Chamber focuses on connection and growth in 2026
Annual Meeting Message delivered by Executive Director Victoria Sturman during the Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Excellence Awards on March 25, 2026
Good evening everyone,
Thank you all for being here tonight. Truly. In a world where everyone is busy and pulled in a hundred different directions, the fact that you chose to spend your evening here—celebrating one another and our business community—means more than you know.
Tonight isn’t just about awards. It’s about connections. It’s about recognizing that none of us are doing this alone.
And if I can borrow a little inspiration from a galaxy far, far away… this room is full of people who understand the power of alliance. Because when businesses come together, support each other, and share ideas, that’s when the real magic happens.
This year marks our 81st anniversary as a Chamber. Eighty-one years of supporting businesses, advocating for our communities, and helping to create the kind of place people want to live, work, and play.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens because of all of you.
Over the past 12 months, the chamber has seen incredible momentum and watched ideas grow into something real. We’ve welcomed new businesses into our community, celebrated grand openings, expansions, and milestones.
We’ve also continued to build opportunities for connection—whether it’s through networking events, workshops, or simply making the right introduction at the right time.
Because sometimes success isn’t about a big moment.
It’s about a conversation. A connection. A door opening that you didn’t even know existed.
The Chamber has expanded how we support and promote our members—through marketing opportunities, increased visibility, and the sharing of your stories with a wider audience. And its those – Your stories – that matter. They are what make our community unique. They’re what draw people in and keep them coming back.
The Chamber also continued our work behind the scenes—advocating for businesses, navigating challenges, and making sure your voices are heard. That work isn’t always visible, but it is essential.
Because strong businesses build strong communities.
And strong communities… well, they tend to be a pretty powerful force.
Now, I won’t say we’ve mastered the Force… but I will say we’ve gotten pretty good at working together to move things forward.
And that’s what makes this Chamber special.
It’s not just an organization. It’s a network of people who genuinely want to see each other succeed.
People who show up.
People who support each other.
People who believe that when one business does well, it lifts the entire community.
That mindset is what has carried us through the past year—and it’s what will carry us into the future.
As we look ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about. Next year, we’ll celebrate the 80th anniversary of these Business Excellence Awards. An incredible milestone that speaks to the long-standing tradition of recognizing the people and organizations who make a difference here.
And tonight, we continue that tradition.
To our honorees—thank you for the work you do every day. You are innovators, leaders, and community builders. You set the bar high, and you inspire the rest of us.
To our members—thank you for your continued support of the Chamber. Everything we do is possible because of you.
To our sponsors and partners—thank you for investing not just in events like this, but in the future of our community.
And to everyone in this room—thank you for supporting each other.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what this is all about.
Not competition—but collaboration.
Not going it alone—but building something together.
So tonight, let’s celebrate. Let’s recognize the achievements in this room. And let’s keep building the kind of community we can all be proud of.
Right now, I’d like to introduce some of the 2026 Board of Directors of the Chamber and thank them for their dedication and passion for the Chamber and for their continued support of all we do.
- Chairman Ja Smith of Vision Financial Group
- Past Chairman Jeff Leyonmark of the Wolf Agency
- Board Members
- Jess Armbrust of the East Aurora Cooperative Market and Aurora Town Board
- Shannon Beiter of The Bonadio Group
- Andrew Emborsky of Talmud Law
- Melissa Ferrara of MMF Business Solutions
- Alan Justin of Hartloff Benefit Solutions
Thank you all for the hard work and support you give throughout the year. It is very much appreciated.
This evening wouldn’t have happened without the support of our membership, and I’d like to thank the following businesses for their sponsorship of this event.
Thank you to our:
- Investors Circle Annual Sponsors Delevan and Loptr LLC
- Interstellar Impact sponsors
- Bonadio Group
- Delevan
- HDE Electric
- Loptr LLC
- Cosmic Cocktail Sponsors
- Fisher Price
- Go Net Speed
- Hyperdrive Sponsors
- Bank of Holland
- East Aurora Living
- Hartloff Benefits
- Little Finch Party
- McDermott Consulting
- Sana Physical Therapy Pilates & Wellness
- Galaxy Rising Sponsors
- Aurora Players
- County Legislator Lindsey Lorigo
- The Columns Banquets
- Out of This World VIP Experience Raffle Donors
- Cellino Plumbing
- HDE Electric
- MMF Business Solutions
- The Heart of Music Festival
- Vidlers & 10
- Wood Funeral Home
And lastly, I’d like to take a moment to give a very special thank you to Carrie Evans.
This year, we challenged Carrie to take this event to the next level—and she didn’t just meet that challenge, she completely exceeded it. What she created tonight went far beyond anything we imagined.
Because of her vision, creativity, and an incredible amount of hard work behind the scenes, this has become one of the largest and most memorable award events we’ve had in recent years.
Carrie, your dedication to this Chamber and this community truly shows in everything you do. We are so grateful for you.
Thank you for making tonight so special.