GENESEO - It was a night to celebrate as the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses across the county in a variety of categories.
On Thursday Feb. 25 everything from local mom and pop stores to retailers that sell national brands were honored. Chamber leaders say it is important every year to take time to recognize storefronts that call Livingston County home.
Walking the main streets of the county and engaging with the owners, they say, is now more important than ever. It’s also a blessing, they say, to not only have the wide selection of stores in Livingston County but also to have the friendly faces that are willing to help customers in any way.
From farms to the manufacturers, Chamber leaders says it is important for people to not only visit these business but to also have parents point them to out their children for the next generation to get to know them.
What’s more, they say, is that many of the businesses in Livingston County not only offer a great selection of merchandise but also contribute to the area in other ways, like giving back to the community and providing jobs for many residents in the area. That is what they say makes the area so unique.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s awards ceremony was held virtually.
Nominations were made in 20 categories. For each category, a business needed to be a Chamber member and exemplify some of the following: have a business or industrial investment in Livingston County, exhibit outstanding community service, be a role model for business development, market expansion and community development; or demonstrate outstanding efforts to promote business development and quality of life in Livingston County.
It's important to celebrate the businesses in our community!
A complete list of winners is below.
Most promising new enterprise: Johnny B’s Custom BBQ
Small business of the year: The Wedding Dress and Tux Shop
Photographer of the year: Tetamore Photographic
Retailer of the year: Nunda Lumber & Hardware
Tourism business of the year: Letchworth State Park
Downtown business of the year: The Not Dot Shop
Manufacturer of the year: Barilla America
Non-profit organization of the year: Camp Stella Maris
Commitment to education: Wadsworth Library
Restaurant of the year: Angry Rooster Deli
Wine and craft brewery: Deer Run Winery
Sweet treat business: Suzea’s Gluten Free Cafe & Bakery
Recreation, entertainment and family fun business of the year: Genesee Valley Hunt
Florist of the year: Dogwood Floral Company
Large business of the year: Lattimore Physical Therapy
Artwork and craft business of the year: Studio Sales Pottery
Service business of the year: Ferrel Lawn Service
Salon/spa business of the year: Envy Salon
Longevity award: American Hotel of Lima
George Traber Award: The employees of Coast Professional Inc.