Greater Binghamton Chamber presents annual awards honoring small businesses, entrepreneurs, and more

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce honored its 2023 award winners during its 59th annual dinner and meeting held May 18 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Binghamton.

Maryanne Burke, president and CEO of A.L. Burke, was honored as the 2023 Small Businessperson of the Year. Established in 1945, A.L. Burke provides affordable housing to the Southern Tier region. Burke joined the business in 1988 and became president and CEO in 2000. Under Burke’s leadership, the company experienced significant growth and expanded both gross sales and the number of employees more than 300 percent in the past five years. A.L. Burke currently has 35 employees. Its portfolio includes 10 mobile-home parks and the Binghamton Jellystone park campground, which opened last year after Burke acquired a campground in Endicott, invested $2.5 million, and partnered with the nationwide park franchise. In its first year, gross revenue at the campground tripled.

Jesus Clarke, owner of Big Zues Barbecue, was honored as the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2020, while at home with his family during the pandemic, Clarke decided to pursue his love of being in the kitchen. That July 4th weekend, he set up his grill and gave a plate of food to passersby. That was the inspiration for Big Zues Barbecue, which opened later that month for orders.

The chamber honored Matt Sheehan as its Distinguished Chamber Volunteer of the Year for his work on initiatives including the SPARK program and the “Kids Can Build” event to fight hunger as well as for serving as vice president on several community boards and coaching various sports teams.

Mary O’Malley-Trumble was honored as the 2023 Civic Leader of the Year for her involvement in various nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Her passion for STEAM, arts, and education has helped secure funding for initiatives like the Bug Squad exhibit and the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra’s community-engagement programs. O’Malley-Trumble was also recognized as an outgoing board member for her nine years of service.

The Greater Binghamton Chamber also presented 2023 Bridge Run charity partner the Addiction Center of Broome County with a check from the proceeds of this year’s event.