Ontario County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement, Business and Nonprofit of the Year Awards.
They will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Leap Day, Thursday, February 29 at Finger Lakes Community College.
This year’s recipients are:
- Daniel Fuller, owner of Bristol Mountain & Roseland Waterpark, will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award recognizes his tremendous contributions to Ontario County both as an employer and community advocate, exhibited in his serving as the chair of the board of Thompson Health and as a member of the boards for the Ski Areas of New York and the Tourism Advisory Council for New York State. He’s also a past board member of the Canandaigua Country Club, Canandaigua National Bank and the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce.
Fuller, who took over Roseland Water Park 20 years ago when it was financially distressed, has brought the summer attraction to solvency and proven that is a substantial asset to the community, drawing families, camps and others to the park while also employing local youth.
Fuller, who has owned Bristol Mountain for more than three decades, works tirelessly to support New York State tourism through the operations of Bristol Mountain Ski Resort and in lobbying and supporting all privately owned ski resorts in the state.
- Finger Lakes Animal Hospital will receive the Business of the Year Award (fewer than 25 employees).
The award honors a Chamber member that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the economic vitality and success of their community.
Opened in 1952 by Dr. Saunders, Finger Lakes Animal Hospital has been an integral part of the community for more than 70 years.
It was among the few animal hospitals that were able to stay open and support their patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
As well, the hospital supports the community in myriad ways.
Dr. Denise Kurtz, chief of staff since January 2022, and Brittany Kommer, hospital manager, have donated to local high schools’ sports programs on behalf of Finger Lakes Animal Hospital. They also work with local shelters to help with cost on spay/neutering and free shelter exams to promote adopting.
Hospital staff are approachable and compassionate while supporting animal health and wellness in the Ontario County community.
- Ashton Place Senior Living, in Clifton Springs, will receive the Business of the Year Award (25+ employees).
The award honors a Chamber member that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the economic vitality and success of their community.
Opened in November 1998, Ashton Place is celebrating their 25th year of service to Ontario County seniors.
Ashton Place is family owned and operated, and the compassion shows.
Executive Director Kevin Christiano is the third generation in his family to work in senior living/nursing home care.
In 2021, Christiano was awarded Administrator of the Year from New York State Centers for Assisted Living (NYSCAL). That award recognized his leadership during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A testament to his leadership and the staff’s diligence and commitment to keeping residents safe and healthy, Ashton Place went 663 days from the start of the shutdown without a single resident case of COVID-19.
Not only is Ashton Place a wonderful place to live, it’s also a great place to work – several of its 50 employees have more than 10 years of service to the company.
- UR Medicine Thompson Health will receive the Nonprofit of the Year Award, which honors a Chamber member demonstrating exceptional commitment to supporting local communities and residents. Thompson has been a fixture in our region for 120 years. Day after day, its associates dutifully render care and compassion as they serve an estimated 215,000 Finger Lakes residents. This includes everything from welcoming newborns in the hospital’s Birthing Center, to tending to our community’s elders via a senior living continuum encompassing a retirement community, assisted living, and a 178-bed nursing home. In addition to providing more than $7 million annually in courtesy and uncompensated care, the health system hosts support groups and community educational events. Its wellness coordinators go into schools to assist with social/emotional learning, healthy eating, positive body image, vaping prevention, and more. Thompson also funds scholarships for its associates, supporting career growth and in some cases lifting people out of poverty. Thompson is an economic engine. With 2,050 associates, it is Ontario County’s largest employer. According to the Healthcare Association of New York State, it generates $49 million in tax dollars and $9.8 million in community benefits and investments each year.
The Annual Dinner also will feature a cocktail hour, buffet dinner, silent auction and live music.
The event is open to the public, and tickets will be on sale through February 22 at ONChamber.com.
For details or sponsorship information, contact Molly at (585) 394-4400 or [email protected].
