2026 Celebration of Excellence: 40th Annual Awards

Join us as we celebrate business and the community with the Chamber's 40^th Annual Celebration of Excellence, Tuesday, November 10th from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce (BCC) will host its annual Celebration of Excellence on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Duo at the Dunes on Washington Avenue Extension. Guests can look forward to a delicious meal provided by BCC member 2Shea Catering, with wine & beer generously sponsored by Duo at the Dunes.

Sponsorship & registration are open. Register to sponsor or attend here.

This year’s Celebration holds special significance, as a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Foundation (BCCF), the nonprofit arm of BCC. The Foundation provides workforce training and scholarships that help local students with a strong work ethic succeed and thrive in our community. Sponsorships and donations for this event are fully tax-deductible and play a vital role in advancing the Chamber’s mission to honor excellence and strengthen our community.

• Delmar-Bethlehem EMS (Distinguished Non-Profit Award)
• Owens Corning Delmar Insulation Plant, marking 50 years in Delmar (Enduring Excellence Award)
• Mark Warford (Heart of the Community Award)
• Carlos Bermejo of LiveWell Group, 21 (Rising Star Award)
• Judi Kehoe (Lifetime Achievement Award)
• Grace Roofing (Outstanding Member Award)

The 2026 Honorees

• Distinguished Non-Profit Award – Delmar-Bethlehem EMS. Volunteer EMTs, emergency vehicle operators and support staff answer calls across the Town of Bethlehem. The squad is also honored for its public education work on emergency preparedness and public health.
• Enduring Excellence Award – Owens Corning Delmar Insulation Plant. The plant marked its 50th year in Delmar this year. It is recognized as a major local employer and for its record on innovation, safety and community involvement.
• Heart of the Community Award – Mark Warford. Warford has spent decades in education. He worked with the Bethlehem School District and built student garden and composting programs, championed sustainability and is a familiar face at the Delmar Farmers Market.
• Rising Star Award – Carlos Bermejo, LiveWell Group. At 21, Bermejo works full time while earning a degree in Building Technology. Colleagues, supervisors and clients alike point to his work ethic and drive to keep learning.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Judi Kehoe. Kehoe is honored for a career of public service and financial leadership. Her work spans the Bethlehem Central School District, the Town of Bethlehem and numerous professional and community organizations. She was also the first woman to serve in her role at the school district and the town.  
• Outstanding Member Award – Grace Roofing. Led by owner Guinevere Gorman, Grace Roofing is a steady Chamber supporter through sponsorships, charitable giving and partnerships. Gorman also serves on several boards, mentors young women and founded a nonprofit performing arts organization focused on dance education for youth.

Tickets and Sponsorships
Tickets are on sale now!  Individual tickets are $90; a table for 8 is $720. Seating is limited, and the Chamber encourages early purchase.

• Register online: Click Here
• Calling the Chamber at (518) 439-0512.

Businesses and organizations can sponsor the evening. Sponsorship packages include recognition before, during and after the event, with visibility among Bethlehem's business and civic leaders.

Event Details

• What: 40th Annual Celebration of Excellence Awards Dinner
• When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, 5-8 p.m.
• Where: Duo at the Dunes, 257 Washington Ave Ext, Albany, NY 12205