

• Christa Construction

• Davie Kaplan, CPA, P.C.

• First Learning

• JPMorganChase

PAST FINALISTS’ CIRCLE

• SFG Wealth Management

• M&T Bank

• OakWood Financial Services

• St. John Fisher University School of Business

• Wilmac Technologies

HELPING BUSINESSES SUCCEED

We continue to give businesses the freedom to succeed through our technology and advisory solutions — from a small business payroll disrupter in 1971 to the digitally driven HR leader today.

Congratulations to the finalists of the Business Person of the Year Awards!

We are honored to recognize these individuals who showcase business excellence right here in the Greater Rochester region. Their outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to our community have truly set them apart.

At Paychex, supporting and uplifting remarkable business leaders like these is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to helping businesses think bigger and aim higher through our unique blend of HR technology and advisory solutions. From streamlining daily functions to boosting engagement and productivity, we help businesses succeed.

Congratulations once again to the exceptional finalists! It’s an honor to share our community with these influential leaders who are building a brighter future. Your success and achievements remind us of what’s possible when vision, determination, and community-focused values come together.

Special Guest Speaker

Salvatore ‘SoccerSam’ Fantauzzo

Salvatore “SoccerSam” Fantauzzo, Founder, CEO & Franchisor of Salvatore’s Pizza, started his business as a first generation Italian American entrepreneur in his Home Economics class at Eastridge High School. His first location opened on East Main Street in 1978. Today, Salvatore’s is a fully franchised pizzeria chain in New York, Florida and the Carolinas. The Greater Rochester area boasts 32 full-menu locations, several Pizza Pubs & Saloons and two Pizza outlets.

Sam’s consistent innovations to the pizzeria industry include Salvatore’s well-known radio ads, TV commercials, full menu delivery/online ordering and website campaigns, SALVATORES-DOT-COM! His dedication to details, from kitchen and dining layouts to creative catchy slogans, have driven Salvatore’s to be one of the top pizza chains in the country.

Through the decades, Sam rocked the ROC with “The SoccerSam Show” and “Kick This!” and made landmark moves through owning the Rochester Lancers and the Lady Lancers. His Rochester revivals include Donuts Delite and Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips. SoccerSam places an important emphasis on creating job & career opportunities within our community. Each Salvatore’s location is individually owned and operated by a different local family, making Salvatore’s a true family-owned local business.

Sam’s many honors include Frontier Field Walk of Fame, Rochester’s Business Leader of the Year, Breast Cancer Coalition’s Honorary Captain, and Rochester Business Journal’s Icon Honors Award. His dedication to several local nonprofits, hospitals, schools, youth clubs and sports organizations leads the franchise’s generous charitable donations, partnerships, and event participations. SoccerSam is a dedicated family man and devoted Papa, who credits his 47 years of success to his amazing high school sweetheart/wife, Linda.

Salvatore’s full company history can be found at salvatores.com

2024 over 25 • Alex Whitaker, Tri Tower Telecom Corporation

2024 under 25 • Paul Guglielmo, Craft Cannery

2023 over 50 • Anthony DiTucci, Livingston Associates

2023 under 50 • Phil Yawman, Cooley Group Inc

2022 over 50 • Kevin Schulte, GreenSpark Solar

2022 under 50 • Keith Williams, Consiliarium Group, LLC

2020/21 over 50 • Jay McHarg, AeroSafe Global

2020/21 under 50 • Jill Knittel, JK Executive Strategies, LLC

2019 over 50 • Greg Vangellow, RW Dake Construction

2019 under 50 • Nicole Mahoney, Break The Ice Media

2018 over 50 • Timothy Fournier, Conifer Realty, LLC

2018 under 50 • Abby Reinhard, GP Flooring Solutions

2017 over 50 • Steve Carl, Operation Brain Freeze

2017 under 50 • Traci Adolph, Samson Fuel

2016 over 50 • Cyndi Weis, Breathe Yoga & Juice Bar, Inc.

