Four Canandaigua area Businesses Honored
CANANDAIGUA — An estimated 220 area business owners and representatives soaked up the sunshine and lake air while savoring local wines and gourmet fare at the 2016 Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Luncheon on Friday.
Guests of honor at the Friday luncheon were four area businesses and organizations, celebrated for the role each plays in serving the greater Canandaigua community. Receiving awards were the Greater Canandaigua Family YMCA, Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County and ReStore, Halco Energy, and the Ontario County Historical Society.
And while the event was aimed at honoring outstanding area businesses and organizations, it was keynote speaker Jeremy Biernat who supplied the humor, inspiration and grassroots business advice to attendees as he recounted his own journey as founder and owner of Tall Trainer Fitness Systems in Canandaigua.
Noting the irony of a fitness guru stepping up to the microphone as people were taking their last bites of lunch, Biernat shared his humble start — living in his parents’ basement, with $100 in his business checking account, training people in their homes.
He pointed to the priority he made early on — although he “didn’t have any money to scrape together” — of joining the local Chamber of Commerce and becoming part of the community. He thanked area business owners who gave him a boost, partnering on promotions and media coverage.
He urged other business owners to “strive to get better, not for perfection,” and to “try to do the best you can with what you’ve got.”
Biernat encouraged entrepreneurs to “live below their means” and avoid spending money on iffy business strategies. More specifically, he said “don’t add a lot of zeros (dollars) to a dumb idea.”
He also talked candidly about his faith in God, and how it had impacted his vision for Tall Trainer, and his business decisions.
Biernat heartily affirmed local business owners and their drive and commitment to excellence.
“You’re waking up in the morning and doing the work — you’re getting it done,” he said to them all, and especially to the four honorees.
Receiving the Chamber’s Service Business of the Year Award for 112 years of promoting values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, was Laurie O'Shaughnessy of the Greater Canandaigua Family YMCA. A stunning visual example of the YMCA’s vast community impact came when she asked staff, board members, YMCA members and supporters to stand.
Accepting the Retail Business of the Year Award were Dale Reed of ReStore and Nash Block of Habitat for Humanity of Ontario County. ReStore was recognized for its “green” business practices, for serving members of the public from all walks of life, and for generating funds for Habitat for Humanity.
The 2016 Industry Business of the Year Award went to Halco Energy for customer service, in-house employee training, and dedication to quality work, sustainability and innovation. Receiving the award was Tammy Smith, the company’s co-owner and CFO.
The Chamber’s 2016 Tourism Award went to the Ontario County Historical Society for its contribution to the cultural environment in the community as an enthusiastic advocate for Ontario County history. Accepting the award was Barb Fuge, vice president of the OCHS Board of Directors.
Chamber President and CEO Alison Grems said she is enormously proud of each award recipient this year.
“They give so much back to the community through what they’re doing in their businesses, and what services they’re providing,” said Grems. “There’s a kind of interesting mix — every single one of them gives back in multiple ways. They’re stellar examples of why Canandaigua is such a great community to live, work and play.”
Special thanks was given to venue host Canandaigua Country Club, Nolan’s catering, Spring Valley Gardens, Genesee Valley Penny Saver, keynote speaker sponsor Thompson Health, and title sponsor Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack.
