The West Seneca Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the organization’s 78th annual Community Awards. An awards dinner will take place on Feb. 12 at Kotecki’s Grandview Grove in West Seneca.
Business of the Year, Sgroi Lawley: Serving our community for 54 years, Sgroi Lawley focuses on helping people achieve financial independence with the utmost integrity and by always doing what’s right for the client. Founded as Sgroi Financial in 1971 by Joseph Sgroi, Sgroi Lawley has grown into a full-service independent financial planning firm that still strives to treat clients like family, delivering exceptional service while maintaining family values. They are also a strong supporter of students, educators and numerous community organizations.
Chamber Member of the Year, West Seneca Art Society: Nearly a day goes by without seeing members of the West Seneca Art Society busy setting up art exhibits or hosting creative classes throughout our town. With a growing membership roster, they host monthly meetings and provide amazing artwork that visitors to the West Seneca Community Center & Library can enjoy on a daily basis. The organization hosts art shows, offers art scholarships and is always willing to support West Seneca’s other service organizations.
Citizen of the Year, Claudia Emmerson: A volunteer for the West Seneca Civic & Patriotic Commission since its inception in 1974, Claudia currently serves as treasurer and co-chair for the Community Days beer tent, a position she has handled for 20 years! Prior, she also served as chair of the event’s vendor booths. A member of the East Seneca Fire Ladies Auxiliary, she is committed to making West Seneca Community Days a great success, year after year, for the residents of West Seneca.
Community Service Organization of the Year, West Seneca Woman’s Club: Since 1969, the West Seneca Woman’s Club has been focused on raising money for scholarships and to assist other local nonprofit organizations. Their members are heavily involved in our community, often found volunteering at the Burchfield Nature & Art Center, supporting students and community activities, preparing meals at Grace Guest House, assembling Hospice bouquets, making favors for Meals in Wheels recipients and much more!
Educator of the Year, Gail Bielanin: Serving as office assistant for the West Seneca Central School District’s Academy Programs, Gail has faithfully worked in education for more than 20 years. And while her background and experience in education isn’t within an actual classroom, it’s in everything she does! She works with student interns and helps organize the Students of Excellence Dinner, among many other responsibilities. She has worked with thousands of students over the years, and puts 100% effort into everything she does … and it truly shows!
Gerald Hathaway Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Sydney Sterlace: A junior at West Seneca West Senior High School, 16-year-old Sydney was center stage on season 26 of NBC’s The Voice, where she finished in third place! While competing on the popular television show viewed by millions, Sydney stood out as a graceful ambassador for West Seneca, Buffalo and Western New York. By all accounts, this is just the beginning for the West Seneca girl with the golden voice!
The West Seneca Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our 2025 Community Award sponsors, including Beyond Print Solutions, Financial Trust Federal Credit Union, GEICO Local Office West Seneca, Great Lakes Insurance Services Group LLC, Law Office of Paul Notaro, M&T Bank, Nowicki Special Services Group Inc., NRT Sales, Seneca Health Care Center, Sgroi Lawley, Tompkins Insurance Agencies and Western New York Federal Credit Union.
To purchase tickets for the Feb. 12 dinner or for information on event sponsorship or advertising in the event program, please contact the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce at (716) 674-4900.
An independent, nonprofit business organization, the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce is located in the West Seneca Community Center & Library at 1300 Union Road. Please visit westseneca.org for more information, or follow the Chamber on social media for frequent updates.
