Greater Rochester Chamber & Small Business Council Affiliate Recognize Connelly, Miller with 2025 Business Person of The Year Awards
JULY 30, 2025 (ROCHESTER, NY) – The Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, announced Lindsay Connelly, Founder and President of Linden Digital Marketing, LLC, and Scott Miller, Owner of Scott Miller Salon Spa & Store, as the winners of the 42nd annual Business Person of the Year Awards. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Rochester on Wednesday, July 30th.
This prestigious Business Person of the Year Award, first awarded in 1983, recognizes for-profit business leaders in Greater Rochester who have demonstrated outstanding success, growth, leadership, and service in both civic and professional areas.
Connelly received the award in the “Under 25 Employees” category. For over a decade, Lindsay Connelly has proven herself a successful digital marketer who enriches the Greater Rochester community. She founded Linden Digital Marketing was founded in 2018 and has grown it into a flourishing marketing firm supporting digital marketing strategy, tactics, website development, and more. Connelly has received recognition from the Rochester Business Journal, TechRochester, and Greater Rochester Chamber, and has created over twenty jobs in our community at Linden Digital Marketing. She also dedicates her time as a board member for Shift2, Journeys of Solutions Inc., St. Ann’s Foundation, and Home Acres Brighton.
Miller was presented the award in the “More than 25 Employees” category. He and his wife Helen opened their first 800-square-foot salon in Fairport in 1985, which has since evolved into a 15,000-square-foot beauty destination in Pittsford with 112 employees, a curated luxury retail space, and a MAC makeup store. His business has received global recognition, having received the L’Oréal Global Business Award in 2010 and has been featured in hair publications in over 80 countries. Scott’s leadership philosophy centers on helping individuals reach their potential, creating an environment of constant improvement, elite education, and world-class guest experiences. Scott, Helen, and their amazing team continue to elevate beauty and business in the Greater Rochester community.
Small Business Council President Steve Hogan said, “Congratulations to Lindsay, Scott, and all of our finalists! Your achievements have inspired us all, and your contributions to Greater Rochester make our community a better place. A special thank you to our event attendees and sponsors for supporting our small business community. Here’s to their continued successes!”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bob Duffy said, “Small businesses are vital to our region–from creating jobs and driving innovation to supporting families and community initiatives. Greater Rochester Chamber is built for small businesses; over 85% of our members are small businesses and we are committed to providing them the resources, connections, and access they need to continue to move our community forward. All of our Business Person of the Year Award finalists have made a significant impact on our region, and we are proud to stand alongside our Small Business Council affiliate to recognize them. Thanks to our Small Business Council volunteers for organizing today’s ceremony, and to the over 300 guests who joined us to celebrate.”
Through its SBC Cares initiative, our Small Business Council affiliate also presented Community Partnership Award grants to Connected Communities and ProsperRochester, Inc. Each organization received an $8,000 donation to support its mission and help empower additional entrepreneurs and business leaders in Greater Rochester.
A complete list of 2025 finalists for the Business Person of the Year Awards is below:
Under 25 employees:
- 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
Over 25 employees:
- 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
To learn more about the 2025 finalists, please see the Business Person of Year Award Event Publication.