Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce honors local difference-makers

By Benjamin Joe

The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce honored six local businesses at its awards ceremony Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Brickyard Brewing Company in Lewiston.

Honorees included Power City Eatery of Niagara Falls, which won the Award of Excellence; Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard, which received Member of the Year; Emerging Business of the Year, Meranto Media/Emerge Media & Creators; Libby Broderick of Niagara Outfitters, who received the Distinguished Service Award; K&D Action Photo & Aerial Imaging, which received the Community Partner Award; and the Lewiston Community Lions Club, which received the Chairman’s Award.

Lions Regina Cecconi said her group raised $10,000 for the inclusive playground at the Red Brick Municipal Building, and also started a birthday cake club for families who do not have the means to put together children’s birthday parties. The kit comes with a cake mix, frosting and candles.

“I just want to acknowledge and thank you all very much from the Lewiston Lions,” Cecconi said. “We don’t do this for any acknowledgement or awards. We do it because we really care about where we live; we care about our community and the people who are in it. We are happy to serve and do whatever we need to do.”

Rich Meranto said his media company began as a hobby and he never expected it to become a business. He said he should be awarding the Chamber for the many opportunities it has given him and his staff to serve the community.

“I joined the Chamber and that was the best decision I ever made,” Meranto said. “I got so many cool, amazing opportunities and met some amazing people. … I never expected this award; I thought it was just a hobby and it turned into a business.”

Broderick also thanked the crowd of 70-plus at the awards ceremony, which was hosted by Jeremy White of WGR 550 AM.

“I was surprised to get the Distinguished Service Award,” Broderick said initially, but told the audience she realized her contributions to the Boy Scouts of America – especially after her son aged out of the group – were indeed service, along with other acts of volunteering, all of which she encouraged the crowd to take part of in their own lives.

“I do a lot of things for a lot of organizations,” she said. “It’s all about helping other people. … If there’s a need there, fill it. When someone needs help, answer the call. Words are words, but actions speak louder.”

Power City Eatery’s Joseph Hotchkiss was on hand to accept the Award of Excellence. He was cheered for donating bread to local food kitchens, as well as contributing sales revenue to local charities.

“I’m very appreciative of this award,” Hotchkiss said. “I was thinking about all the people in this room, and there are many other people who are deserving of this award. So, I’m very grateful for that.”

Hibbard’s Original Frozen Custard received a loud applause from those seated. Of its award-worthy actions, White said Hibbard’s donates generously to Heart, Love & Soul food kitchen.

“I’d like to thank the Chamber, because it’s nice to be recognized,” said Kris Trunzo, co-owner of the famous attraction in Lewiston. “Second, I’d like to thank every one of you in the room, because I don’t think there’s one of you that has not gone to Hibbard’s Custard – and we would not be in business without your support.”

Kevin Cobello of K&D Action Photo & Aerial Imaging – often the one taking photos of other people at Chamber events – said, “Wow, I’ve never been up here like this.” He thanked the Chamber, and the audience, earning applause and laughter.