2016 under 50 • Michael Pavia, Sydor Technologies LLC

2015 over 50 • Ken Rosenfeld, eHealth Technologies

2015 under 50 • Mike & Sitima Fowler, Capstone Information Technologies, Inc.

2014 over 50 • Robert Healy, LaBella Associates, DPC

2014 under 50 • Michelle Ashby, Tipping Point Communications

2013 over 50 • Mark E. Davitt, ConServe

2013 under 50 • Amy Castronova, Novatek Communications, Inc.

2012 over 50 • Ray Isaac, Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

2012 under 50 • John Ford Nichols, The Nichols Team

2011 over 50 • Sharon Napier, Partners & Napier

2011 under 50 • Mark Gentile, Odyssey Software

2010 • Eli Futerman, Dan Chessin, Hahn Automotive

2009 • Tom Bonadio, The Bonadio Group

2008 • Kenton Fiske, SenDEC Corporation

2007 • Richard Kaplan, Pictometry International Corp.

2006 • Joe Klein, Klein Steel

2005 • Jim Hammer, Hammer Packaging

2004 • Linda Yaniszewski, ExecuScribe

2003 • Chris S. McVicker, The Flanders Group

2002 • Steven B. Sauer, Business Methods, Inc.

2001 • Lauren Dixon, Dixon Schwabl Advertising, Inc.

2000 • Kenneth McAlpin, McAlpin Industries, Inc.

1999 • Sarah Jane Clifford, The Gymnastics Training Center of Rochester, Inc.

1998 • Nicholas Juskiw, Trident Precision Manufacturing, Inc.

1997 • Robert T. Tobin, Tobin & Associates

1996 • David Christa, Christa Construction

1995 • James Isaac, Isaac Heating and Cooling

1994 • Richard J. Dorschel, The Dorschel Automotive Group

1993 • I.C. Shah, ICS Telecom Inc.

1992 • Robert “Bud” Frame, Trillium Group

1991 • John (Dutch) Summers, Jasco Tools

1990 • Betty Perkins Carpenter

1989 • C. S. “Chic” Lewis

1988 • Robert Sperandio, Sporting Dog Specialties

1987 • Wayne Scheible, Flower City Printing

1986 • Jane Pitt, JP Associates

1985 • Matthew Augustine, Eltrex Industries

1984 • Charlotte Hegedus

1983 • Robert Hall

under 25 employees

BUSINESSES WITH

Lindsay Connelly

| President/Founder • Linden Digital Marketing, LLC

Lauren Goetz

| Owner/Founder • Everyday Hands, Inc.

Stephen McDonnell Jr.

| President/CEO • Wilmac Technologies

Michael McNaughton

| CEO & Co-Founder • OakWood Financial Services

Nannette Nocon

| Private Wealth Advisor • 7Crest Financial Partners, an Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice, LLC

Erika Sorbello

| Owner & Stylist • Gallery Salon

LINDSAY Connelly

| President/Founder • Linden Digital Marketing, LLC

For over a decade, Lindsay Connelly has proven herself a successful digital marketer who enriches the Rochester community.

Linden Digital Marketing was founded by Lindsay in 2018 and the company is now a flourishing marketing firm supporting digital marketing strategy, tactics, website development, and more. What began as a onewoman operation has quickly grown into an LLC that employs twenty local marketing experts. Linden has more than doubled in size in each of the last two years. Lindsay was named an RBJ 40 Under 40 Honoree in 2022 and Emerging Tech Woman of the Year by TechRochester in 2023.

When Lindsay isn’t working on her thriving business, she invests her time in raising her two young children, rock climbing, and volunteering as a board member for Shift2, Journeys of Solutions Inc., St. Ann’s Foundation & Home Acres Brighton. Lindsay loves the Rochester community and gives back through her time, talent, and leadership.

LAUREN

Goetz

| Owner/Founder • Everyday Hands, Inc.

Lauren Goetz is the founder and owner of Everyday Hands, Inc., a taskfocused home assistance company offering flexible, no-commitment support that fills a vital gap in non-medical caregiving. After leaving corporate America in 2016, she launched the business in 2017 and has led with empathy, adaptability, and vision—creating a trusted, people-first service that meets families where they are.

