KINGSTON- The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, in junction with Black History Kingston and Ulster County Tourism, have selected four honorees for the 3rd Annual Black Business Community Celebration on June 18 at Ulster Savings Bank, 180 Schwenk Drive in Kingston.
The awards recognize local Black-owned businesses or Black business leaders who have achieved outstanding results and shown dedication and commitment to furthering business, enhancing their community, and improving the quality of life in Ulster County.
This year’s honorees include:
Black Business Excellence Award:
Corey James, a multimedia journalist at Spectrum News. Before joining the news team in July 2022, he served as a cross-platform production assistant at CNN’s world headquarters in Atlanta, GA.
Black Business Leadership Award:
Rendesia Scott, Director of the Business Advising Center at SUNY New Paltz, a position she has held since 2005. In her role, she oversees the undergraduate advising curriculum for the School of Business.
Maude Bruce Community Impact Award:
Essie “Liz” Baker, owner of We Got the Juice, a combined juice bar and art gallery at 694 Broadway in Kingston, which offers a variety of juices, smoothies, shakes, and salads, made of locally sourced ingredients. Liz also mentors and promotes local artists of all ages at her juice bar.
Young Black Leader Award:
Shataya McComb, founder of the Point God Academy (PGA), which empowers aspiring basketball players to reach their goals. A star basketball player herself, she was a longtime coach at Tay Fisher’s Camp and Clinics, Summer Sizzle in Kingston, the Biddy League, and AAU basketball.
“The Chamber would like to congratulate our 2024 honorees and thank those who provided the nominations and the independent panel for the final selections,” said Chamber President Ward Todd.
The Principal Sponsor of the event is Ulster Savings Bank. Other sponsors include Ulster County Tourism, Blue Byrd’s Haberdashery, J’s Painting Service, and RCAL.
The Award Presentations begin at 4:30 p.m. with a Community Celebration to follow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Pointe of Praise team is catering the event, and music will be provided by the Instruments of Praise Choir and DJ Seven Spirits. Radio Kingston will livestream the event.
