A business can do everything right and still depend on someone else to succeed. An employer needs workers. A local attraction needs restaurants, shops and lodging businesses that give visitors reasons to stay. A small business depends on customers who choose to shop locally and on other businesses that help keep its doors open. Success rarely belongs to just one organization. 

That is especially true in Sullivan County, where our economy and communities are closely connected. The strength of one business can create opportunities for others, and the work of a nonprofit, cultural organization or community leader can have an impact well beyond its immediate mission.

That idea is behind the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Your Partner for Success, 2026 Annual Awards Gala, on November 12 at The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark. This year’s theme, “Connect the Dots,” reflects a new awards format built around six different ways people and organizations contribute to the success of our county. Each category tells part of that story.

The Wurtsboro Board of Trade, receiving the Connecting Success: Partnership Excellence Award, demonstrates the value of bringing people and organizations together around shared goals. 

Alyssa Wowk of the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference and Lourdesa Hunt of Bold Gold Media, recipients of the Inspiring Success: Emerging Leader Award, represent the leadership needed to move our communities forward.

Liberty Blooms Florist & Gift Shop, honored with the Growing Success: Small Business of the Year Award, represents the independent businesses that serve local customers and contribute to the character of our communities. 

Paul Ciliberto of Bold Gold Media, recipient of the Strengthening Success: Community Champion Award, is recognized for the community commitment that extends beyond the workplace.

The evening will also include the Golden Bagel, to be presented to Village of Monticello Police Chief Dave Lindsay in recognition of his contributions to the community. It is a reminder that a community’s strength depends on people willing to serve others, often in ways that extend beyond their formal responsibilities. 

The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland, recipient of the Sustaining Success: Philanthropic Impact Award, reflects the importance of connecting resources with community needs. Philanthropy can help organizations continue their work and address needs that affect residents, families, and the broader community.

The Building Success: Economic Impact Award goes to Prestige Towing & Recovery. Its work illustrates an often-overlooked part of a functioning local economy. When vehicles break down, accidents happen, or businesses need recovery services, dependable help gets residents back on the road and businesses back to work. The company’s growth as a local employer also contributes to the county’s economic base.

These recognitions are different, but together they show why the chamber introduced the new format. Economic success is not measured only by the growth of an individual business. It also depends on the relationships, leadership, services and community investment that allow other people and organizations to succeed. As chamber president, I see the value of bringing people together who might not otherwise have a reason to meet. An introduction does not guarantee a partnership, and a conversation does not automatically produce results. But both can create opportunities that would not have existed otherwise. The chamber can help make those connections. What happens next depends on the people involved.

Much of this work takes place without public recognition. The gala gives us an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations contributing to Sullivan County’s future and to bring together others who share an interest in the county’s success. I invite business owners, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, cultural organizations, and residents to join us on November 12. Whether you are a longtime chamber member or simply want to learn more about the people making a difference locally, the evening offers an opportunity to celebrate this year’s honorees and meet others invested in our community.

I’d like to see as many chamber members as possible represented in the room, both to recognize this year’s honorees and to strengthen the relationships that help our business community succeed. Tickets are on sale for $150 each, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Sponsoring the gala gives your business visibility while supporting the chamber’s work throughout the year. To purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities, or learn more about the chamber, its programs, membership and upcoming events, visit Catskills.com.

Sullivan County’s future will be shaped by what we build individually, but also by what we make possible for one another. Recognizing those connections is a good place to start.