Chamber names award winners with Watson Construction Group the business of the year
Press Release, Orleans County Chamber of Commerce
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Chamber Awards, recognizing local businesses, organizations and individuals whose leadership, service and contributions continue to make an impact throughout Orleans County.
This year’s award recipients are:
- Business of the Year: Watson Construction Group
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Bixler
- Phoenix Award: Dance Theater
- New Business of the Year: EH Collectives
- Community Service Award: Shannon Blount / Cat by Cat Inc.
- Agricultural Business of the Year: Panek Farms
- Businessperson of the Year: Brian Christiaansen
- Small Business of the Year: J L Thom CPA
- Hidden Gem: Marti’s on Main
The recipients will be formally recognized during the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce 28th Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 5, at White Birch Golf Course, 1515 N. Lyndonville Road in Lyndonville.
The annual celebration brings together members of the local business community, community leaders, organizations and residents to recognize the people and businesses helping Orleans County grow and thrive.
Each award highlights a different form of impact, from entrepreneurship and business growth to agriculture, community service, longevity, and investment in the future of Orleans County. This year, we are also presenting The Walsh Hotel & Taproom with the People’s Choice Award from our Inaugural Taste of Orleans event.
The Chamber congratulates each of this year’s recipients and looks forward to bringing the community together in November to celebrate their accomplishments.
Tickets for the 28th Annual Awards Ceremony will be available soon.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to watch for ticket announcements and additional event details through the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce website and Facebook page.
