The Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce is giving Good News Awards to local businesses that wouldn’t normally receive accolades.
The award recognizes organizations within the county that have experienced exceptional growth; survived economic ups and downs; are celebrating a significant anniversary; or are just a success story.
`We just wanted to celebrate the stories in our community that are a neat, feel-good thing. Nothing that would normally get accolades, but good news and a nice launch to spring,` said Robin Granger, the chamber’s vice president of communications and member relations.
Two Rotterdam businesses will be honored this year: Gabriel’s Super Market and Tops American Grill Bakery and Bar.
Gabriel’s Super Market has two stores, one on Curry Road in Rotterdam and one in Scotia. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the chain.
`That kind of longevity is great to hear about in a small business like that, especially when there is so much competition from big-box stores,` Granger said.
Jeffrey Gabriele and his brother Rudy Gabriele Jr. own the stores. Their grandfather first opened the flagship Rotterdam store in 1956.
`The stores sell very high-quality perishable meat, deli, produce and bakery items. We sell certified Angus beef, nothing but the highest quality and that is sort of our niche,` Jeffery Gabriele said.
He said the support from the community, his regular customers and an excellent staff is what has allowed his store to survive.
`It’s not like we’ve just been lucky and everything is roses. You have to work every day. We have the right combination of what makes it tick, and that part we’re lucky at,` Gabriele said.
Granger said the Chamber wanted to recognize the owners of Tops American Grill Bakery and Bar for the incredible investment they have put into the establishment.
`After being there for three generations, they could have moved somewhere else, but they made a state-of-the-art facility, and we are proud they invested back into the community,` Granger said.
Owner Evan Christou said he invested a couple of million dollars into his business to build a brand new building.
`We believe in this community. My family has been here over 50 years. We wanted to continue the tradition in the town, and we needed to bring the building into the 21st century,` Christou said.
He said running a business in New York can be challenging, with energy costs and taxes, but the community has really embraced the restaurant.
`We are very honored that the Chamber has recognized our commitment to the community,` Christou said.
Other award recipients are the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York, Eddy Senior Care, Jason Morris Judo Center, John D. Marcella Appliances and the Schenectady Pipe Band.
The awards will be presented at a luncheon at River Stone Manor in Glenville, Thursday, April 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The lunch is open to the public. Tickets are $40 per person or $300 per table of eight. Reservations will be accepted online at www.schenectadychamber.org “