When Sarah Martinez first walked into the Bleu Dog Drink Co. in Victor last summer, she wasn’t looking for an energy drink. Her teenage daughter had just started playing varsity soccer, and the family was struggling to find healthier alternatives to the sugar-loaded sports drinks filling grocery store shelves.
What she found instead was something unexpected—a local business that wasn’t just selling products, but actively supporting her daughter’s team and dozens of other student athletes across Ontario County. That personal connection, Sarah realized, is what makes local businesses special.
Now, that same company is being honored alongside three other outstanding organizations as the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce prepares to celebrate its annual award winners. These aren’t just business achievements—they’re stories of real people making a difference in their neighbors’ lives.
Local Heroes Take the Spotlight
The Ontario County Chamber awards represent more than business success. They highlight the heart of what makes communities thrive: organizations and individuals who go beyond profit margins to strengthen the fabric of daily life.
This year’s ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 4, at Belhurst Castle in Geneva, where four exceptional recipients will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the region.
“These awards showcase the best of what our business community represents,” said Marisa Enzinna, Director of the Ontario County Chamber. “Each winner demonstrates how success isn’t just measured in dollars, but in the positive impact they make on their neighbors and community.”
The celebration will honor recipients across four major categories, each representing a different aspect of community leadership and excellence.
Meet This Year’s Outstanding Winners
The 2026 Ontario County Chamber awards recognize achievements that span decades of service and innovative new approaches to business and community support.
| Award Category | Winner | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Large Business of the Year | Chrisanntha Construction Corporation | Keeps jobs and projects local while demonstrating integrity |
| Small Business of the Year | Bleu Dog Drink Co. | Supports community while offering healthier energy options |
| Nonprofit of the Year | FLACRA | Achieved rare Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic status |
| Lifetime Achievement | Mary Ferris | 50+ years inspiring readers as Children’s Librarian |
Chrisanntha Construction Corporation earned Large Business of the Year recognition for their commitment to strengthening the local economy. Rather than outsourcing projects, they deliberately keep jobs, partnerships, and resources within Ontario County.
“What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to integrity, accountability, and respect in every single project,” noted a Chamber spokesperson. “They’ve made a lasting impact not just on individual businesses, but on the broader community.”
Bleu Dog Drink Co. represents the entrepreneurial spirit that drives small business success. Since opening their doors in Victor in 2023, this family-owned operation has supported:
- Local schools and student athletes
- Veterans and first responders
- Educators across the district
- Community health initiatives
Their expansion plans to Canandaigua this spring signal growing success built on community relationships rather than just marketing.
Making Mental Health Care More Accessible
FLACRA’s recognition as Nonprofit of the Year highlights a critical achievement in regional healthcare. The organization provides mental health, substance use, and family support services across a wide area, but their recent milestone sets them apart nationally.
Over the past year, FLACRA achieved Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic status—a designation held by only 13 organizations statewide. This certification isn’t just a badge of honor; it fundamentally expands access to coordinated care and strengthens partnerships with schools and healthcare providers.
“This designation means families can access comprehensive mental health services without jumping through multiple hoops or waiting months for appointments,” explained a healthcare policy expert familiar with the program.
The certification also brings additional federal funding and resources, allowing FLACRA to serve more families and provide more comprehensive support services.
Mary Ferris’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes five decades of dedication that transformed how an entire generation viewed reading and learning. As the first Children’s Librarian at Wood Library, Ferris didn’t just check out books—she created experiences that turned reluctant readers into lifelong learners.
Community Recognition Extends Beyond Winners
The Chamber’s approach to recognition demonstrates the depth of excellence across Ontario County. Rather than focusing solely on winners, they’re celebrating all finalists in each category.
Business and Nonprofit of the Year finalists include Hotel Canandaigua, Elite Tumbling, In Bloom, Elks Lodge, Light Hill, North Star Cafe, Our Children’s Place, and Thrive to Survive. Each represents a different approach to community engagement and business excellence.
Lifetime Achievement finalists—Denise Chaapel, Kathy Rayburn, Diane Olivet, Dr. Srinavas Kaza, Bonnie Osborne, and Gregory Constantino—represent decades of combined service to the community.
“In the true spirit of community, we recognize that excellence comes in many forms,” Enzinna explained. “These finalists have all made significant contributions that deserve celebration.”
The recognition approach reflects a broader understanding that healthy communities depend on multiple organizations and individuals working together rather than competing against each other.
What These Awards Mean for Ontario County’s Future
The Ontario County Chamber awards do more than celebrate past achievements—they signal the direction of future growth and development. Each winner represents trends that could shape the region’s economic and social landscape.
Chrisanntha Construction’s local-first approach demonstrates how businesses can grow while keeping economic benefits within the community. Their success challenges the assumption that companies must outsource to remain competitive.
Bleu Dog Drink Co.’s rapid growth through community engagement shows how new businesses can establish themselves by solving real problems for their neighbors. Their health-focused approach also aligns with broader consumer trends toward wellness and transparency.
FLACRA’s certification achievement positions Ontario County as a leader in mental health care accessibility, potentially attracting additional healthcare investments and professional talent to the region.
The breakfast ceremony at Belhurst Castle isn’t just a celebration—it’s an opportunity for current and future business leaders to connect, share ideas, and build the relationships that drive continued community success.
FAQs
When and where will the Ontario County Chamber awards ceremony take place?
The Annual Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, March 4, at Belhurst Castle in Geneva.
How does someone get nominated for these awards?
The Chamber typically accepts nominations from community members and businesses throughout the year, with specific criteria for each award category.
What makes FLACRA’s certification so special?
Only 13 organizations statewide have achieved Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic status, which expands access to coordinated mental health care and brings additional federal funding.
Is Bleu Dog Drink Co. expanding beyond Victor?
Yes, the company plans to expand to Canandaigua this spring, building on their success in Victor since opening in 2023.
How long did Mary Ferris work at Wood Library?
Ferris served as the library’s first Children’s Librarian for more than 50 years, helping transform it into a community cornerstone.
Are tickets available for the public to attend the awards breakfast?
Contact the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce directly for information about ticket availability and pricing for the March 4 event.
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