Canandaigua Chamber Announces Award Winners

CANANDAIGUA — What do the Greater Canandaigua Family YMCA, Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County ReStore, Halco Energy and the Ontario County Historical Society have in common?

All have been selected by the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce as this year’s Business of the Year Award recipients.

The YMCA is the winner of the 2016 Service Award.

CEO Laurie O’Shaughnessy said the Canandaigua Y has been committed to helping the community lead a healthier lifestyle for more than 110 years.

"Every day, we make it our mission to work with our neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has access to programs that help build a healthy spirit, mind and body," O’Shaughnessy said. "We can only build a strong community if we work together.”

The ReStore, which first opened its doors five years ago, is receiving recognition for retail. The ReStore has continued to grow and support the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County.

“This particular store carries furniture and household items that other ReStores don’t typically sell,” said Manager Dale Reed, “because we found that our customers really want them.”

Executive Director Nash Bock said every item on the sales floor has been donated from the local community, and the sales from these items are used to build decent and affordable homes with families in need.

"We view it as ‘neighbors helping neighbors,’ where a donated couch, chair or book collection from one household helps another family build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter," Bock said.

This year’s industry award goes to Halco Energy. Its investments in whole-house energy services, employee training, and energy-efficient products have resulted in better products, better employees, more jobs and more thoroughly satisfied customers, said Co-owner and CFO Tammy Smith.

“We are so excited and proud to be recognized by the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce for this award,” Smith said. “Our company would not be the success it is without the support of the communities we serve and our dedicated, lifelong customers who hire us time after time for all of their home comfort needs.”

The Ontario County Historical Society is tops in tourism this year. Director Ed Varno said the staff of the Historical Society love visitors and enjoy sharing stories of Canandaigua's past with them. The museum is now featuring a new exhibit, "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – Ontario Transportation in the 20th and 21st Centuries."

"We offer a family-friendly location, right on North Main Street, where people can visit at no cost and leave with a better understanding of our city's heritage," Varno said.

WHAT Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Awards Luncheon

WHEN Noon to 2 p.m. Friday, June 3

WHERE Canandaigua Country Club, Fallbrook Park, off Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua

DETAILS Jeremy Biernat, founder and owner of Tall Trainer Fitness Systems, is the keynote speaker.

ADMISSION The cost is $30 per person, and reservations are requested by May 25. Sponsorship packages are also available.