2025 Orleans County Chamber of Commerce Awards
Business of the Year - Velocitii
The Velocitii service model is built on an accessible, nimble, transparent, and empowered approach. We create and nurture curiosity in our front-line teams to unlock opportunities and increase productivity. Our unique approach is to leverage Real People making Real Connections delivering Real Results.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Rita Zambito
Starting her Real Estate Career in 1996, Rita Zambito has dominated her local real estate market for over 3 decades. After launching Zambistro in 2007 with her son Michael, she embarked on the next chapter in real estate as a Broker/Owner. Since opening Zambito Realtors, LLC in 2007 it has grown into a Top Residential Real Estate Brokerage in the Region (Buffalo Business First) closing over 500 transactions with over $50 Million in Gross Sales in 2020. In early 2021 Zambito Realtors, LLC was accepted into Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network. Rita has built her business by providing consistent, top notch service regardless of sale price. By doing so she would reach sales volumes previously deemed “unobtainable” in her market and build long term relationships that would grow her business exponentially for years to come.
Phoenix Award - Newell Lounge/Shirt Factory
Located just off the Four Corners of Medina, NY, the Shirt Factory has been operating as a successful cafe since opening in 2006.
Prior to being purchased in 2005, the building had created quite the reputation around the world. From Los Angeles, to Washington, DC, to Great Britain, the name Robert H. Newell & Co. was one that leaders and celebrities knew. From 1918-2004, Newell ran his acclaimed shirt factory out of this downtown building. After the business was moved, it opened the door for the next chapter.
In September 2018, the cafe launched the next chapter of its book - an evening cocktail program that highlights local wine, beer, and specialty craft cocktails all curated by former owner, Scott Robinson. In 2023, the Factory changed hands for the last time - back to original owner Andrew Meier and Richard Sarrero.
New Business of the Year - Homestead Pest Control
Starting her Real Estate Career in 1996, Rita Zambito has dominated her local real estate market for over 3 decades. After launching Zambistro in 2007 with her son Michael, she embarked on the next chapter in real estate as a Broker/Owner. Since opening Zambito Realtors, LLC in 2007 it has grown into a Top Residential Real Estate Brokerage in the Region (Buffalo Business First) closing over 500 transactions with over $50 Million in Gross Sales in 2020. In early 2021 Zambito Realtors, LLC was accepted into Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network. Rita has built her business by providing consistent, top notch service regardless of sale price. By doing so she would reach sales volumes previously deemed “unobtainable” in her market and build long term relationships that would grow her business exponentially for years to come.
Community Service Award - Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern
The Ministry of Concern was preceded by the formation of the Orleans Migrant Ministry in 1955 which started as a summer-only ministry. As agricultural work became more mechanized, many of the migrant families chose to permanently settle in the area suggesting the need for a year-round Director. As a result, farmers and church leaders from Genesee and Orleans counties decided to form a single agency. In April of 1968, the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern was incorporated as a donor-supported non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Today, the Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern helps people in need in our communities with personal care items, prescription co-pays, vision and dental assistance, furniture needs and we provide programs for our youth to develop skills to succeed.
GOMOC is constantly re-evaluating its programs and considering areas of expansion to meet the changing needs of our communities and welcomes any suggestions and/or feedback.
Agricultural Business of the Year - RLW Cattle
We know that food grown on healthy land is healthy food. We act as stewards of this land, caring for its health to support yours.
We are proud to grow the food that feeds your families. Thank you for supporting this tradition.
Business Person of the Year - Dan DeCarlo
For more than five decades, the DeCarlo family has kept Albion’s automobiles moving—and its community connected—through their family-owned business on the corner of East Bank and Liberty Street. Since taking over from his father, Dan and his wife Lisa have continued the tradition of running an independently owned auto parts store, where neighbors find not only parts and supplies, but also familiar faces and friendships.
Dan’s commitment to Albion runs deeper than business. Having worked in the store since his teenage years, he now serves generations of families—children and even grandchildren of the customers he first knew. With humility and heart, Dan has built a legacy of service, community, and care that truly embodies what it means to be a small business owner.
Small Business of the Year - Bentley Brothers
Bentleys Equipment is dedicated to being Western New York's equipment dealer of choice by delivering the best products to our customers, backed by exceptional customer service and experience. Through "solution focused" practices, we will hold ourselves and each other accountable while continuing to seek growth as a company and individuals.
The keystone to our success is trustworthy, reliable people, who strive for excellence in our industry.
Hidde Gem - Hurd Orchards
Hurd Orchards is a family owned fruit and flower farm and canning company nestled in the fertile lake plains of Western New York between the banks of the Erie Canal and the shores of Lake Ontario. Almost two hundred years ago our ancestors came to these lands and began to till the soil and build communities.
Our farm philosophy centers around our love of fruit growing, our endless appreciation for the earth’s gifts, of the heritage of our region, and for the beauty which surrounds us each season.
Our dedication is to growing fruits with careful attention, and preserving the tree ripened fruits from our own plantings in products of extraordinary quality, each made by hand using traditional methods and often generations old recipes.
Our philosophy is expressed through our products, and equally through our efforts to preserve and steward wisely our fertile acres – orchards, forests, fields and meadows – and to the sustainability of our rural region. We believe in the world that Hurd Orchards represents, a world we work hard to preserve and invigorate.
Join Us for the 27th Annual Awards Dinner
The Orleans County Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who make our community thrive. ✨
📅 Date: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
📍 Location: White Birch Golf Course, 1515 N. Lyndonville Rd, Lyndonville, NY
This special evening will include dinner, networking, and the presentation of our 2025 Chamber Awards. It’s a night to honor excellence, celebrate community spirit, and connect with fellow business and community leaders. 🏆
🎟️ Ticket Options:
Individual Ticket – Join us for an evening of celebration and recognition.
Reserved Table – Purchase a full table for your business, team, or organization and enjoy the evening together.
We look forward to celebrating with you!