JEFFERSON COUNTY, NY - The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce has officially opened community voting for its 2026 Business of the Year Awards, inviting the public to recognize the businesses and organizations making a meaningful impact throughout Jefferson County.
The annual awards celebrate GWNC Chamber members who are contributing to the strength of our local economy, investing in our community, and helping make the North Country a stronger place to live, work, and do business. All nominees are active members of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce and have demonstrated a commitment to the growth and prosperity of our region.
Community voting is open through November 30, 2026. The nominees for this year’s awards are:
Emerging Business Award – The Emerging Business Award recognizes a business that has been in operation for five years or less. The business should have not only achieved substantial business success but have also significantly contributed to economic growth in Jefferson County.
CHIRP Media Group
First Class Home Inspection
Spark by Hilton Watertown
Community Excellence Award – The Community Excellence Award recognizes a project or program led by a community or governmental organization which enhances our community.
Jefferson County Public Transit - Jefferson County
Mechatronics & Cybersecurity Program Expansion - Jefferson Community College
Terminal Expansion & Renovation Project - Watertown International Airport
Business of the Year Award – The Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that contributes to economic growth and development, is actively involved in the community, and continuously strives to improve and remain competitive.
GYMO Architecture, Engineering, & Land Surveying, D.P.C.
Knowlton Technologies
Kogut’s Contracting
Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award – Named in honor of the late Israel A. Shapiro, a former Director of the Chamber whose legacy reflects a deep commitment to service above self, the award has recognized outstanding community leadership in Jefferson County since 1953. The Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award celebrates individuals who strengthen the fabric of Jefferson County and exemplify what it means to lead in service of others. The recipient of the 2026 Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award will be announced at the Business of the Year Awards and individually honored at the annual Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award Dinner in early 2027.
Award recipients will be named at the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year Awards on December 16, 2026 at 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. To cast your vote and find additional event information, please visit www.gwncchamber.com/business-of-the-year-awards.
About the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce: The mission of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce captures the essence of the Chamber's purpose: to connect members to opportunity, to empower members with the resources to prosper, and to champion the growth of a thriving community through our membership.
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