The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY The North Country Chamber of Commerce hosted its 114th Annual Awards Dinner on January 30th at SUNY Plattsburgh’s Warren Ballroom. This year’s sold-out celebration welcomed 500 guests for an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration.

This year’s award recipients, including Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Businessperson of the Year, Economic Development Partner of the Year, the Trailblazer Award, and the 2025 Chairperson’s Award.

2026 Business of the Year:

What began as a single dealership fueled by determination, hard work, and family commitment has grown into one of the North Country’s most respected and impactful businesses. The DELLA Auto Group, founded in 1983 by Michael Della Bella Sr. and his wife Carmen, is being recognized as Business of the Year for its decades’ long investment in people, community, and economic growth across the region.

The DELLA story began modestly when Michael and Carmen purchased Bob Clarke Pontiac in Queensbury, giving rise to D’ELLA Pontiac. Both worked side by side at the dealership, rolling up their sleeves and balancing the challenges of growing a business while raising a family. Their dedication and hands on approach laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational enterprise.

Over the years, the DELLA Auto Group expanded steadily throughout the North Country. Today, Plattsburgh serves as a major hub for the group, with Kia, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Polaris Motor Sports, Subaru, and Chevrolet locations, as well as a full-service collision center. The group employs more than 375 individuals, with over 200 living and working in Clinton County. Many team members have built lifelong careers with the company, achieving homeownership, educating their children, and pursuing their own American dream.

Now led by the second generation, siblings Michael Jr., Christopher, Anthony, and Kiara Della Bella, the DELLA Auto Group continues to reflect the values on which it was built. Each of the Della Bella children began working in the business at a young age, learning every department from the ground up. Their leadership honors the legacy established by their parents while guiding the company into its next chapter of growth.

Community involvement remains central to the DELLA mission. The company proudly supports numerous local and regional organizations including United Way, CV Tech Plattsburgh, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, SUNY Plattsburgh, Chazy Youth Hockey, the Plattsburgh YMCA, the Salvation Army, JCEO, the Clinton County Fair, North Country SPCA, and the North Country Chamber of Commerce, among many others.

From its humble beginnings to its continued success today, the DELLA Auto Group exemplifies what is possible when family values, entrepreneurship, and community commitment come together. The Business of the Year honor recognizes not only the company’s growth, but also the people, partnerships, and shared vision that have made the DELLA story a lasting success in the North Country.

2026 Small Business of the Year: Cumberland Bay Market, Stacey Ambler, Owner

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Cumberland Bay Market as the Small Business of the Year, honoring its growth, community impact, and the leadership of owner Stacey Ambler.

For the past seven years, Stacey Ambler has owned and operated Cumberland Bay Market, transforming it into far more than a neighborhood store in Cumberland Head. Under her leadership, the market has become a trusted community hub, offering quality food, catering services, and a welcoming space that meets the daily needs of residents while strengthening the fabric of the surrounding area.

Ambler’s dedication to community and service was recognized statewide when she received the New York State Assembly 2020 Woman of Distinction Award for her leadership during the pandemic.

When she is not working, Stacey enjoys spending time outdoors skiing, boating, and camping with her husband and their two children. The Small Business of the Year award celebrates both her entrepreneurial success and the meaningful role Cumberland Bay Market plays in the Cumberland Head community.

2026 Joe Bornstein Businessperson of the Year Award: Chris Akey

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Chris Akey as its Businessperson of the Year, honoring his entrepreneurial leadership, commitment to local business growth, and dedication to the North Country community.

Based in Plattsburgh, Chris Akey has built a career rooted in strengthening regional businesses and expanding opportunities close to home. He began his professional journey at his grandparents’ business, Farm and Family, where he developed a strong work ethic and a customer first approach that continues to guide his leadership today.

More than 20 years ago, Chris launched his entrepreneurial path with Taylor Rental Plattsburgh. Through perseverance, innovation, and the support of his family, that single venture grew into a diverse portfolio of locally based businesses serving communities across the region. His success reflects a long-term commitment to reinvesting in the North Country and creating sustainable economic impact.

