The Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, announced Pauly Guglielmo, CEO, Craft Cannery, and Alex Whitaker, CEO, Tri Tower Telecom Corporation as the winners of the 41st annual Business Person of the Year Awards. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Rochester on Wednesday, July 31.
This prestigious Business Person of the Year Award, first awarded in 1983, recognizes for-profit business leaders in Greater Rochester who have demonstrated outstanding success, growth, leadership, and service in both civic and professional areas.
Guglielmo received the award in the “Under 25 Employees” category. From local gems to beloved national brands, Craft Cannery has become a go-to for businesses seeking top-quality bottling services dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs realize their dreams. By providing an affordable entry point and minimizing start-up challenges, Pauly is empowering others to bring their visions to life. Beyond his business ventures, Pauly actively contributes to his community, working with non-profits including Rochester Rotary, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, Rochester Broadway Theater League, and St. Ann’s Foundation.
Whitaker was presented the award in the “25 or More Employees” category. Whitaker is the co-founder and CEO of Tri Tower Telecom, a nationally recognized network hardware provider specializing in Supply Chain Continuity and Customized Asset Recovery Services. Since co-founding the company in 2009, Tri Tower Telecom has achieved multiple recognitions from the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Top 100, as well as America’s Inc 5000. His commitment to community service is reflected in his volunteer work with the Al Sigl Community of Agencies, RIT, and the City of Rochester’s Talented Tenth Program.
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bob Duffy said, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, driving job creation, innovation, and the distinctive character of our region. At Greater Rochester Chamber, we are committed to supporting these vital enterprises, with over 90% of our members being small businesses. The Business Person of the Year Awards honor those who have made significant impacts on our business community, serving as an inspiration to many. We are grateful to our Small Business Council for organizing this 41st annual celebration, showcasing the strength and dynamism of our local small business leaders.”
Through its SBC Cares initiative, the SBC also presented Community Partnership Award grants to KIVA Rochester, RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship, and the Urban League of Rochester. Each organization received an $8,000 donation to support its mission and help empower additional entrepreneurs and business leaders in Greater Rochester. Also at the award ceremony on Wednesday, the Small Business Council presented its first Rookie of the Year Award to Susan Reuter, Owner, Flight Wine Bar, in recognition of her rapid growth in the business community in her first two years as owner.
The finalists for the Business Person of the Year Awards are listed below:
Under 25 Employees
•Nita Brown, Owner/Founder, Mansawear
•Jeremiah Gryczka, Founder & CEO, Mountain House Media
•Pauly Guglielmo, CEO, Craft Cannery
•Michele Nichols, President, Launch Team, Inc.
•Chris Sekula, Owner, Sekula’s Precision Painting
•Mark Siwiec, CEO, Elysian Homes by Mark Siwiec and Associates
•Dr. Mary Vadas, Owner, Towne & Country Eyecare
25 or More Employees
•John Baker, Owner, Cheesy Eddie’s
•Mike Baker, CEO and Co-Founder, RocNet Supply, Inc.
•Jonathan Prince, Chief Executive Officer, Coast Professional, Inc.
•DeVante Reed, CEO, Patrick Spotless Cleaning, LLC
•Alex Whitaker, CEO and Co-Founder, Tri Tower Telecom Corporation
To learn more about the 2024 finalists, see the Business Person of Year Award Event Publication (https://tinyurl.com/4h3nzff9).
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