The Corning Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to host its Annual Awards Breakfast, a distinguished event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating exceptional leadership, business achievement, and community involvement within the Corning area. This highly anticipated gathering brings together business leaders, professionals, and community members to highlight individuals and organizations whose contributions reflect the Chamber’s values and strengthen the fabric of our community.

Each year, three prestigious awards are presented:

The Lifetime Achievement Award
The highest and most distinguished honor presented by the Chamber, the Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has made a lasting and meaningful contribution to the community. Recipients of this award are respected for their history of leadership, integrity, and involvement, and are recognized for inspiring and positively influencing others in both business and community life. Nominees should be current or retired members of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Business Achievement Award
The Business Achievement Award is presented to an individual or business that best exemplifies the spirit, resilience, and values that contribute to long-term success. This honor recognizes integrity, creativity, generosity, and ongoing support of both the business and broader community. Recipients demonstrate consistent leadership, engagement, and advocacy, leaving an enduring impact on the economic and civic vitality of the Corning area. Nominees must be current members of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Young Professional Leadership Award
The Young Professional Leadership Award highlights the contributions of an emerging leader, 40 years of age or younger, who demonstrates excellence, initiative, and creativity in their field. Honorees of this award distinguish themselves through strong professional performance, dedication to community involvement, and commitment to ethical business practices. These individuals serve as role models for their peers and embody the future of leadership in the Corning area. Nominees should be current members of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce.

Our 2024 Annual Award recipients exemplify the qualities celebrated by this program:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Nancy Kirby, IncubatorWorks

• Business Achievement Award – Barbara Vassallo, Rabbit Row Yarns & Haberdashery

• Young Professional Leadership Award – Dakota Carr, Corning Children’s Center and Corning Society

The Annual Awards Breakfast is a proud tradition of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as a moment to reflect on the achievements of those who embody the very best of our community. Through these awards, we not only celebrate individual and organizational excellence, but also reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering leadership, growth, and community engagement for years to come.