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

Held each year, the Annual Awards Breakfast is more than a ceremony. It is a proud tradition that highlights the extraordinary people and businesses shaping the future of our region. Through their leadership, innovation, compassion, and commitment to service, these honorees exemplify the spirit that drives the Corning area forward.

This year, the Chamber is proud to introduce a fourth award, the Tali Sutton GEM Award: Going the Extra Mile, honoring the legacy of Tali Sutton and the compassion, joy, and commitment to community that defined her life.

The 2026 Annual Awards include:

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 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.

NEW FOR 2026: The Tali Sutton GEM Award: Going the Extra Mile

The Tali Sutton GEM Award honors an individual who embodies the compassion, joy, and unwavering commitment to community that defined Tali’s life. This award recognizes someone who leads with kindness, embraces others with authenticity and inclusion, and creates meaningful connections that leave a lasting impact.

Recipients are known for their servant-hearted leadership, positive spirit, and dedication to uplifting others. Like Tali, they bring people together through love, laughter, and genuine care, leaving every room and every life they touch a little brighter. Through this award, Tali’s compassion, community impact, and unmistakable spark will continue to shine. Nominees should be current members of the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce.

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 recognize individual and organizational excellence, but also reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering leadership, growth, and community engagement for years to come.

The 2026 Annual Awards Breakfast will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 8:00 AM at the Corning Country Club. Guests will enjoy breakfast as part of the celebration.

Community members, Chamber members, and local leaders are encouraged to attend this inspiring event and join us in honoring this year’s outstanding award recipients.

We look forward to gathering with our members, partners, and community leaders to honor these remarkable individuals and celebrate the continued growth and vitality of the Corning area.

Looking Back on the Recipients of the 2025 Annual Awards

Young Professional Leadership Award - MacKenzie Myers

MacKenzie Myers, owner and creative force behind K. Rae, perfectly represents the next generation of leadership in our community. Driven by a passion for connection and helping others feel their best, MacKenzie has cultivated K. Rae into more than a salon—it’s a welcoming, uplifting space where beauty and confidence flourish. Her approach blends creativity, professionalism, and heart, offering guests personalized experiences marked by care, attention to detail, and authenticity. Through her leadership, MacKenzie has built not only a thriving business but also a positive, empowering environment that reflects her dedication to her craft and her community.

Business Achievement Award - Josh Canfield

 Josh Canfield, Managing Partner of Union Chill Cannabis, embodies these principles through his entrepreneurial vision, community commitment, and leadership in a rapidly evolving industry. Founded in the heart of Corning, Union Chill Cannabis is an immersive and inclusive recreational dispensary that emphasizes education, integrity, and connection. While the business is relatively new, Josh and his team’s deep local roots and dedication to the region’s growth have made Union Chill a standout example of innovation with purpose. Through a focus on personalized customer experiences and community engagement, Josh has positioned Union Chill as one of New York’s premier adult-use dispensaries—reflecting the spirit of resilience and integrity that define the Corning area’s business community.

Lifetime Achievement Award - René Snyder

René L. Snyder, exemplifies these qualities through her extraordinary leadership and lifelong dedication to service. As Chief Executive Officer of AIM Independent Living Center, René has spent over 22 years advancing independence, inclusion, and equality for people with disabilities across New York’s Southern Tier. Her visionary leadership has fueled AIM’s growth and impact, including the development of accessible housing initiatives, programs for homeless youth, and family support services for those affected by substance use. A proud U.S. Air Force and Desert Storm veteran, René continues to serve her community through advocacy for veterans and people with disabilities alike. Her professional achievements, civic leadership, and personal integrity reflect the very essence of this award. René resides in Wellsburg, New York, with her husband and children, and outside her professional life, she is an avid triathlete, long-distance runner, and skier.

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