North Country Chamber honors local businesses and trailblazers

PLATTSBURGH | It was a sold-out night of celebration at the North Country Chamber of Commerce's 114th Annual Awards Dinner Jan. 30. Roughly 500 guests filled SUNY Plattsburgh's Warren Ballroom as the chamber recognized this year's award winners with glitz, glam and a touch of performance flair. The program brought rounds of applause and elation for the Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Businessperson of the Year, Economic Development Partner of the Year, the Trailblazer Award, and the 2025 Chairperson's Award. "2026 is the 114th year our Chamber has been serving businesses and the economy in our region, and this year's Annual Dinner, thanks to our terrific staff, was once again a great gathering and a great celebration," North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said. Evening remarks included Douglas, 2026 Board Chairperson, Michele Friedman, 2025 Board Chairperson Andrew Sepcie, local lawmakers, Canadian dignitaries and the accomplished winners of this year's honors. 2026 BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR The 2026 Joe Bornstein Businessperson of the Year award was presented to Chris Akey, owner and president of Taylor Rental. The Chamber recognized Akey for outstanding entrepreneurial leadership, commitment to local business growth, and dedication to the North Country community. In their remarks, the Chamber noted that Akey grew up in Plattsburgh and built a career rooted in strengthening regional businesses and expanding opportunities close to home. Akey launched his entrepreneurial path with Taylor Rental Plattsburgh over 20 years ago. He began his professional journey at his grandparents' business, Farm and Family, where he developed a strong work ethic and a customer-first approach that continues to guide his leadership today. "Through perseverance, innovation, and the support of his family, that single venture grew into a diverse portfolio of locally based businesses serving communities across the region. His success reflects a long-term commitment to reinvesting in the North Country and creating sustainable economic impact," the Chamber said. Akey has also contributed support and vision to area outreach organizations, including the CVPH Foundation Board and the North Country Cancer Fund. He has provided resources for numerous local fundraisers and community events. "His involvement reflects a strong belief in giving back, supporting neighbors in times of need, and helping ensure a strong future for the region," the Chamber said in naming Akey their 2026 Businessperson of the Year. Asked how the award reflects his business leadership, Akey pointed to teamwork. "This award speaks volumes about our team. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment are second to none. To me, this recognition is a direct reflection of the people behind the scenes who show up every day and give their best. Our success is built on their effort," Akey said. Asked what he enjoys most about business ownership, Akey said, "My favorite aspect of owning a business is being a problem-solver and helping people when they need it most. Assisting customers, finding solutions, and making a real difference is extremely rewarding. "One of the biggest challenges we face is the changing retail landscape. Staying relevant to today's shopper while continuing to operate brick-and-mortar stores is an ongoing challenge. Local stores are disappearing, yet they remain critically important—especially in the construction and equipment sectors. Asked what advice he might offer aspiring business owners, "Follow your gut," Akey said. "If something feels right, it most likely is. Trust your instincts, stay committed to your values, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks." Chamber President and CEO Garry Douglas said growing and operating one successful business is an achievement all its own. "But in Chris Akey, we have a serial entrepreneur leading a whole range of businesses, including Taylor Rental, Commercial Sales and Cardinal Ace Hardware, to name just a few. Carrying on the Akey family's long, special place in our business community, Chris exemplifies business success and leadership." 2026 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR DELLA Auto Group was named the 2026 Business of the Year. The DELLA Auto Group, founded in 1983 by Michael Della Bella Sr. and his wife Carmen, was recognized for its decades-long investment in people, community, and economic growth across the region. The DELLA story began modestly when Michael and Carmen purchased Bob Clarke Pontiac in Queensbury, giving rise to DELLA Pontiac. Both worked side by side at the dealership, rolling up their sleeves and balancing the challenges of growing a business while raising a family. Their dedication and hands-on approach laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational enterprise. Over the years, the DELLA Auto Group expanded steadily throughout the North Country. Today, Plattsburgh serves as a major hub for the group, with Kia, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Polaris Motor Sports, Subaru, and Chevrolet locations, as well as a full-service collision center. The group employs more than 375 individuals, with over 200 living and working in Clinton County. Now led by the second generation, siblings Michael Jr., Christopher, Anthony, and Kiara Della Bella, the DELLA Auto Group continues to reflect the values on which it was built as each grew up working in the business at young ages, learning every department from the ground up. Community involvement remains central to the DELLA mission. The company proudly supports numerous local and regional organizations, including United Way, CV Tech Plattsburgh, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, SUNY Plattsburgh, Chazy Youth Hockey, the Plattsburgh YMCA, the Salvation Army, JCEO, the Clinton County Fair, North Country SPCA, and the North Country Chamber of Commerce, among many others. 