The Chamber Announces Scranton Business Award Winners

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the winners of the 2026 SAGE, ATHENA Leadership, and Milestone Awards. The recipients will be recognized at the 157^th Chamber Annual Dinner on March 25, at the Scranton Cultural Center. 

The Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence (SAGE), recognize the outstanding efforts, talent, creativity, and innovation within the northeastern Pennsylvania business community.

The SAGE for Business of the Year

The SAGE for Business of the Year, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, recognizes a business that has a clear strategic vision and has demonstrated growth in at least one of the following categories: customers, revenue, product and services, or employees.

The 2026 SAGE Business of the Year will be presented to Basalyga Hospitality. Basalyga Hospitality is a food, beverage, and entertainment business creating dining, nightlife, and hospitality experiences throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Its multi-faceted portfolio includes eight properties that span from taverns to movie theaters to fine dining. Its mission is to restore and revitalize buildings and create new business opportunities while providing exemplary service to our community.

The SAGE for Small Business of the Year

This SAGE for Small Business of the Year, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, recognizes a business that has demonstrated growth in at least one of the following categories: customers, revenue, product and services, or employees.

The 2026 SAGE Small Business of the Year will be presented to Everything Natural. Everything Natural is a community-focused health and wellness store dedicated to elevating the well-being of its customers. Originally established in 1985 as one of the region’s first health food and supplements store, the business has evolved and provides healthy grab-and-go meals, a fitness studio, and educational opportunities for its customers. The business is laser-focused on serving its community through event sponsorships and providing support to community groups and organizations in the area.

The SAGE for Community Involvement Excellence

The SAGE for Community Involvement Excellence, sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water, recognizes a business that has made outstanding contributions to its community through philanthropy or the investment of financial or other resources, such as time, talent, materials/facility/equipment, or involvement of staff or others in the organization.

The 2026 SAGE Community Involvement Excellence will be presented to CHOP Out Hunger (CHOP). CHOP is a nonprofit organization with the mission to eradicate childhood hunger. CHOP works alongside schools, businesses, and community partners to ensure children have food when they need it the most. CHOP serves approximately 45,000 children across Pennsylvania, partnering with 150 schools and community organizations. 

The ATHENA Leadership Award

The ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti, LLC, CPA, is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.

The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award will be presented to Laureen “Laurie” Cadden. For more than 35 years, Laurie Cadden has shared her time and talents with dozens of civic organizations and charities in northeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to her love of the arts, Cadden has committed herself to empowering women through financial education and literacy. Through decades of hands-on service and leadership, she has helped shape a more vibrant, equitable, and connected community in which women are encouraged to lead, invest, and thrive.

The 2026 Milestone Awards

The Milestone Award, sponsored by NBT Bank, recognizes businesses and nonprofits celebrating anniversaries in 5-year increments.

Additionally, all SAGE and Milestone recipients will have the opportunity to be chosen as the 2026 SAGE People’s Choice Award recipient, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank and Trust. The winner will be chosen at the 157^th Chamber Annual Dinner using a live online voting platform.