For more than 20 years, nationally recognized nonprofit Think Dutchess Alliance for Business has hosted the Business Excellence Awards, the Hudson Valley’s premier business event. Recognizing key businesses and nonprofit organizations making a significant economic impact on Dutchess County, the annual awards have in past years celebrated regional leaders like iPark84 as well as innovative changemakers such as The Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory. This year’s award ceremony took place on Oct. 27 at The Culinary Institute of America, continuing a tradition that has attracted hundreds of prominent business leaders in showcasing the people and companies that make Dutchess County, N.Y. a great place to live, work and visit. “The Business Excellence Awards winners exemplify Dutchess County’s innovation, creativity and distinction,” said Sarah Lee, CEO of Think Dutchess. “We are proud to bring together the entire business community in celebrating the outstanding individuals and companies that support economic development in our region and contribute to the immense growth happening right here in Dutchess County.” 

Learn more about the 2022 Business Excellence Awards and the winners in our digital program

Grand Award: Kirchhoff Companies 

Founded in 1986, Kirchhoff Companies is an integrated real estate development, investment and management firm. Kirchhoff is dedicated to the growth and development of Dutchess County, contributing to the community through sponsorship, taking part in local events and building residential and commercial spaces that help increase jobs and housing in the area. As the developer of Eastdale Village, Kirchhoff has built a new live, work and play, mixed-use experience in Dutchess.

Innovator of the Year: Uncharted 

Uncharted is an award-winning, MWBE-certified company on a mission to raise the standard of living for everyone. Demonstrating thought leadership, innovation, and commitment to youth community engagement, the Uncharted Platform is a software-as-a-service (SAAS) solution for securely centralizing and fusing infrastructure information. One of Uncharted's successful initiatives includes securing a $1.8M grant to deploy an alternative modern standard for infrastructure development in Poughkeepsie; Uncharted has also reached 200+ students through their UPlift STEM/innovation program.

Small Business of the Year: Hybrid Electrostatic Industries (HES)

Operating out of iPark in Hopwell Junction, HES Industries designs and manufactures a device called an Electrostatic Chuck which is used to hold special material in place during the manufacturing of computer chips – successfully contributing to the dynamic semiconductor manufacturing industry in Dutchess County. HES has overcome COVID-related supply chain difficulties, developing new opportunities through growing partnerships and reaching out to local technical schools to work to employ their students.

Non-Profit of the Year: Family Services

Family Services brings people together to improve lives and local communities, building a stronger, safer Hudson Valley. Founded in 1879, programs ranging from Community Safety to Family Programs serve over 14,000 individuals annually in Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties. Utilizing an evidence-based and research-based approach, Family Services strives to enhance their work by remaining open to innovation that will result in the best outcome for clients and the community.

Large Business of the Year: Arnoff Moving & Storage

Family-owned and operated since 1924, Arnoff Moving & Storage is focused on expanding their company while exceeding customers' expectations. Through 2022, Arnoff has continued to adapt to the changes in the industry and economic environment while upholding their company commitment of giving back to the community. 

About Think Dutchess Alliance for Business Think Dutchess Alliance for Business is the one-stop shop for business development needs and activities in Dutchess County, New York. It’s a business-led, nationally recognized nonprofit organization and economic development corporation, whose mission is to attract, retain, and expand for-profit and not-for-profit businesses for the benefit of Dutchess County. Think Dutchess' organizational structure includes programs in business retention and expansion, financial counseling and deal structuring, zoning, commercial real estate, innovation and technology, strategic marketing and municipal advocacy. For more information about Think Dutchess Alliance for Business, visit www.thinkdutchess.com. 

Thank you to our 2022 Business Excellence Awards Sponsors!

Corporate Sponsor

Leader Sponsor

Advocate Sponsor

Design Sponsor                                                       Favor Sponsor