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Learn more about our 2025 honorees and sponsors
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2025 Business
Excellence Awards
WHEN: Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 5:30pm to 8:30pm
WHERE: Culinary Institute of America: Marriott Pavilion
Thank you for joining us!
Event photos coming soon!
Honoring Our Region's Top Businesses
For over 20 years, the Business Excellence Awards celebration has attracted hundreds of prominent business leaders to recognize the people and companies that demonstrate unique vision, innovation and achievement in support of our region’s economy. Each year, our award winners prove the impact our business community has on making Dutchess County a great place to live, work, and visit. Winners have demonstrated commitment to the advancement of the business community and impact the lives of our citizens by creating jobs and increasing the tax base.
Congratulations to the 2025 Honorees!
The Stefanopoulos Group | The Council of Industry | Marshall+Sterling | Hudson Valley Open Kitchen at Hudson River Housing | Women's Enterprise Development Center | JanCare Private Health Services
2025 Grand Award
The Stefanopoulos Group
In the early 1970s, four brothers uprooted their lives in Greece to find a better life in the U.S. Fully encapsulating the American Dream, they started over in the food industry opening five restaurants between 1972 and 1974. By 1976, Four Brothers Pizza Inn became a staple for Hudson Valley families. Since then, the Stefanopoulos family business has multiplied, becoming a powerhouse for workforce and quality of life in the region.
Community Impact Award
The Council of Industry
The Council of Industry has been a cornerstone for Dutchess County. It is currently celebrating 115 years as the premier association for manufacturers in the Hudson Valley. Since 1910, this organization has remained dedicated to promoting the success of its member firms and employees, while also contributing to the broader impact the manufacturing industry has on the Hudson Valley economy.
Legacy Business of the Year
Marshall+Sterling
Marshall+Sterling is a top 50 U.S. independent insurance agency with longstanding roots in Dutchess County. Headquartered in Poughkeepsie since 1864, Marshall+Sterling has spent over 160 years protecting the people and businesses that shape the Dutchess County community. The agency offers a tactical approach to tailored insurance, employee benefits, and wealth management, serving businesses as a risk solutions partner at every stage of growth.
Tastemaker of the Year
Hudson Valley Open Kitchen at Hudson River Housing
Hudson Valley Open Kitchen, formerly Poughkeepsie Open Kitchen, was established in 2017 as the first business incubator of Hudson River Housing Inc. They currently have two locations which provide industrial commissary kitchen facilities for 30 businesses. These businesses produce craft food products for direct-to-consumer and wholesale customers. The organization’s team also provides training opportunities for its members through its Food and Beverage Academy.
Nonprofit of the Year
Women’s Enterprise Development Center
The Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) empowers entrepreneurs to build successful businesses by providing high-quality training programs, advisory services, and access to capital. As a generator for economic growth in the region, WEDC was initially launched as a pilot program called Women’s Enterprise Project (WEP). In 2002, WEP became WEDC, and only one year later, this nonprofit became the designated U. S. Small Business Administration Women's Business Center for Westchester County and the Lower Hudson Valley.
Small Business of the Year
JanCare Private Health Services
JanCare Private Health Services, headquartered in Hopewell Junction, NY, is committed to transforming the home health care industry through compassion, safety, and genuine human connection. Janice Green founded JanCare in 2014 and has built her business with a deep understanding of systemic gaps in eldercare and a vision to deliver personalized, family-centered care.
Thank you to our 2025 Business Excellence Awards Sponsors!
Corporate Sponsor
Visionary Sponsor
Leader Sponsor
Advocate Sponsor
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Design Sponsor Favor Sponsor Registration Sponsor
Questions about the Business Excellence Awards?
For additional questions regarding nominations or sponsorship, you may contact Amanda Gomes, Marketing and Development Manager at amanda@thinkdutchess.com