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Rochester Business Hall of Fame

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Congratulations to the Rochester Business Hall of Fame Class of 2026!

When: TBD
Where: Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention
Congratulations to the Rochester Business Hall of Fame Class of 2026!

The 2026 Rochester Business Hall of Fame induction dinner took place on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this remarkable group of business leaders. The induction ceremony was an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing individuals whose vision, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the Greater Rochester community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year's inductees on this well-deserved honor. Your accomplishments, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire future generations and strengthen our region's business community.

We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and guests for helping make this year's Rochester Business Hall of Fame celebration such a memorable success. Congratulations once again to the Class of 2026—we are honored to celebrate your extraordinary achievements and lasting legacy.

Explore more of the Rochester Business Hall of Fame by visiting the dedicated website through the link below. (https://rochesterbusinesshalloffame.org)

Here, you will learn about all Hall of Fame inductees since the inception of this prestigious award in 2001, explore their remarkable accomplishments, and see how their leadership has helped strengthen our region's economy and community.

Coming soon! The Rochester Business Hall of Fame Digital Experience, an interactive gaming experience, that allows individuals of all ages to step into the shoes of Rochester Business Hall of Fame laureates. You will navigate the same pivotal business decisions that shaped these laureates’ companies and careers. In a fun and engaging way, you will learn from and be inspired by the innovation, courage and character of some of the best business leaders in our region.

The Rochester Business Hall of Fame Experience will initially launch with three iconic Rochester stories. Canandaigua National Bank, and the leadership of Hall of Fame laureate George Hamlin; Paychex, including key decisions made by Hall of Fame laureates Tom Golisano and Marty Mucci, and the story of Home Leasing, highlighting Laureates Nelson and Norman Leenhouts and Amy Tait.

The Rochester Business Hall of Fame Digital Experience is more than celebrating remarkable accomplishments. It’s about preserving a legacy and inspiring the next generation to build what comes next.

Class of 2026 Rochester Business Hall of Fame Inductees

Image of William Goodrich
William H. Goodrich
Chairman & CEO
LeChase Construction Service, LLC
Image of Edward Pettinella
Edward J. Pettinella
Former President & Chief Executive Officer
Home Properties, Inc.
Image of James Sydor
James Sydor
Chairman
Sydor Optics, Inc.

2026 Rochester Business Hall of Fame Inductee Videos

2026 Rochester Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Relive the unforgettable moments from the **2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony** as we celebrate this year's outstanding inductees and their remarkable achievements. This special event honors the individuals whose dedication, leadership, and lasting impact have helped shape our community and inspire future generations. Watch the full ceremony to experience the inspiring speeches, memorable presentations, and heartfelt recognition of the 2026 Hall of Fame class. Congratulations once again to all of our inductees on this well-deserved honor!

2026 Rochester Business Hall of Fame

Sponsors

Presented by

Logo for JP Morgan

Visionary Sponsors

Logo for LeChase Construction Services, LLC
Logo for Royal Oak Realty Trust

Innovator Sponsors

Logo for Accurate Acoustical
Logo for Ajay Glass
Logo for Billitier Electric
Logo for Crosby Brownlie
Logo for EG Sackett
Logo for Elmer Davis
Logo for Paychex
Logo for Rochester Institute of Technology
Logo for Sydor Optics
Logo for The DDS Companies
Logo for Woods Oviatt Gilman

Entrepreneur Sponsors

Logo for Delta Air Lines
Logo for M&T Bank

Investor Sponsors

Logo for Alfred State College
Logo for ESL Federal Credit Union
Logo for Layline Advisors
Logo for Postler & Jaeckle Corp.
Logo for University of Rochester Medical

Table Sponsors

Logo for Brown & Brown of New York
Logo for Canandaigua National Bank
Logo for Deloitte
Logo for Five Star Bank
Logo for Genesee Regional Bank
Logo for Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
Logo for KPMG
Logo for Martin & Darcy Mucci
Logo for MCC
Logo for MCC Foundation
Logo for Riedman
Logo for Tompkins Financial
Logo for YMCA

FOUNDING PARTNERS

Logo for Junior Achievement of Central Upstate New York, Inc.
Logo for Rochester Business Journal

Become a Sponsor!

Sponsorships for these events are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. These programs are delivered at no cost to students. You can make a difference in the lives of these students by participating in this world-class event!

Contact us to get more information on how to sponsor a JA Event!

Need More Information? Fill out the form to contact James Sydor - Chairman

 

Our Impact Partners