The Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber affiliate, has announced the finalists for the 40th annual Business Person of the Year Award.
Since its establishment in 1983, the award acknowledges accomplished individuals within the for-profit business sector in Greater Rochester. The finalists are recognized for their exceptional achievements, expansion, effective leadership and contributions in both civic and professional domains.
This year’s recipients will be announced, and all finalists will be recognized, at an 80’s-themed ceremony at the Callahan Theater at Nazareth College on Wednesday, July 26th.
The 40th Annual Business Person of the Year finalists in the 50 employees and under category are:
- Ahmon Bryant, owner, Sharp Edgez Barber Institute;
- Paul Cypher, president and CEO, CypherWorx, Inc.;
- Richard A. Dougherty, managing partner, Echelon Wealth Advisors, LLC;
- Anthony Valerio, owner, Four Winds Chimney, and
- Phil Yawman, president, Cooley Group Inc.
The finalists in the over 50 employees category are:
- Jason Aymerich, president, JN White;
- Jason Barrett, founder and president, Black Button Distilling;
- Anthony DiTucci, president and COO, Livingston Associates, Inc.;
- Sameer Penakalapati, founder and CEO, Indotronix Avani Group, and
- Timothy J. Pope, CEO, Ironwood Heavy Highway LLC & Terry Tree Service, LLC.
“It is an honor to recognize the talented entrepreneurs who have displayed innovation, resilience and dedication over the years,” said Sarah Compter, president of the Small Business Council.
Added Bob Duffy, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs, fostering innovation and shaping the unique character of our region. The Business Person of the Year Awards highlight those who have made significant contributions to our business landscape while inspiring others to reach new heights.”