“This incredible ball of energy burst into my door and said ‘Hi, I’m Melissa and I want to buy a fruit juice concentrate bottling company,” Hickman said, talking as fast as possible. “I said ‘OK. I’m going to need coffee for this, and she said ‘Yes.'”

The story was shared in front of a large crowd recently gathered at 150 N. Portage St., the future home of CK Natural Fruit Juice, LLC, as part of an award ceremony for small business owners during National Small Business Week.

Hickman nominated Baideme for a Small Business Development Center award.

Victoria Reynolds, who works in the Small Business Administration of out Buffalo, came down and met with Baideme, more than once.

Julie Ambrose with St. Elma Spa in Chautauqua Institution received an entrepreneurial award from the Small Business Development Center. Pictured with her are Beth Reed with the SBDC at JCC and Sonya Smith, state SBDC director in Albany.

Reynolds’ district includes 14 counties west of the Finger Lakes. As time went along, Baideme was eventually selected as the Buffalo District Small Business Person of the Year.

But the story doesn’t end there.

There are three SBA districts in the state – Buffalo, Syracuse and New York City. The winners of three districts competed against one another and Baideme was selected as the New York State Small Business Person of the Year.

She also represented the state for the federal government’s National Small Business Persons of the Year award.

“She is the epitome of hard working, risk-taking, and a believer in the power of that American dream,” Reynolds said during the celebration in Westfield.

Carrie and Levi Swanson, the owners of Sweeterson Farms, received an entrepreneurial award from the Small Business Development Center. Along with their young child, pictured with them are Brian Rovegno with the SBDC at JCC and Sonya Smith, state SBDC director in Albany.

Baideme thanked everyone in attendance. “Thank you for recognizing the work that we’re doing. Being named New York state’s Small Business Person of the Year is more than just an award. It’s a reminder that the late nights, the setbacks, the small wins, they all add up,” she said.

CK Natural Fruit Juice specializes in wholesale distribution of premium juice concentrates, including Concord, Niagara, and Catawba grape juice concentrates, tart cherry juice concentrate, and food products such as Concord Grape Vinaigrette and various sauces.

The company’s mission is to support local agriculture while delivering superior products to wholesale sellers and consumers.

She has two to four employees, depending on the time of year, plus herself.

CK Natural Fruit Juice currently bottles their concentrate on the grounds where the Grower’s Co-op is located.

Small Business Development Center and Small Business Administration leaders were in Westfield recently to honor Melissa Baideme with CK Natural Fruit Juice, LLC of Westfield for winning the New York State Small Business Person of the Year and the New York Small Business Development Center Rural Business of the Year. Also during the ceremony Julie Ambrose with St. Elma Spa in Chautauqua Institution and Carrie and Levi Swanson, the owners of Sweeterson Farms received entrepreneurial awards. Pictured are award winners and others who attended the ceremony.

Baideme was also awarded the New York Small Business Development Center Rural Business of the Year.

After the ceremony Baideme said during an interview she is in the process of turning the former Joe’s Auto Wrecking, which was an old salvage yard, into their new processing plant. More than 300 old cars were removed from the property and Baideme has begun renovation work on the building itself.

She hopes to move into their new property later this year. “I really would like to be moved in full and start producing by this fall. It will make it much easier for me because the fall gets extremely busy. Our sales quadruple. They (Co-op) are bringing in grapes over there. It gets really hectic,” she said.

OTHER AWARDS

Along with Baideme, there were other awards handed out at the ceremony.

Julie Ambrose, owner of St. Elmo Spa in Chautauqua Institution, and Carrie and Levi Swanson of Clymer, owners of Sweeterson Farms, were honored for their resilience, innovation, and contributions to regional economic growth. They were two of four businesses selected throughout Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.

Ambrose acquired St. Elmo Spa and was expanding her business to include hair styling, nails, massages, and skin treatment as COVID caused serious disruptions to revenue. Working with an SBDC Business Advisor, she was awarded a marketing assistance grant that allowed her to develop a new website along with broadcast advertisements.

Ambrose was nominated for her persistence and survival skills throughout the challenge of start-up, expansion, COVID, COVID recovery, state regulations, and renovation assessment fees.

Sweeterson Farms is an online kitchen boutique dedicated to sharing the simple joys of life through a curated selection of quality kitchenware and unique home accents. Founded two years ago by Carrie and Levi Swanson, the business offers a thoughtful array of practical tools and charming entertaining pieces, reflecting a passion for fostering connection and warmth in homes across the country.

“What started as a simple dream–to bring people together through the joy of cooking and gathering–has grown into a family-run boutique serving customers near and far,” said Carrie Swanson. “We’re proud to build this business with our two daughters, Diana and Phoebe, right alongside us. This is truly a family affair, and this recognition means the world to all of us.”

Sweeterson Farms started with a single product – a whimsical whale design – and has since grown.

“We are honored to be recognized alongside such inspiring leaders,” added Levi Swanson. “This award is just the beginning. We’re excited to keep growing, keep serving, and keep celebrating the simple joys that bring people together.”

County Executive PJ Wendel applauded all the winners.

“Thank you all for your endeavors. Thank you all for persistence and your willingness to stay put right here in Chautauqua County,” he said.