KINGSTON, N.Y. — The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and entrepreneurs with its 2024 Business Awards, according to an announcement.
The awards “recognize Ulster County businesses which are leaders in their sectors, have achieved outstanding results, or have shown dedication and commitment to furthering business and the quality of life in Ulster County,” the announcement said.
Named Entrepreneur of the Year is Lizzie Vann, owner of the Bearsville Center, a Woodstock complex with businesses, a park, and the iconic Bearsville Theater. Vann, born in the United Kingdom, relocated to Woodstock in 2013, initially founding (and later selling) the baby food company known as Organix. Vann bought the 16-acre Bearsville campus in August of 2019, and channeled $2.5 million to restore the property.
The announcement said Vann’s next plan is to restore the former Lasher Funeral Home at 100 Tinker St. in Woodstock, which she bought in May of 2023. Vann intends to transform the space into a cultural center, with office and workshop spaces, gardens, a café, an art studio and gallery, and workforce housing.
This year’s Business of the Year is Callanan Industries, Inc., an East Kingston-based business supplying paving materials and construction paving services to state, federal, municipal, commercial, and private customers. Since its founding in 1883, Callanan has won the American Road and Transportation Builders Association Global Award and the Liberty Mutual Excellence Award.
The award for Small Business of the Year went to Brad’s Barns & Gazebos, at 903 Route 28 in Kingston. According to the announcement, the business is known for its Amish-built barns, sheds, garages, pavilions, gazebos, and more. Joseph Charmello purchased the business 17 years ago and now employs 11 people. The announcement said Charmello frequently gives back to the community, supporting local nonprofits such as the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County and the Boys and Girls Club.
Phoenicia Diner, at 5681 State Route 28 in Phoenicia, is the recipient of the award for Tourism Business of the Year. Purchased by Mike Cioffi in 2010, the diner was opened in 2012. The diner has become increasingly popular through promotion on social media, particularly Instagram, where the diner has over 36,000 followers from around the globe. The announcement said Phoenicia Diner serves 170,000 guests each year.
The award for Commitment to the Community went to HUDSY TV, one of the first local streaming platforms to emerge in the Hudson Valley. The non-profit service, founded in 2017, is available for free, offering original content as well as local filmmakers and creators on its platform.
Ryan Naccarato, founder of Hudson Valley Ambition, was awarded Emerging Young Leader. Naccarato founded the fitness boot camp three years ago, which operates year-round in parks and other open areas. Hudson Valley Ambition offers 45-minute workouts in the sun, rain, and snow, which are team-oriented and focused. Naccarato has recently expanded to offer a kids’ boot camp as well as an online coaching program.
Saugerties staple Village Pizza received the Heritage Award for its history in the community. Founded in 1971 by Sicilian immigrant Gaetano Calcagno, the restaurant has been family-owned and operated since, now run by his grandson, Rodney. The business has grown since, now including bars and grills, bagel cafés, and mobile catering.
This year’s Chamber Champion is Bill Calderara, President and Chief Executive Officer at Ulster Savings Bank since 2016. A longtime supporter of the Chamber of Commerce, Calderara has been in the banking world for over 30 years. In 2019, Calderara was inducted into the SUNY New Paltz School of Business Hall of Fame, as 2019 Business Person of the Year.
Merle Borenstein, founder and former owner of Armadillo Bar and Grill in Kingston, is the recipient of the Len Cane Heart of Ulster County Award. For over 40 years, Borenstein has given back to the community, serving on the boards of the Family of Woodstock, the YWCA, and Ulster County SPCA. Borenstein opened the first soup kitchen in Kingston, working with the Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church. Borenstein currently volunteers with the Samadhi Recovery Center as well as Paws Unlimited, a senior dog sanctuary in Kingston.
The awards will be presented at a dinner scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Diamond Mills Hotel, 25 South Partition St., Saugerties. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the dinner. For information about sponsorship, contact Chamber President Ward Todd at (845) 338-5100, ext. 2, or send an email to ward@ulsterchamber.org. For more information about the awards, call (845) 338-5100 or visit ulsterchamber.org.
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