MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the official nominees for the 2025 Business Excellence Awards. These awards honor individuals, businesses, and organizations who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service, innovation, and commitment to the community.

Nominees were selected through a public nomination process, and voting is now open exclusively to members of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. Winners will be celebrated at the 2025 Business Excellence Awards Gala on Thursday, November 13 at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre. 

Chamber members can cast their vote at sullivancountychamberofcommerce.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Form/FillV2/rA2GWiyp?cid%3D{{HCIContactId}}. 

2025 Award Categories & Nominees – Businessperson of the Year – Recognizes an individual for outstanding leadership and business success.

• Janet Carrus, Founder, Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre 

•  Sean Brooks, Owner, Prestige Towing

• Steven Schwartz, Owner, Steve’s Music Center

Distinguished Achievement Award – Recognizes an individual or organization for significant and lasting contributions to the region.

• Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre

• Ira Steingart, Chief Executive Officer, Sullivan County IDA

• New Hope Community

• The River Reporter

• Usher Jalas, Owner, Bowling on Broadway & Liberty Pizza 

Distinguished Service Award – Recognizes an individual for extraordinary community service and volunteerism.

• Danny Gonzalez, Owner, Starters American Eatery

• Lynn Morales, Community Engagement Support Specialist, Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson 

Emerging Leader Award –  Recognizes a rising professional making meaningful change.

• Jennifer Jensen, Sales Manager, Hudson Valley Home Source, LLC

• Jesse Robinson, Founder & CEO, JR Capital Solutions 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Workplace Excellence Award – Recognizes a workplace for commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.

• Kathy Kreiter, Program Administrator, Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless 

Resorts World Gives Award – Presented to a local nonprofit organization in recognition of its outstanding service, impact, and dedication to the Sullivan County community.

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Town of Wallkill

• Catskill Animal Rescue (CARE)

• Hope’s Compass 

The Chamber thanks all who submitted nominations and congratulates each of the 2025 nominees. Your work and leadership help make Sullivan County a better place to live, work, and grow. 

Voting is open now through close of business on Wednesday, September 10 for all current Chamber members. One vote per member organization. 

For more information, please contact the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at office@catskills.com or 845 791 4200 x1.