11/22/2025
GWNC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES 2025 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Watertown, NY – The Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its annual Business of the Year Awards on November 19, 2025, at The Strand Theatre, recognizing the businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs whose innovation and dedication strengthen the local economy. This year’s event, streamed live courtesy of NBC Watertown and hosted by Jenn Coleman of Tunes 92.5/104. 5FM Intrepid Broadcasting, Inc. highlighted nine outstanding nominees across three categories: Emerging Business of the Year, Legacy Business of the Year, and Non-Profit of the Year. Approximately 4,000 votes were cast by the community in support of their favorite organizations.
Legacy Business of the Year
Nominees: Advocate Drum, Massey’s Furniture Barn, Rhonda’s FooteWorks
Winner: Massey’s Furniture Barn
Owner Shawn E. Massey expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It’s not me; it’s the people that help me, guide me, mentors along the way, and the people that help me run my stores now. It’s more about them than me.”
Emerging Business of the Year
Nominees: Bad Apple Downtown LLC, Developing with Devan, G.R.O. Energy Solutions, LLC
Winner: Bad Apple Downtown
Owner Shannon Exford-Donato said the award is an honor for the entire team, adding, “We don’t do it without the support of the community and our loyal customer base… Winning is a great honor and a great win for our employees.”
Non-Profit Business of the Year
Nominees: Thrive Wellness and Recovery, Inc., Hospice of Jefferson County, Inc., HarmoNNY Performing Arts Community
Winner: Hospice of Jefferson County
Kathy Arendt, Director of Foundation Operations and Development, shared, “We have a beautiful Hospice, and we are grateful in this area to have such a beautiful residence. Anyway we can help the community, we are there… We are humble, proud, and very grateful for this award.”
Chamber President & CEO Kayla Jamieson underscored the impact of small businesses in the North Country, stating, “They are the heartbeat of our economy. The work they do fuels local jobs, sparks innovation, and keeps this community thriving. This celebration is our way of saying: we see your effort, we value it, and we encourage you to keep up the good work. After all, a rising tide lifts all boats!” She also encouraged residents to shop local during the holiday season, adding, “When you spend money with a small business, it doesn’t just buy a product — it strengthens a family, supports local jobs, and reinvests directly back into our community.”
Thank you to our sponsors. We are grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Bowers & Company CPAs, Champion Sponsor, Jefferson County, and Supporting Sponsor, Watertown Savings Bank, for their generous commitment to making this celebration possible.
Special appreciation goes to Empire Facility Management, 24 Carrots Catering, and NBC Watertown for their partnership and event support. We also extend thanks to The Strand Theatre, Katie Zehr-Peer Photography, Snapshots Photo Booth, Silver Line Party Rentals LLC, The Whimsical Pig, and all partners who contributed to the success of this year’s event.
WATCH THE AWARDS RECORDING
From The Strand in Watertown NY - 11/19/25
