ROME, N.Y. Mohawk Valley EDGE will recognize three outstanding regional businesses and a distinguished community leader during the 2026 Leading EDGE Awards on Monday, November 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Grand Ballroom at Turning Stone Resort & Casino.
Established in 1998, the Leading EDGE Awards celebrate businesses and individuals that demonstrate leadership within their industries and make meaningful contributions to the growth and continued success of the Mohawk Valley.
This year’s Leading EDGE Award recipients are:
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George’s Farm Products is a third-generation, family-owned agribusiness founded in 1951. Based in Clinton, the company operates a seasonal retail garden center, provides produce-packing services for local farmers and processes fresh-cut produce throughout the year. As its products and services have expanded, the company has maintained its longstanding focus on strong relationships, safety and innovation.
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Bartell Machinery is a Rome-based manufacturer of advanced industrial machinery serving the tire and rubber, wire and cable, and oil and gas industries. Founded in 1940, the company brings decades of engineering experience to the development of specialized manufacturing technologies and equipment used by customers around the world.
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Black River Systems is a Utica-based, employee-owned applied engineering company specializing in advanced sensing systems, signal and data processing, machine learning, data science and real-time software solutions. Founded in 1996, the company conducts advanced research and development and transitions emerging technologies into operational systems for government, defense and commercial clients.
“These three companies reflect the strength and diversity of the Mohawk Valley’s business community,” said Marc Barraco, Chief of Staff for Mohawk Valley EDGE. “Each has built a record of innovation, adaptability and long-term commitment to our region. Whether supporting agriculture, advancing industrial manufacturing or developing sophisticated engineering solutions, they are creating opportunities and demonstrating why the Mohawk Valley remains an exceptional place to build and grow a business.”
The 2026 Christopher Destito Award will be presented to Frank DuRoss of Mohawk Valley Community College. The award honors an individual whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the region. DuRoss has advanced economic and community development through higher education, entrepreneurship, business development and professional sports, while strengthening partnerships among MVCC, businesses, government and the community.
“Frank DuRoss has dedicated his career to bringing people and organizations together to strengthen the Mohawk Valley,” said Tim Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Mohawk Valley EDGE. “His leadership, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to collaboration have created lasting connections between education, business and economic development, making him a deserving recipient of the Christopher Destito Award.”
The evening will include networking, a cocktail reception, dinner, and the awards program recognizing the three business recipients and DuRoss. Guests will also enjoy a photo booth and receive a locally crafted artisan gift. [
Individual tickets are available through visiting www.mvedge.org under the Leading EDGE Awards section.
For table purchases or sponsorship opportunities, contact Corinne Ciaccia at cciaccia@mvedge.org or 315-356-5504.
About Mohawk Valley EDGE
Mohawk Valley EDGE is a regional economic development organization serving Oneida and Herkimer counties. EDGE works with public- and private-sector partners to strengthen the region’s economy and support business growth, investment and job creation.