Beyond his business achievements, Chris is deeply engaged in community service. He has served on the CVPH Foundation Board and the North Country Cancer Fund and has supported numerous local fundraisers and community events. His involvement reflects a strong belief in giving back, supporting neighbors in times of need, and helping ensure a strong future for the region.

The Businessperson of the Year award recognizes Chris Akey’s lasting contributions to the North Country through entrepreneurship, leadership, and community service.

2026 Economic Development Partner of the Year:
Beth L. Hill

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Beth Hill, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fort Ticonderoga, has been selected as the Chamber’s 2026 Economic Developer of the Year, recognizing her exceptional leadership, long-term impact on regional economic vitality, and transformative contributions to heritage tourism and community development.

Hill has served as President and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga since 2010, following a distinguished career with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Historic Sites Division. A museum professional for more than 25 years, Hill holds a Master of Arts degree in History from American University and has led Fort Ticonderoga through a remarkable organizational turnaround and into a period of strategic growth and reinvestment.

Under Hill’s leadership, Fort Ticonderoga is executing a multi-million-dollar, multi-year capital improvement plan that is expanding visitor experiences, strengthening educational programming, and enhancing the site’s national visibility. The organization has secured several prestigious federal grants, including awards from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities, supporting major exhibitions, collections accessibility, and expanded public engagement.

Beyond its cultural significance, Fort Ticonderoga serves as a major economic driver for the region, supporting local businesses, generating year-round visitation, and strengthening the tourism economy across the North Country and Adirondack Coast. Hill’s collaborative leadership and commitment to community partnerships have elevated the institution’s role in workforce engagement, regional branding, and long-term economic resilience.

Hill is a long-standing community leader and serves on multiple regional and statewide boards, advancing collaboration across tourism, education, and economic development sectors.

2026 Trailblazer Award: Anna Hewitt-Channell 

The North Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to present its Trailblazer Award to Anna Hewitt Channell, recognizing her emerging leadership, community engagement, and forward-thinking impact across the North Country.

Anna serves as Business Development and Marketing Manager at Dannemora Federal Credit Union, where she plays a vital role in connecting local businesses, professionals, and community partners. Through her work, she supports local charities, nonprofits, schools, and initiatives that strengthen the region, combining relationship building with a strong commitment to community service.

A lifelong Plattsburgh resident, Anna brings a deep love for the North Country into everything she does. She is an Ambassador for the North Country Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Mountain Lake PBS Board, where she is Chair of the Development Committee. She is also an active member of Noon Rotary, serving as Chair of the Fundraising Committee, Chair of the Public Relations Committee, and as a member of the Membership Committee. She is slated to serve as Rotary President in 2027.

Anna’s leadership extends beyond the local level through her service on the Conference and Diamond Award Committees for America’s Credit Unions, contributing to national conversations that shape the future of the industry. She is also the co-chair and a founding creator of Michigan Fest, a community event that brings people together while celebrating local pride and collaboration.

Outside of work and volunteer leadership, Anna is a devoted twin mom to James and Elliott. She enjoys gardening, creating recipes, and embracing creativity at home and in the community she loves.

The Trailblazer Award honors rising leaders who are shaping the future of the North Country through innovation, service, and collaboration. Anna Hewitt Channell’s dedication, energy, and vision exemplify the spirit of this award and the next generation of leadership in our region. 

2025 Chairman’s Award: Andrew Sepcie

Garry Douglas, President/CEO about our 2025 Chairperson:“Andy Sepcie was a great Chair of our Chamber through a year that brought great advances as well as responses to new challenges. He helped to guide us at the Chamber as he does at his company, Monaghan Medical.  With leadership. steadfastness and good cheer. We are an even stronger Chamber than we already were, thanks to his commitment to our work. We join in thanking him for that.”