Known for her strong communication skills and compassionate leadership, Lauren builds authentic relationships with clients, caregivers, and community partners. Her calm problem-solving and deep listening have helped Everyday Hands grow steadily and sustainably.

Outside of work, Lauren is a proud wife, mother of two grown children, and grandmother. She enjoys expressing her creativity through cooking, crafting, and sea glass hunting, and finds peace at her family’s cottage in Kendall on Lake Ontario—especially when she’s out boating. A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Lauren also champions women-owned businesses and mentors emerging entrepreneurs.

She leads with heart, grit, and a deep belief in the power of service—making life a little easier, one task at a time.

STEPHEN McDonnell Jr.

| President/CEO • Wilmac Technologies

Stephen McDonnell has dedicated his career to strengthening relationships with employees, customers, and partners. A natural communicator, he began in sales and now serves as President & CEO of Wilmac Technologies, a global technology company rooted in agility, accountability, and a customer-first mindset.

Raised in Fairport, NY, Steve was a competitive athlete who played basketball at the University at Buffalo and SUNY Geneseo. That same drive for excellence led him to an early sales career at Xerox before joining Wilmac in 2013. He expanded Wilmac’s presence in New York City, selling into banks and trading floors.

In 2021, Steve returned to Rochester to acquire Wilmac, officially becoming CEO in 2022. Since then, he has led its transformation—growing its cloud software business, launching Continuity Replay, and steering the company into AI to help enterprises unlock the value of customer interaction data. Wilmac has been named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York and America under his leadership.

With offices in Rochester, Manhattan, and Toronto, Wilmac’s reach is growing, but Steve remains focused on strengthening Rochester’s role as a hub for innovation and AI-driven enterprise technology. He lives in Pittsford with his wife Kerry and their three daughters.

MICHAEL

McNaughton

| CEO & Co-Founder • OakWood Financial Services

Mike McNaughton, CFP®, CPWA® is the CEO and Co-Founder of OakWood Financial Services, an independent firm launched in 1999 to deliver insightful, client-first financial guidance. With more than 35 years of experience, Mike has built a reputation for his expertise and values-based approach to wealth management. His work integrates investment, estate, and tax planning, with a focus on helping clients keep more of what they earn through proactive, forwardlooking strategies.

Under Mike’s leadership, OakWood has grown steadily while staying true to its mission: doing good work for good people. He is especially proud of the firm’s efforts to support women through education, mentorship, and personalized guidance. OakWood has hosted nearly 100 events aimed at empowering women to build and sustain wealth.

Mike gives back to the community through active board service. At the CDS Wolf Foundation, he supports programs that provide housing and employment for individuals with disabilities and veterans. As a board member of the Estate Planning Council, he helps mentor and connect rising professionals in the field.

He is also focused on preparing OakWood’s next generation of leaders to serve with professionalism, care, and the same client-first values that have guided the firm from the beginning.

NANNETTE Nocon

| Private Wealth Advisor • 7Crest Financial Partners, an Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice, LLC

Nannette Nocon, Private Wealth Advisor, owns a financial planning practice whose mission is to empower clients to achieve their life goals through comprehensive and trustworthy financial advice. Formerly Nocon & Associates, 7Crest Financial Partners is a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Clients have described 7Crest Financial Partners as client-centric, comprehensive, caring, and compassionate. The practice reached the $1 billion mark in assets invested through Ameriprise as of April 2024.

Nannette has provided financial guidance to clients for over 40 years. Holding professional certifications such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Investment Management Analyst, and Certified in LongTerm Care, she brings a wealth of experience to her clients. She manages a high-performance team of 15 and 4 to 5 paid interns from local colleges and universities each semester.

Nannette is a proud alumna of Cornell University. Beyond her professional commitments, she is the current board chair at the George Eastman Museum and is a trustee at Geva Theatre Center and WXXI. She is passionate about enhancing life in Rochester through the arts, education, youth, and the advancement of women. Among the franchisees at Ameriprise, Nannette was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2012 for continued success. She was also a 2017 ATHENA Award recipient, Rochester Business Journal 2022 ICON, Forbes Best in State and Forbes Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors, 2022-2025. She and her team were awarded the ETHIES.

