Five recognized as Greater Utica Chamber 2021 Business of the Year Award winners

UTICA — The Utica Zoo, Primary Urgent Care, and Casa Imports were among the organizations honored with Business of the Year Awards from the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce. 

The chamber honored a total of 15 area businesses and organizations as finalists during its annual Business of the Year Awards ceremony held Dec. 9 at Twin Ponds Golf & Country Club.

It selected and named the following five award winners by category:

For-Profit Business Under 50 Employees
Greenscapes Garden Center

For-Profit Business Over 50 Employees
Casa Imports

Not-For-Profit Business Under 50 Employees 
Utica Zoo

Not-For-Profit Business Over 50 Employees
The House of the Good Shepherd

Catalyst Rising Business
Primary Urgent Care

The Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce selected and evaluated the 15 finalists, and five winners, based on criteria that included staying power, response to challenges, products/services innovation, and growth within their industry. 

The criteria also included commitment to the Mohawk Valley region, longevity in the region, community involvement, public service, business leadership, and involvement in the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce. 

“This event is always so special to us, as it gives us the opportunity to recognize what our business community has accomplished in the past year,” Kari Puleo, executive director of the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, said in a release. “Each and every business and nonprofit recognized today plays a part in what makes the Greater Utica area a unique and special place to live, work and play.”