By Darlene Brace
Each year, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, now known as the CHQ Chamber, recognizes local businesses and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the community. During the summer, county residents are invited to participate in the award selection process by nominating businesses they believe are deserving of these honors. Toward the end of August, the Chamber announced the winners of seven different categories. Let’s look at the recipients of the CHQ Chamber Business Awards for 2025.
The Emerging Business of the Year Award is designated to a newer or a growing business that fills a need and demonstrates vision. The Emerging Business of the Year is being awarded to West Main Mercantile in Falconer, owned by Danielle Marra, which opened in 2024. This mercantile emphasizes the “shop local” theme. Most of the shelves contain products from other small local businesses ranging from homemade soaps, peanut butter, candies, Buffalo Bills items, jewelry, home décor, and much more. They also house Go to Meals that provides delicious and nutritious meals at a reasonable price.
at 52 East Main Street in Fredonia. He brings over 30 years of experience at The
Roycroft in East Aurora, and 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry
in downtown Buffalo – (featured in The Villager, June, 2025).
• West Main Mercantile, located at 17/19 West Main Street in Falconer, is a retail
store owned by Danielle and Angelo Marra. Their store showcases a variety of
products from local businesses and entrepreneurs. It promotes the concept
of shopping local, which invites you to discover the unique treasures our area
has to offer – (featured in The Villager, February, 2025).
The Hospitality Business of the Year award recognizes a Chautauqua County establishment, such as a restaurant, hotel, or attraction. This hospitality award will be presented to The White Inn in Fredonia. This historic hotel and restaurant operated for over 100 years before closing in 2017. Since then, the building has undergone a complete renovation, including the twenty-five beautiful guest rooms, as well as to the restaurant, bar, and lounge. The White Inn reopened for business during this past year.
The Service Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that delivers essential services to the community. This year’s winner of this award is Porter-Blair Cleaning Company. They provide cleaning services for establishments, including schools, churches, medical facilities, and office buildings, as well as offering janitorial services, final phase cleanup for new construction, and wash-and-fold laundry services.
The Producer of the Year Award is given to a manufacturing, agriculture, or construction company. This year’s Producer of the Year Award goes to Triple E Manufacturing. This Sherman business has been a trusted name in equine equipment since 1984, and has expanded into a full-service manufacturing operation, offering durable, American-made equine products alongside custom embroidery and printing services.
The Not-for-Profit Business of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding nonprofit committed to providing services to those in need. This award is being given to Chautauqua County Rural Ministry in Dunkirk. They offer the Garment Gallery, a low-cost shop for gently used clothing, and the Friendly Kitchen, which provides nutritious meals and operates an emergency food pantry. They also have Murial’s Closet Book Store, a gardening initiative, and a Furniture Gallery that offers low-cost used furniture.
The Business Champion Award is given to an organization that has contributed most to the economic development and quality of life in the county. This year’s Champion Award goes to the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities. The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has been at the forefront of promoting clean energy development for manufacturing in Chautauqua County. They also continue to provide high quality utilities at affordable rates for home and business owners in the Jamestown area.
The Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, employee growth, and exemplary service. This year, the award goes to the Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House, owned by Bryce and Rachel Steffen. They have made significant contributions to the Bemus Point community by participating in fundraisers, charity tournaments, holiday celebrations and other local events. The establishment is known for providing delicious meals, a beautiful golf course, live music, and more.
These seven businesses will be recognized at the CHQ Chamber Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 2nd at 6pm. This event will take place at the Williams Center at SUNY Fredonia and will feature a buffet dinner. Those interested in attending should RSVP by September 25th at chamberrsvp.org.
The CHQ Chamber would also like to recognize the following area businesses that are celebrating amazing milestones: 90 Years: Westfield Nursery & Garden Center/ 75 Years: Jamestown Community College/ 60 Years: Gebbie Foundation/ 50 Years: Falconer Power Sports/ 30 Years: Peaceful Designs & Shawbucks /25 Years: Elegant Edibles Catering/ 20 Years: Maple Springs Tree Service /10 Years: Betts Insurance Agency, Concord Quilting Studio, Lake Shore Center for the Arts/ 5 Years: Chautauqua Soap Company, Full Strength Coffee, Porter-Blair Cleaning / Stella: A Kitchen and Bar, and Whizz-n-Smash. Congratulations to all of these milestone accomplishments as well as to all the Chamber’s award winners.