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CANANDAIGUA, NY – Inspiration is all around Ontario County and elsewhere in the Finger Lakes.

And so many businesspeople prove to be inspiring, through their success, protection of natural resources such as Canandaigua Lake, charitable deeds, and creating jobs in an economy that has changed in recent years, according to Ethan Fogg, president and CEO of the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce.

That’s the inspiration, if you will, of the Chamber’s Business Inspiration Awards, which were presented to recipients last Thursday at Canandaigua Country Club.

The envelope please …

Environmental Champion

The Environmental Champion Award honors those that protect the beauty, integrity and vitality of the natural environment while reducing any harmful environmental impacts of business operations.

The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association offers consumer guidance and education and provides long-term active monitoring of lake conditions. Its Lake Friendly Living campaign, which encourages homeowners to avoid using harmful chemicals and excessive fertilizers on lawns and reducing household hazardous waste, among other water-quality practices in the home or on the job, helped earn the organization this honor.

Canandaigua Lake faces many threats, said Lynn Klotz, the association’s president, urging local communities, municipalities and business community to continue to work together to guard against threats such as climate change and invasive species.

“We all share a collective responsibility to protect the lake for future generations,” Klotz said.

Humanitarian Award

The Humanitarian of the Year recognizes a Chamber member that enhances health and quality of life, addresses humanitarian needs, and actively promotes diversity, equity and inclusion for everyone in their communities.

Family Counseling Service of the Finger Lakes was recognized for its pioneering work with trauma-informed services as well as bilingual programming and services to the LGBTQ+ community in Ontario and surrounding counties.

Executive Director Barb Pierce-Morrow said many companies supports its work of trying to make communities healthier.

“It’s so important to bring the best person to the table to help families and diverse populations in the community,” Pierce-Morrow said.

Innovator

The Innovator of the Year honors a member that introduces or reinterprets products, services or experiences, in turn expanding the market and engaging new consumers.

Uber Lawn & Landscape was recognized for its reinterpretation of traditional lawn and landscape services, customer-first mentality, lake-friendly practices and the commitment to invest a share of the company’s profits in local charities like The Spot and Habitat for Humanity.