New City, NY – After a five-year hiatus, the Rockland Business Association (RBA) proudly celebrated the return of the Pinnacle Awards, bringing together over 200 business and community leaders for an unforgettable evening at the Hilton Pearl River. The event, held on Sunday, June 1, was a celebration of excellence across the business, nonprofit, and community sectors, as well as an opportunity to honor both the 2025 and 2020 award recipients. The latter group had originally been set to receive their awards at a ceremony that was postponed due to the pandemic.
The black-tie optional gala was filled with energy and connection, as honorees, guests, and sponsors alike came together to celebrate the resilience and success of local businesses and organizations. “The energy in the room was undeniable—from the enthusiasm of our honorees to the sense of unity across the business community,” said Ken Zebrowski, President of the RBA. “It was a powerful reminder of the role business leadership plays in shaping the character and future of Rockland County.”
Bill Madden, Chair of the 2025 Pinnacle Awards, emphasized the significance of the event: “This was more than just an awards dinner, it was a celebration of resilience and excellence. The speeches were inspiring, the turnout was strong, and the momentum we’re seeing in Rockland is something worth watching.”
2025 Pinnacle Award Winners
This year’s awards ceremony highlighted the exceptional contributions of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and leaders. The winners were:
- Al Samuels Award for Overall Business Excellence: Orange & Rockland Utilities
- Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award: Optimum
- Excellence in Sustainability Award: Manhattan Beer Distributors
- Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in Business: Sabrina Hosang Jordan, Caribbean Food Delights
- Outstanding Achievement by a Non-Profit Organization: United Hospice
- Outstanding Achievement by a Small Business: GMG Public Relations, Inc.
The evening featured an “Oscar-style” reveal for the Small Business category. GMG Public Relations, Inc. emerged as the winner, selected from a competitive pool of finalists including Integral Building & Design, Mesh Business Solutions, Mr. Landscape, and sPowell Associates.
Event Sponsors and Community Support
The Pinnacle Awards ceremony was made possible by the support of numerous sponsors, whose contributions helped bring the event to life. Key sponsors included:
- Gold Sponsors: Orange & Rockland Utilities, Champlain Hudson Power Express
- Silver Sponsors: Rand Commercial, Veolia, Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office
- Award Sponsors: Shilale Architects, The RBA Female Board Members, Stern Family Fund, USIS, Brown Weinraub, and Rockland News.
For more information about the Rockland Business Association and future events, visit www.rocklandbusiness.org.
