ARCC honors local companies at 2022 Business Awards

LAKE GEORGE — The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 Business Awards ceremony at Dunham’s Bay Resort on Thursday, celebrating and honoring businesses that serve, assist, and connect with the local community.

“It is my honor to be here today to honor 36 businesses that were nominated,” said Tricia Rogers, President and CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. “One of the great things about this is that we are all here, we’re businesses celebrating businesses. Celebrating our colleagues, celebrating our community. That’s such a great feeling.”

Awards were handed out for seven different categories: Large Business, Steven M. Sutton Small Business, Large Nonprofit Business, Small Nonprofit Business, Professional Business, Rookie Business, and Community Champion.

Rogers explained to the large crowd in attendance that the ARCC utilizes a council of people to conduct interviews with nominated businesses in order to select award winners. 

The Large Business Award went to Stored Technology Solutions, Inc., an IT provider with locations in Albany, Queensbury, Plattsburgh, Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Philippines. 

“(StoredTech) achieved one of the Times Union’s top places to work in 2022, and enjoy little staff turnover and employee staying power,” Rogers told the crowd. “StoredTech is known for its excellent 24-7 customer service and commitment to providing quality IT. They also donate over $150,000 annually to nonprofits.”

Other nominees for the Large Business Award were Amsure, GTM Payroll Services, and Romeo Toyota.

The Steven M. Sutton Small Business Award was named after the former co-owner of Sutton’s Marketplace, who Rogers described as, “a beloved community member and small business owner.”

The award in his honor was presented to KIRSH Helmets.

“KIRSH is the only USA-based provider of half-shell motor vehicle helmets. After years of research and development, Lake George native Jason Kirshon came up with a perfect helmet that combines style, safety, comfort, and improved performance,” Rogers said, noting that 90% of KIRSH employees are veterans.

Other nominees were CDL Associates Insurance Agency, Mr. Electric of Queensbury, Outcast Athletics, Queensbury Cigar & Pipe, and Slickfin Brewing Company.

Kirshon accepted the award, and told the crowd about hopes to expand past just motorcycle helmets.

“We’re changing head protection in motorcycle helmets, but we aspire to do it in all categories,” said Kirshon. “Thank you very much for this honor.”

The award for large nonprofit business was received by Community, Work & Independence, Inc. Other nominees were Crandall Public Library and L.E.A.P.

“CWI was founded in 1963, serving six community members and has grown to serve over 1,000 individuals each month in 19 locations and three counties. Their very passionate staff of over 300 employees are dedicated to enriching lives, one person at a time, through their independent and assisted-living facilities,” said Rogers. “Over the years, CWI has transformed the lives of numerous individuals with disabilities and other barriers.”

CWI Vice President and Chief Operating Officer April Boucher said the company is “humbled” to receive the award, and made note of contributions from the entire CWI team.

“Really, from our direct support professionals who deliver the services, to our management team, without their dedication, commitment, and perseverance the last two years, we would not be able to be making the differences that we’re making in people’s lives,” Boucher said. “That’s really the most important part.”

The Small Nonprofit Business Award went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, with CEO Bill Moon accepting the award. Rogers said the organization is currently serving 150 children, and has another 150 children on a waitlist.

Moon thanked employees Marie Busse, Megan Farrell, and Alex McCane, saying, “They are truly the ones that make everything happen.”

“We come to them with big ideas. … They always take those ideas, add their own twist to them, and they come back to me better than we would’ve ever imagined. They are the ones doing that work,” said Moon, who also gave thanks to the crowd for investing in the local community. “Our kids deserve the best in us so they can become better than us, and they’re fortunate to live in this community with so many people like you who care about them and want to see them succeed. Thank you very much, we appreciate it.”

Other nominees for the Small Nonprofit Business Award were Community Coalition for Family Wellness, HicksStrong, Inc., Lake George Land Conservancy, The Hyde Collection, High Peaks Hospice, The Conkling Center, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, and World Awareness Children’s Museum.

The Professional Business Award was given to Mannix Marketing, which has specialized in web design, SEO, and more since 1996. Rogers referred to the company as a “pioneer” in digital marketing, and credited their growth over the years.

“I couldn’t do this without my husband (Mark), who has my back at all times,” said founder Sara Mannix. “Such a great team, and we’re just so lucky to be in this community and be supported by all of you. Thank you very much.”

Other nominees for the Professional Business Award were Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart, and Rhodes, P.C., CMJ LLP, MLB Construction Services, and LayerEight.

The ARCC awarded The Eden Center for Integrative Care with the Rookie Business Award, with Rogers highlighting their “unique” offerings including a hyperbaric chamber.

“The Eden Center is a private psychiatric practice that focuses on the root cause of mental health conditions,” Rogers said. “Each client is viewed as a unique individual, and therefore receives unique treatment. Their staff has grown from six to 26 employees in just one year.”

Daniel Breeyear of the Eden Center highlighted this growth, noting that it speaks to the needs of the community.

“That growth will continue, we’re going to launch a nonprofit into next year to help cover some of the services that insurance doesn’t cover,” Breeyear said. “My intention has been always to add providers to meet need when the need continues to grow, so that will be our goal going into next year.”

Adirondack Axe, The Candy Space, Legacy Nine Realty, and Sleep and Spas Lake George were also nominated for the Rookie Business Award.

The final award, the Community Champion Award, was presented to Amie and Juan Gonzales of Hunt Companies, Inc. Other nominees were James Griffith of Aviation Mall, Vincent Laurenzo of Quick Response Restoration, and Wendy Waldron of Entrepreneurial Operating System.

“Amie and Juan live and breathe the mindset of, ‘Communities thrive when we invest in each other,'” said Rogers. “They run a family business with a corporate operation, and are focused on investing in our community and future generations.”

“I’m glad we put this last, because really, this entire room is filled with community champions,” Amie Gonzales told the audience. “I will leave you with this: our businesses and our communities both thrive when we invest in each other. 

“So keep that in mind, keep doing it, and thank you so much for this and to everybody else for all you do for our community.”