2026 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Cumberland Bay Market was recognized as the Small Business of the Year, honoring its growth, community impact, and the leadership of owner Stacey Ambler. For the past seven years, Ambler has owned and operated Cumberland Bay Market, transforming it into far more than a neighborhood store in Cumberland Head. Under her leadership, the market has become a trusted community hub, offering quality food, catering services, and a welcoming space that meets the daily needs of residents while strengthening the fabric of the surrounding area. Ambler's dedication to community and service was recognized statewide when she received the New York State Assembly 2020 Woman of Distinction Award for her leadership during the pandemic. 2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNER OF THE YEAR Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO Beth Hill has named the 2026 Economic Developer of the Year, recognized for her exceptional leadership, long-term impact on regional economic vitality, and transformative contributions to heritage tourism and community development. Hill has served as President and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga since 2010, following a distinguished career with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Historic Sites Division. A museum professional for more than 25 years, Hill holds a Master of Arts degree in History from American University and has led Fort Ticonderoga through a remarkable organizational turnaround and into a period of strategic growth and reinvestment. Under Hill's leadership, Fort Ticonderoga is executing a multi-million-dollar, multi-year capital improvement plan that is expanding visitor experiences, strengthening educational programming, and enhancing the site's national visibility. The organization has secured several prestigious federal grants, including awards from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities, supporting major exhibitions, collections accessibility, and expanded public engagement. Beyond its cultural significance, Fort Ticonderoga serves as a major economic driver for the region, supporting local businesses, generating year-round visitation, and strengthening the tourism economy across the North Country and Adirondack Coast. Hill's collaborative leadership and commitment to community partnerships have elevated the institution's role in workforce engagement, regional branding, and long-term economic resilience. Hill is a long-standing community leader and serves on multiple regional and statewide boards, advancing collaboration across tourism, education, and economic development sectors. 2026 TRAILBLAZER AWARD The North Country Chamber presented its Trailblazer Award to Anna Hewitt Channell, recognizing her emerging leadership, community engagement, and forward-thinking impact across the North Country. Anna serves as Business Development and Marketing Manager at Dannemora Federal Credit Union, where she plays a vital role in connecting local businesses, professionals, and community partners. Through her work, she supports local charities, nonprofits, schools, and initiatives that strengthen the region, combining relationship building with a strong commitment to community service. A lifelong Plattsburgh resident, Anna brings a deep love for the North Country into everything she does. She is an Ambassador for the North Country Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Mountain Lake PBS Board, where she is Chair of the Development Committee. She is also an active member of Noon Rotary, serving as Chair of the Fundraising Committee, Chair of the Public Relations Committee, and as a member of the Membership Committee. She is slated to serve as Rotary President in 2027. Anna's leadership extends beyond the local level through her service on the Conference and Diamond Award Committees for America's Credit Unions, contributing to national conversations that shape the future of the industry. She is also the co-chair and a founding creator of Michigan Fest, a community event that brings people together while celebrating local pride and collaboration. Outside of work and volunteer leadership, Anna is a devoted twin mom to James and Elliott. She enjoys gardening, creating recipes, and embracing creativity at home and in the community she loves. Kristy Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing, Operations & Business Development with North Country Chamber of Commerce, said, "Anna Hewitt-Channell truly embodies what it means to be a Trailblazer. In her role as Business Development & Marketing Manager at Dannemora Federal Credit Union, she brings energy, innovation, and a genuine commitment to building meaningful relationships across our business community. Her recognition as Rotarian of the Year, along with her leadership as the founder of the Michigan Festival, speaks to both her drive and her ability to turn vision into action. Anna leads by example, inspiring the next generation of young professionals to step forward, serve boldly, and invest in the future of our region. We are proud to recognize her as our 2026 Trailblazer Award recipient." 2025 CHAIRMAN'S AWARD Andrew Sepcie was also recognized for his work with the Chamber and the surrounding community. Douglas said, "Andy Sepcie was a great Chair of our Chamber through a year that brought great advances as well as responses to new challenges. He helped to guide us at the Chamber as he does at his company, Monaghan Medical. With leadership. steadfastness and good cheer. We are an even stronger Chamber than we already were, thanks to his commitment to our work. We join in thanking him for that." The Chamber extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and offered sponsorship support for the special evening of well-deserved recognition. -Contributing Writer Kim Dedam contributed to this report. Sun Community News & Printing extends a heartfelt congratulations to all 2026 recipients.

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North Country Chamber honors local businesses and trailblazers

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