Greater Rochester Chamber’s Small Business Council affiliate announces 2026 Business Person of the Year Awards Finalists
MAY 28, 2026 (ROCHESTER, NY) – The Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, announced ten finalists in two categories for its 2026 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 2026 finalists in the under 40 employees category are:
- Gino Broccolo, CEO, ninety two
- Nat Harrington, Founder & Owner, Nat's Nuts
- Glenn Jackling, CEO & President, Applied Image, Inc.
- Brian O'Sullivan, President, Frontier Abstract
- Susan Reuter, Owner, Flight Wine Bar
The 2026 finalists in the over 40 employees category are:
- Cindy Shuman, Founder, Owner & COO, Lattimore Physical Therapy
- Naomi Silver, President, CEO & COO, Rochester Red Wings
- Mark A. Tolbert, President & CEO, TOPTICA Photonics Inc
- Anthony Valerio, Founder & Owner, Four Winds Chimney
- Alex Vigneri, CEO, DeCocoa Chocolate Crafters
The 2026 Business Person of the Year Awards will be presented at a ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available for the ceremony.
“This year’s Business Person of the Year Awards finalists are raising the game for small business in our community, and we’re proud to recognize their greatness alongside our Small Business Council,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber. “Greater Rochester Chamber is grateful to each of our ten finalists for the work they are doing to grow our region and its economy – we are better thanks to your efforts. And, thanks to our Small Business Council affiliate volunteers for their work to plan this event and celebrate small business leaders making a difference.”
Jordan Daniels, President of the SBC Board, said, “We are proud to announce and celebrate our 2026 Business Person of the Year Awards finalists. These outstanding leaders are making a profound impact across the Greater Rochester region through their innovation, dedication, and commitment to driving strong economic growth. Small businesses are at the center of what makes our region thrive — creating opportunity, supporting families, and helping build vibrant communities where people live and work. Recognizing the individuals leading these organizations is increasingly important. Congratulations to all of our finalists! We look forward to honoring and celebrating their achievements on July 29.”
To learn more, please contact Events Specialist Becca DePrez at Becca.DePrez@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.