News Summary
The New York State Small Business Development Center recognized exemplary small businesses from Camillus, Watertown, and Oswego at its annual awards ceremony. Birch Tree Montessori, Upstate Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, and Oswego Sub Shop received accolades for their community contributions and operational excellence. The event coincided with National Small Business Week, highlighting the vital role local businesses play in economic development and job creation. Despite challenges like the recent National Grid rate hike, the community celebrates these local entrepreneurs and their achievements.
Camillus, NY – The New York State Small Business Development Center (NY SBDC) held its annual awards ceremony on Friday, honoring exceptional small businesses from the regions of Camillus, Watertown, and Oswego. The event recognized standout contributions to their communities and distinguished operational achievements.
The Community Impact Business of the Year Award was awarded to Karyn Dieffenderfer and Rosemary Morgese, the owners of Birch Tree Montessori, located at 6429 Newport Road in Camillus. Both Dieffenderfer and Morgese are retired educators with over three decades of teaching experience, reflecting their commitment to fostering educational growth in their community.
In Watertown, Dr. Logan Curtis, a U.S. Army veteran, was recognized as the Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year for his practice, Upstate Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, located at 22755 Summit Drive. Notably, Curtis opened the doors to a new practice location on the same day as the awards ceremony, signaling a significant step in his entrepreneurial journey.
Meanwhile, Bill Greene, Sr., of the Oswego Sub Shop, was honored with the Family-Owned Business of the Year Award. Established for 55 years, the Oswego Sub Shop, situated at 106 West Bridge St., employs more than 40 individuals, illustrating the vital role family businesses play in local employment and economic stability.
The awards were presented by Sonya Smith, the state director of the NY SBDC. All three honored businesses are clients of the North Central SBDC, based at Onondaga Community College. Bob Griffin, the regional director of the North Central SBDC, also played a key role in the award presentations.
The timing of this event coincided with National Small Business Week, recognized nationally from May 4 to May 10, highlighting the importance of small businesses across the country.
Impact on Local Economy
Recent developments have brought a wave of new retail stores to Syracuse, enhancing the aesthetic and economic landscape of the city. Notable new businesses include Miss Daisy’s, Apricot Lane Boutique, and Kara Anne.
Miss Daisy’s specializes in handmade pet accessories while also expanding its range to include human products, with a strong emphasis on supporting local vendors. Apricot Lane, which opened its doors on August 15, targets Syracuse University students by offering trendy and affordable clothing options. Kara Anne, also launched on the same day, provides a variety of womenswear and has recently introduced a menswear line.
Challenges for Small Businesses
Despite the growth in new businesses, local owners are voicing concerns regarding a recent National Grid rate hike that is anticipated to increase utility costs for small businesses significantly. Charlie Giancola, the owner of Flower Skate Shop, highlighted that the rise in utility expenses could considerably impact profitability.
Additionally, Charlie’s Hughes, general manager of Crooked Cattle, expressed that the business might need to adopt creative staffing solutions and special promotions to counteract the rising operational costs.
Political Concerns
Current political discussions include a proposal from House Republicans to potentially shut down Small Business Administration (SBA) offices in “sanctuary jurisdictions.” This development could have implications for the SBA office in Syracuse, raising concerns among local entrepreneurs who rely on available support resources for growth and sustainability.
As small businesses navigate these challenges and opportunities, the recent awards ceremony not only celebrated their achievements but also underscored the critical role they play in fostering economic development and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- This is CNY: New Retail Shops Open in Syracuse
- CNY Central: Small Business Owners Say National Grid Rate Hike Could Force Tough Decisions
- Syracuse.com: House GOP Bill Punishes Syracuse and Other Sanctuary Cities
- LocalSYR: SU Graduation Weekend Rush Families Dive into Syracuse’s Small Businesses
- CNYBJ: Contractor Named SBA Syracuse Small Biz Person of the Year
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: Syracuse Small Business
- Google Scholar: Local Economy Syracuse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business Impact
- Google News: Syracuse Economy
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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