THIELLS, NY – The North Rockland Chamber of Commerce hosted its first awards dinner of 2026 at Lynch’s Restaurant, drawing a strong turnout of local business owners, community leaders and honorees for an evening that mixed celebration with a major update on relief efforts for Route 9W businesses affected by last year’s construction disruptions.
The most significant announcement of the evening centered on the Champlain Hudson Power Express, commonly known as CHPE, and the Chamber’s ongoing push for compensation for local retailers and small businesses impacted by the 2025 Route 9W pipeline installation work.
Chamber representatives said the project-related construction had shut down roads, limited access to businesses and disrupted normal commerce throughout parts of North Rockland. The Chamber has estimated the downturn to local businesses at approximately $13 million.
According to remarks made during the dinner, an earlier offer of $150,000 to be divided among roughly 100 businesses was viewed by Chamber leadership as far short of what would be needed to make affected businesses whole. However, the Chamber said it received encouraging news that the figure could increase from six figures to seven figures as negotiations continue.
No final settlement amount has been announced. A seven-figure settlement would indicate at least $1 million, though the final number remains uncertain and could fall well below the Chamber’s estimate of total business losses. Chamber representatives said their goal is to secure funds for affected businesses by the end of the year.
Awards Announced, Junior Chamber of Commerce Officially Launched
The evening also included the formal introduction of the Chamber’s new Junior Chamber of Commerce, an initiative designed to connect younger and emerging professionals with Chamber resources, leadership development and hands-on opportunities to become more engaged in North Rockland’s business community. The Chamber also recognized the Junior Chamber’s first member during the program.
Several community honorees were also recognized, including the Haverstraw Center and members of its staff. Speakers praised the Center as a vital local hub serving youth, families, adults and seniors through counseling, recreation, summer camps, educational programming, community initiatives and family support services.
The Haverstraw Center was highlighted for its long-standing role in providing a “home away from home” for young people and families in the village and across North Rockland. The Center, which operates as the Village of Haverstraw’s Department of Youth and Family Services, was also recognized for its collaborative work with more than 60 human service organizations and for programs that support at-risk youth, parent engagement, literacy and community events.
Tim “Coach Tim” Sanders, project coordinator at the Haverstraw Center, was also honored for his work with local youth, environmental and sustainability programs, public art efforts and community partnerships. Sanders spoke about the importance of helping young people believe in their dreams, develop life skills and find trusted adults and safe spaces to turn to.
The event also included recognition from local officials, including a certificate from Rockland County Executive Ed Day’s office honoring the Haverstraw Center and Sanders for their dedication to the Haverstraw community and Rockland County.
The Chamber closed the formal portion of the evening by noting additional resources for small businesses, including the Small Business Development Center at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Orangeburg, and announced that a new and improved North Rockland Chamber website will provide members with access to resources and an events calendar.
The awards dinner, held at Lynch’s Restaurant, marked a milestone for the North Rockland Chamber as it continues to expand its advocacy, youth engagement and small business support efforts throughout the region.