Nannette believes that we cultivate passion by always raising the bar higher than our last personal best.

ERIKA

Sorbello

| Owner & Stylist • Gallery Salon

Erika Sorbello is the owner and driving force behind Gallery Salon in Rochester, NY — a gender-neutral, community-rooted salon currently located in the Neighborhood of the Arts. Since opening in 2005, Erika has built more than just a salon; she’s created a space where creativity, inclusivity, and self-expression thrive.

Originally from central NY, Erika moved to Rochester in 1997 and quickly fell in love with the city’s vibrant culture and close-knit community. It didn’t take long for her to realize this was where she wanted to plant roots. Today, she continues to invest in the community she loves, alongside her partner Nate and her pre-teen, Vi.

Erika leads with a deep commitment to equity and individuality. In 2018, she boldly transitioned Gallery Salon to genderneutral pricing and guided the team in becoming a certified Safe Zone. The salon has since become a trusted space for the trans and non-binary community — a place where clients are truly seen, heard, and celebrated.

Education and team development are central to Erika’s philosophy. She reinvests a portion of all retail sales into continuing education, ensuring her team can confidently serve a diverse clientele with the latest techniques and knowledge.

Erika is also deeply involved in the Rochester community, having led fundraising efforts for ROC LGBTQ+ Together and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), alongside her team.

Recognized as a leader in her field, Erika and Gallery Salon were named Best Salon in Rochester by City Magazine in 2024.

Passionate, fearless, and value-driven, Erika Sorbello is redefining what leadership in the beauty industry looks like — one inclusive, empowering, and expertly styled appointment at a time.

employees

BUSINESSES WITH Mark Fuerbacher

| President • Universal Imports of Rochester Inc.

Sarah Hasenauer

| Owner • Farmhouse Table

Ardis Mangione-Lindley

| President & Founder • Straight A Homework House

Scott Miller

| Owner • Scott Miller Salon Spa & Store

Gail Morelle

| Vice President, Partner • Christa Construction

Becca Post

| Founder & CEO • Helen + Gertrude

MARK Fuerbacher

| President • Universal Imports of Rochester Inc.

Mark Fuerbacher is the President of Universal Imports of Rochester, a business founded by his German immigrant parents in 1984. Working alongside his sister, Mark learned the business from the ground up and has spent over 35 years building it into one of the region’s most respected European auto specialists. Universal Imports proudly embraces its German heritage, with a deep passion for the vehicles it sells and services.

At the heart of the company’s success is Mark’s unwavering belief in the power of relationships—with employees who feel like family, and customers who return for generations. That commitment to people is what sets Universal Imports apart.

A dedicated member and past president of the Fairport Rotary Club, Mark has served the community for over 25 years as a Rotarian. He’s also a lifelong musician who co-founded Rise Again, a band that raised thousands for those in need, and now plays in Remedy Three, sharing uplifting, positive music with audiences of all ages.

Mark’s life and leadership are guided by his Christian faith, which inspires him to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose—in business, in service, and in song.

SARAH

Hasenauer

| Owner • Farmhouse Table

Sarah Hasenauer is the driving force behind Farmhouse Table, celebrating 10 years of growth within the Rochester community. Renowned for creative large-scale events at museums and universities, and intimate weddings and events across the Finger Lakes, Farmhouse Table is a regional leader in farm-to-table catering. Sarah and her husband, Mike envisioned connecting their farm partners with neighbors who value fresh, locally sourced food and began handcrafting menu items for the local farmers’ markets. In their continued expansion, Sarah has redesigned and remodeled several spaces, the original tiny kitchen in Irondequoit is now a bakery and gift shop. The newest venture is Farmhouse Table Midtown, a café in downtown Rochester. It’s a breakfast-and-lunch counter by day, an elegant bar in the evening, and a chill spot for weekend brunch. She’s already setting her sights on what’s next. When at rest, Sarah is cheering on the Amerks, reflecting at the gallery and painting with her daughter Josie.

