County Chamber celebrates excellence with huge dinner

Fred Stabbert III

Posted 11/18/25

T he Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce honored seven local business and organizations on Thursday night at its Annual Business Excellence Awards and Annual Meeting.

Attended by more than 200 …

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County Chamber celebrates excellence with huge dinner

Kathy Kreiter, left, accepted the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workplace Award from her god daughter, Barbi Neumann. Kreiter is the Program Administrator for the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless in Monticello.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

J. Joanne Lionetti won the Resorts World Gives Award for her work in leading the Catskill Animal Rescue, Inc. in Liberty. The award came with a $1,000 check from Resorts World.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

Sullivan County Chamber Businessperson of the Year, Steve Schwartz, recounted his many years in business and how he evolved throughout his career. Schwartz is owner of Steve’s Music Center in Rock Hill.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

Chamber Board Chair Brad Rutledge and Marie Smith, right, congratulate Chamber President and CEO Ashley Leavitt for a successful year of leading the chamber. Smith was also honored as an outgoing board member.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

The entire chamber board was honored for its service to the organization.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

Long-time chamber board member Pat Smith was honored as she is retiring from the board. Smith was also recognized for her work with the Bagel Festival.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

New Hope CEO Karen Russell, second from left, accepted the Distinguished Achievement Award on behalf of her organization along with many members of her staff.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

Lynn Morales won the Distinguished Service Award for her work with the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

Chris Schmidt served more than a decade on the chamber board and is now stepping down. He was honored with a certificate.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

Jesse Robinson, center, won the Emerging Leader Award and was attended by his love, Christie Ford, and son, Isaiah.

Fred Stabbert III | Democrat

Posted Tuesday, November 18, 2025 6:10 am

Fred Stabbert III

The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce honored seven local business and organizations on Thursday night at its Annual Business Excellence Awards and Annual Meeting.

Attended by more than 200 chamber faithful, the dinner also recognized four retiring members of the chamber board who served for many years.

Marie Smith, Pat Smith, Chris Schmidt and Angela Rein were all thanked for their years of service to the board.

Chamber President and CEO Ashley Leavitt recognized their great contributions to the chamber’s success.

The award winners were also announced and honored for their accomplishments.