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Chamber gala returns to honor River Region contributors

Fri, Oct 21st 2022 11:00 am

Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce to celebrate award honorees Nov. 10

Submitted by the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the community at the annual awards dinner Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Niagara Falls Country Club. The board of directors will present awards to member businesses from 2020 and 2022.

This event returns after a pandemic pause. The Chamber of Commerce was unable to host its annual awards dinner in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Festivities will begin with a cocktail hour followed by a sit-down dinner and awards program. Silent and basket auctions will take place throughout the evening.

Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce office (895 Center St., Lewiston) for $125 per person.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will honor businesses and individuals in the following categories:

•2020 Community Partner – Fittante Architecture P.C.

•2020 Award of Excellence – Chéri Amour

•2020 Member of the Year – Everything Youngstown

•2022 Community Partner – Youngstown Lions Club

•2022 Award of Excellence – The Rose Hanger

•2022 Emerging Business – Be OK Studio

•2022 Chairman’s Award – Historical Association of Lewiston

•2022 Distinguished Service – Margaret Toohey

•2022 Member of the Year – Laura Capizzi State Farm Insurance

President Jennifer Pauly said the awards are given based on leadership, dedication and achievement in the community. “Those chosen have contributed significantly to the success of the region and their profession.” The honorees are nominated by Chamber of Commerce members and selected by the membership committee.

The awards dinner is open to the public to attend. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through by calling 716-754-9500 or online at www.NiagaraRiverRegion.com.

Cheri Clark and Janeanne Winberg

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2020 Award of Excellence: Chéri Amour

For two decades, Chéri Amour has become known for the beautiful assortment of jewelry gifts, personalized service and the warm welcome Cheri Clark gives every customer who walks through the door. The French-inspired boutique has the latest trends and carefully researched brands with the highest quality.

Clark and her sister, Janeanne Winberg, started the boutique in June of 2002. Twenty years later, they are in the same location they started in “across from DiCamillo’s” at 522 Center St., in the Village of Lewiston.

The Nomination Italian Charm bracelets were the first collectible line they sold, followed by the popular Pandora line one year after. The rest is history! Cheri and Janeanne have curated a boutique with high-caliber products that bring repeat customers. An item purchased at Chéri Amour is packaged with love – including gift bags with ribbon and intricately wrapped tissue paper the sisters’ parents have helped make over the 20 years of business.

Janeanne is still involved while living out of town, but it is Cheri who runs the day-to-day operations and provides the personalized service customers love. Every item is hand-selected with the customer in mind. Excellence is a quality that people really appreciate, because it is so hard to find, but Chéri Amour strives to provide excellence in all they do. They are generous in their support of many organizations in the community.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates Chéri Amour as the recipient of the 2020 Award of Excellence.

Jim Fittante in front of the Frontier House

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2020 Community Partner: Fittante Architecture P.C.

Jim Fittante opened Fittante Architecture P.C. in January 2010. Thirteen years later, his work is reflected in many historic renovation and building projects in the community. Local projects include the Frontier House, Como, Gallo, Lewiston Stone House, Old Fort Niagara Post Theatre, Niagara Falls Country Club and Brickyard Brewing Company. Jim and his team designed the Village of Lewiston’s new pavilion adjacent to the playground. He is currently working on the design for a pavilion at Academy Park.

Jim and his team split their work 50/50 between residential and commercial projects. He has connected with developers all over the United States, from Aspen, Colorado, to Portland, Maine. The largest project completed has been a 110-room, four-story hotel.

Moving the Frontier House forward and preserving the historic integrity of the building while creating opportunities for growth has been a highlight for Jim and staff.

The Village and Town of Lewiston have consulted with Fittante Architecture P.C. on many projects.

Jim serves on the Historical Planning Commission and also on the board of directors of the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys giving back to the community where he has lived his entire life and has raised his family. 

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates Fittante Architecture P.C. as the 2020 Community Partner.

Everything Youngstown

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2020 Member of the Year: Everything Youngstown

Everything Youngstown was created in 2018 with community and “fun” in mind. Owner Sue McNaughton and Manager Leslie Wise have created a retail shop at 435 Main St., in the Village of Youngstown, with unique gift, local and apparel items with “community” as the heart and center of the business.

Promoting and celebrating all things Youngstown is what Everything Youngstown does best. Find unique gift items, apparel and more, with funds from certain items donated to local community organizations. They have donated thousands of dollars to worthy causes and have made it the shop’s mission.

A meaningful connection with customers is important to Everything Youngstown, supporting causes that directly make an impact on where we live. The front window has featured everything from Lewiston-Porter High School senior portraits to local artisans work.

Sue and Leslie both believe that small businesses keep communities vibrant. They love planning events at the shop and in the village where customers and friends can get together and socialize while having fun. 

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates Everything Youngstown as the 2020 Member of the Year.

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