Milestones, achievements recognized at Chamber dinner

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet to a full room of guests and recipients in the Williams Center at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Many businesses celebrated significant milestones in addition to the collection of recipients it honored.

The evening's main program started with the Emerging Business of the Year award going to The Westfield Makerspace. The Makerspace brings together creativity, learning and entrepreneurship through hands-on classes, workshops, community events, maker markets and shared resources; the Makerspace helps local designers and small businesses develop skills, showcase their work and turn ideas into opportunities.

The Hospitality Business of the Year award went to 3 Lakes Cafe in Cassadaga. A welcomed gathering place where great food, coffee and community come together. In 2026 the business expanded with a little coffee trailer bringing their love of community to even more local events. "Hearing that we won this award kind of gives validity and purpose to the past two-and-a-half years doing what we can to make this feel more than just a cafe or a coffee shop," said Jacob Landean, co-owner.

Sanfilippo Solutions Inc. of Gerry received the Service Business of the Year award. Founded in 2014 it grew from a one-person operation into a trusted home performance and energy efficiency contractor serving Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. The company combines quality workmanship, innovative energy solutions and a commitment to helping local families create safer and more energy efficient homes.

Wells Enterprises in Dunkirk was the Producer of the Year award. This organization made a historic $425 million investment in its Dunkirk manufacturing facility, one of the largest single private investments in Chautauqua County history. It's now a first of its kind integrated chocolate factory, advanced production technology and expanded capabilities to support new ice cream innovation including collaborations with Ferrero Brands. Once complete, the investment is expected to retain 300 full-time jobs and create 200 more jobs.

The Not-For-Profit of the Year was the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) in Dunkirk. What started in 1986 with thoughtful community minded individuals, businesses and organizations came together to create a permanent charitable organization dedicated to a vibrant and prosperous Northern Chautauqua Community. In 2026 NCCF awarded more than $166,000 in community benefit grants. "Since 2017 we have contributed more than $750,000 to local economic development initiatives," Rachel Foley, chairwoman of the board for the organization stated.

Chautauqua Lake Dental in Mayville was the Business Champion Award. The business originally known as Mayville Dental Arts was rebranded in 2021. Dr. Erin Pender, owner, has transformed the practice into a growing regional health care provider and a strong community partner. The business during this time has grown the business from three employees to seven and expanded the patient roll by 335 in 2025 with another 90 joining in 2026 bringing the number of patients to almost 2,000. "The sustainability of our community really falls on the sustainability of our businesses," Pender shared.

DFT Communications in Fredonia was named Business of the Year. For more than 128 years, a locally owned and operated family company it has built its reputation on reliability, innovation and legendary customer service. Its current goal is expanding its fiber optic network throughout Fredonia and surrounding communities. Over a decade DFT has committed millions of dollars in company and grant funding to transition customers to modern, future ready fiber networking.

In addition to the stand out awards several businesses were recognized for milestones. Five-year awards went to Art Cloth & Craft, Ballgame Heroes and Buddy Brewsters out of Lakewood. Fifteen years was celebrated by Bag & String Wine Merchants and Portage Pie. Celebrating 20 years was Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center and the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation.

Twenty-five years was celebrated by Borsari Food Company, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Thru the Grapevine Travel and the Robert H. Jackson Center. Celebrating 30 years was Festivals Fredonia Inc. and 3 Cs Catering.

Forty years saw Southwest Regional Small Business Development Center, Springville Door and Window and Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. The Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame celebrated 45 years while the Chautauqua Bell celebrated 50 years along with the Wine Cellar. Fifty-five years went to Swan Painting Inc. Sixty years was celebrated by Alliance Financial Network and 70 years was celebrated by the Jamestown Rubber Stamp Company and Jamestown Container Company.

Seventy-five years was by the Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House and 90 years went to Johnny's Lunch. Ninety-Five years was enjoyed by Ideal Coatings Inc. and Putnam Record Insurance Agency. The night turned to the centuries old businesses after that starting with the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Lakeshore Bank and Anderson Precision at 135 years, Jamestown Mattress Company and Sagewell at 140 years, Community Bank N.A. at 160 years. The Post-Journal and SUNY Fredonia were acknowledged for 200 years of service.