Greater Rochester Chamber’s Small Business Council affiliate announces 2025 Business Person of the Year Awards Finalists
MAY 27, 2025 (ROCHESTER, NY) – The Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, announced twelve finalists in two categories for its 2025 Business Person of the Year Awards. Presented annually since 1983, the Business Person of the Year Awards recognize for-profit business leaders in Greater Rochester who have demonstrated outstanding success, growth, leadership, and service in both civic and professional areas.
The 2025 finalists in the under 25 employees category are:
- Lindsay Connelly, President/Founder, Linden Digital Marketing, LLC
- Lauren Goetz, Owner/Founder, Everyday Hands, Inc.
- Stephen McDonnell Jr., President/CEO, Wilmac Technologies
- Michael R. McNaughton, CFP®, CPWA®, CEO & 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
The 2025 finalists in the over 25 employees category are:
- 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
The 2025 Business Person of the Year Awards will be presented at a ceremony on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available for the ceremony. Learn more and secure your spot here.
“On behalf of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, congratulations to the twelve Business Person of the Year Awards finalists! This represents an elite group of business leaders that are shaping our region, growing its economy, and creating meaningful differences for employees and our community,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber. “Thank you to our Small Business Council affiliate volunteers for their work to plan this event and celebrate small business leaders making a difference. I look forward to coming together and celebrating these changemakers at the ceremony in July.”
Steve Hogan, President of the SBC Board, said, "Congratulations to all of our 2025 Business Person of the Year Awards finalists! Each of our finalists is an exemplary leader in Greater Rochester, contributing to our region's economic vitality and growth. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and taking time to recognize the leadership of these organizations is so important, now more than ever. We look forward to celebrating all of our finalists on July 30 and hope to see you there.”
To learn more, please contact Cassidy Pendell, Events, Training, and Affiliates Manager, at Cassidy.Pendell@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.