Mangione-Lindley

| President & Founder • Straight A Homework House ARDIS

Ardis Mangione-Lindley will tell you she is a teacher who happens to own a business. In 2009, after a decade of teaching high school, Ardis hatched an idea that became the Straight A Homework House. Her unique approach to creating Homework Pods where students can study with certified and experienced teachers grew and thrived. Today, there are 70 teachers tutoring at locations in Pittsford and Penfield. These classroom teachers provide 1:1 instruction, motivation and support. They prepare students for Regents and AP courses as well as the SAT and ACT. Ardis has also developed an individualized program of Academic Coaching to assist students as they adjust to an ADHD or Anxiety diagnosis or struggle with Executive Functioning. The Homework House even eases the transitions for elementary and middle school students, tackling reading, math or homework issues before they chip away at self-esteem.

Ardis was born and raised in Rochester and graduated from Syracuse University. She has four children who are all in college and is married to Justice Steve Lindley of the NYS Supreme Court’s Appellate Division. She sings with the Eastman Community Music School’s New Horizons Choir and serves on the Board of Hope Hall School. Ardis credits her Italian grandparents for her drive and work ethic.

SCOTT Miller

| Owner • Scott Miller Salon Spa & Store

Scott is a St. John Fisher graduate with a degree in psychology. After acquiring his hair license in 1978, Scott moved to NYC and worked in a couple of salons before returning to his hometown of Rochester, NY. He and his wife Helen opened their first 800-square-foot salon in Fairport in 1985. That vision has since evolved into a 15,000-square-foot beauty destination in Pittsford with 112 employees, a curated luxury retail space, and a MAC makeup store.

Scott has worked on multiple fashion shows in Paris and Milan for Giorgio Armani and backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show alongside Oribe Canales. In 2010, the business was honored with the L’Oréal Global Business Award, recognizing its innovation and leadership in the salon industry. His work has been featured in hair publications in over 80 countries.

At the heart of it all is a commitment to people—building a culture rooted in kindness, growth, learning, and possibility. Scott’s leadership philosophy centers on helping individuals reach their potential, creating an environment of constant improvement, elite education, and world-class guest experiences. Scott, Helen, and their amazing team continue to elevate beauty and business in the Rochester community.

GAIL Morelle

| Vice President, Partner • Christa Construction

Gail Morelle is a trailblazer in the construction industry whose career reflects resilience, leadership, and purpose. With over 20 years of experience and now serving as Vice President and Partner at Christa Construction, Gail has led projects from under $1 million to over $70 million—transforming neighborhoods through multifamily, supportive housing, and commercial development.

Gail’s passion for building communities is rooted in her upbringing and inspired by her father’s work in HVAC. Today, she is committed to creating safe, affordable homes for families across New York, a mission fueled by her brother’s words about the transformative power of a safe home.

As one of the owners of Christa since 2020, Gail has helped lead the company with integrity and innovation. She spearheaded a partnership with the NYS Department of Labor to launch a nonunion Construction Management Apprenticeship Program, addressing workforce gaps and creating new career pathways.

She is also deeply committed to mentoring women in construction, expanding volunteer initiatives, and representing the industry at key forums. A 2024 Women of Excellence Honoree and Outstanding Women in Construction Finalist, Gail’s legacy is one of impact, inclusion, and elevating those around her.

BECCA Post

| Founder & CEO • Helen + Gertrude

Becca Post is the founder and CEO of Helen + Gertrude, an award-winning digital agency where human-centered design principles guide everything from client strategy to workplace culture. She has led the evolution of Helen + Gertrude from a social-first company into a full-service digital agency, partnering with leaders in women’s health and wellness, medical technology, rare disease, and skincare. Leveraging her background in New Media Design, she has spent her career building world-class creative teams and developing creative for the world’s most well-known brands, including Walmart, Starbucks, American Express, GE, and Jose Cuervo. Her philosophy centers on the belief that exceptional work comes from teams who feel supported enough to bring their full selves to work. Under Becca’s leadership, Helen + Gertrude has earned recognition, including the Ad Age Small Agency of the Year Award for Culture, and has been named a two-time Athena Award Organizational finalist.

