Celebrating the achievements of local entrepreneurs in New York.
On May 13, 2025, New York celebrated local entrepreneurs during the National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony. Notable winners included Melissa Baideme of CK Natural Fruit Juice, recognized as the New York State Small Business Person of the Year. The event highlighted the outstanding contributions of small businesses from Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties, emphasizing the importance of community support and resilience in the face of challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New York hosted a celebratory event on May 13, 2025, highlighting the achievements of local entrepreneurs during the National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony. The event recognized outstanding contributions from small business owners in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.
Among the award recipients, Melissa Baideme, the owner of CK Natural Fruit Juice, LLC, was distinguished as the New York State Small Business Person of the Year. In addition to this accolade, Baideme earned the title of New York Small Business Development Center Rural Business of the Year. The nominations were facilitated by Danny Hickman from the Small Business Development Center at Jamestown Community College.
The ceremony, taking place at 150 N. Portage St., also marked the future home of CK Natural Fruit Juice, where Baideme plans to set up a processing plant. Previously recognized as the Buffalo District Small Business Person of the Year, Baideme advanced to compete at the state level, solidifying her reputation as a leading entrepreneur.
Alongside Baideme, other notable awardees included Julie Ambrose from St. Elma Spa, who received an entrepreneurial award for her resilience in expanding her business during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambrose received assistance from the Small Business Development Center, demonstrating the critical role such organizations play in supporting local enterprises.
The Swanson family, comprising Carrie and Levi Swanson, were recognized for their endeavors with Sweeterson Farms, which specializes in kitchenware and home accents. The couple expressed their pride in creating a family-run business that involves their daughters, further emphasizing the community spirit integral to small business ownership.
Victoria Reynolds from the Small Business Administration attended the ceremony, commending Baideme for her dedicated and risk-taking approach to entrepreneurship. Baideme underscored the significance of the award, viewing it as an acknowledgment of the hard work and challenges that accompany running a business.
CK Natural Fruit Juice specializes in the wholesale distribution of various juice concentrates and food products, with a mission to support local agriculture while offering high-quality products to wholesale sellers and consumers. Currently, Baideme is in the midst of refurbishing an old salvage yard, formerly operating as Joe’s Auto Wrecking, into the processing plant for CK Natural Fruit Juice. The project involves the substantial task of removing over 300 old cars from the site, and the entrepreneur aims to relocate to the new property later in the year in anticipation of increased demand during the busy fall season.
County Executive PJ Wendel expressed appreciation for all award winners, recognizing their significant contributions to both the local economy and community. The ceremony not only celebrated the individual achievements of these entrepreneurs but also highlighted the collective growth and resilience of small businesses within the region.
This awards ceremony exemplified the vital role that small businesses play in fostering economic development and community engagement. With changing times and evolving markets, the support and recognition of local entrepreneurs remain essential in sustaining the entrepreneurial spirit and ensuring growth in New York’s small business sector.
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