Sullivan County’s strength has always been its people, the business owners, innovators and community champions who invest their time, talent and resources into making our region thrive. 

On Thursday, November 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce will honor these leaders at the 2025 Business Excellence Awards & Annual Meeting at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, 219 Main St., Hurleyville, NY.

Steven Schwartz, owner of Steve’s Music Center, will receive the 2025 Businessperson of the Year award for outstanding leadership and business success. For decades, it has served as both a retail destination and a cultural hub for generations of musicians.

New Hope Community will be honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award for its significant and lasting contributions to the county, transforming countless lives through comprehensive services and unwavering dedication.

Jesse Robinson, founder/CEO of JR Capital Solutions, will receive the Emerging Leader Award for inspiring transformation and innovation, and for serving as a role model for positive change in our community.

Lynn Morales of Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson will receive the Distinguished Service Award for extraordinary community service and youth development work.

Kathy Kreiter of the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless will receive the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Workplace Excellence Award for her organization’s steadfast commitment to creating inclusive environments where every individual is valued and supported.

Catskill Animal Rescue Inc. (CARE) will be presented with the Resorts World Gives Award for their outstanding work uplifting our community through work that often happens behind the scenes. 

Supporting the business community

While we celebrate these exceptional leaders, it’s worth noting the work happening year-round to support Sullivan County businesses. The chamber actively advocates, networks and solves business barriers. 

As we enter another week of the federal government shutdown, with missed federal pay dates intensifying economic pressure, the chamber is monitoring impacts and amplifying member concerns to strengthen advocacy efforts. Rising tariffs on lumber, furniture and kitchen materials are driving up costs for construction, manufacturing and retail businesses, and we’re helping members navigate these challenges while advocating for relief.

“Our members are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to navigate these challenges alone,” says Ashley Leavitt, president/CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce. “The chamber exists to amplify business voices and advocate for policies that support growth.”

Beyond advocacy, the chamber connects businesses with customers and resources, helps entrepreneurs navigate regulations and access funding, and creates forums for collaboration through networking events like our monthly First Friday Breakfasts. From revitalized downtowns to innovation in manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare, we’re here to ensure local businesses have the support they need to succeed.

The chamber encourages all businesses to stay engaged: share how current conditions affect your operations, attend networking events and join advocacy efforts. “The strength of Sullivan County’s business community has always been its willingness to support one another,” Leavitt notes. “That’s what the chamber is all about.”

For more information about the annual meeting or chamber membership, visit www.catskills.com.