Fun facts: Becca grew up on a small family farm where she developed a passion for sustainable agriculture practices. Beyond her professional work, Becca is deeply committed to volunteering for environmental and community causes, such as the Genesee Land Trust and the Rochester Artist Collaborative, and obsessing over her two rescue Great Pyrenees.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Awards

The Small Business Council is excited to present its Community Partnership awards to two organizations in Greater Rochester that will use this donation in an impactful way to help small businesses thrive in our community.

To be considered, organizations must work with small businesses in the Greater Rochester nine-county region, have demonstrated success in assisting small businesses by delivering premier programs that promote business growth in the Greater Rochester region, align with the SBC guiding principles of connecting, caring, celebrating, coaching, and community. Organizations focusing on supporting MWBEs or other disenfranchised small business owners are preferred for this award.

We are excited to announce our three 2025 Community Partnership award recipients who will be presented with an $8,000 donation from the SBC Cares program and the Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation.

• Connected Communities

Connected Communities focuses on uplifting the EMMA and Beechwood neighborhoods through a holistic approach including community wellness, education, housing, and economic empowerment.

The work of Connected Communities is built upon the success of earlier initiatives, including but not limited to the City’s Focused Investment Strategy in Beechwood, and informed by research such as the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge report. In addition to working closely with neighborhood residents and community stakeholders, Connected Communities is partnered closely with the Rochester-Monroe AntiPoverty Initiative and the Mayor’s Office of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives.

Learn more at ConnectedCommunitiesROC.org.

• Prosper Rochester

Prosper Rochester empowers youth to create small-scale social enterprises that are scalable and financially sustainable to help span the gap in opportunities for youth who find succeeding in a typical classroom environment challenging.

ProsperRochester partners with progressive businesses to support enrichment of the communities in which they operate. By co-developing student-operated social enterprises, partnering businesses access the creative energy of today’s youth, impacting future generations and contributing to a healthier, more vibrant community.

Learn more at ProsperROC.com.

To learn more about the Community Partnership Awards and submit your organization for consideration in 2026, please contact Cassidy Pendell at Cassidy.Pendell@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.

PAST FINALIST Spotlight

Russ Schwartzbeck SFG Wealth Management 2022 Award Finalist

AQHow do you and your organization embody the Small Business Council’s pillars of coaching, connecting, celebrating, and caring in your work in the Greater Rochester region?

“We believe in engaging in community organizations that are important to the individuals on our team. We provide a budget per team member to donate to a cause in the region and also provide time for volunteer activities. We have regularly been engaged with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Foodlink, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, and many others. As a leader of our firm, I engage with financial advisors across Rochester in a mentorship capacity. I also volunteer my time to serve on RIT’s Saunders College Advisory Board and to coach youth hockey.”

M&T Bank is proud to sponsor the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

Complete your bachelor’s or earn a Master of Business Administration to evolve as a dynamic leader. Offered online through our AACSB-accredited School of Business, both programs enable professionals to balance work, academic, and personal responsibilities with a flexible path to fast-track career advancement.

Fueling business growth

WHO LEAD The art of representing people

Woods Oviatt Gilman is proud to support the Business Person of the Year finalists who are shaping our community, economy, and our future.

Nannette Nocon

2025 Rochester Chamber Business Person of the Year Finalist

We celebrate Nannette’s leadership and commitment at the Eastman Museum and in the Greater Rochester community and give thanks for her contributions as the current Chair of our Board of Trustees and as a tireless advocate and benevolent supporter. YOUR FRIENDS AT

Caring. Connecting. Celebrating.

The Small Business Council of Rochester, a Greater Rochester Chamber a liate, has a lot to o er businesses in the Greater Rochester area. Led by an entirely volunteer but dedicated group of Rochester’s small business leaders, the Small Business Council of Rochester is committed to providing Rochester’s business community with programs to help local business leaders, and their businesses, grow and prosper – both personally and professionally.