The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the distinguished winners of the annual Pelham Business Awards 2025, celebrating excellence, innovation, and community commitment across four key categories. This year’s recipients exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and vital role local businesses play in the economic and social fabric of the community in Pelham.
The winners of the Pelham Business Awards 2025 are:
- Business of the Year 2025: SOOP Theatre Company
- Retail & Storefront Business of the Year 2025: Dr. Michael Prisco D.D.S.
- Rising Star of the Year 2025: The Pelican Room
- Lifetime Achievement Award 2025: William ‘Billy Wise’ Weinblatt of Wise Hardware
“We had over 800 nominations from the community to the awards this year, and the caliber of businesses nominated was truly inspiring, making the selection process particularly difficult for the award committee,” said Jim Lofgren, President of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce. “We want to congratulate all the winners and nominees for their unwavering dedication to improving Pelham. They are true cornerstones to our community and continue to drive Pelham’s vitality and prosperity for residents and businesses alike.”
This initiative celebrates the local business community, recognizing not only longevity and success but also the entrepreneurs and innovators shaping Pelham’s economic landscape. The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering a supportive environment where all enterprises, from decades-old family businesses to brand-new ventures, can thrive.
“On behalf of our teachers and staff, we are extremely proud to receive this award! It is not only a deep honor, but truly a validation of our seventeen year commitment to the performing arts in Pelham and the surrounding communities. Our heart-felt thanks to the Pelham Chamber of Commerce for its continued support of Pelham businesses and the community as a whole. We are truly grateful to have you on our side,” says Paul Romanello, founder and Artistic Director of SOOP Theatre Company.
The awards were presented formally at the annual Pelham Holiday Dinner and Award Ceremony on December 9th 2025, in partnership with Meridian Risk Management and JP Tripp at Merrill Lynch. This event is an opportunity for all businesses and professionals who call Pelham home to network, collaborate, and celebrate the continued success of the community.
Business of the Year 2025
Nominees:
DaniLee’s Helping Hands
SOOP Theatre Company
D Ragno Landscaping
Meridian Risk Management
Depot Dave
Winner: SOOP Theatre Company
For over two decades of dedication to the arts, with resilience, dedication to the craft and an innovative business model, they have survived the tests of time and remain a pillar in our Pelham community for young and old.
Rising Star of the Year 2025
Nominees:
Shea Station
House of Ink
Sweets by Ki
The Pelican Room
Strictly Pizza
Winner: The Pelican Room
For bringing a completely new flavor to Pelham, reinvigorating the cafe, bar and restaurant scene with innovative menus, crafted drinks and an interior that transports you to a younger, cooler self in New York City.
Retail & Storefront of the Year 2025
Nominees:
DeCiccos & Sons
Flour Power
Dr Michael Prisco DDS
Thrive Barre & Fitness
New York Hair Salon
Winner: Dr Michael Prisco D.D.S.
Representing a diverse use of retail storefront property, this long-standing generational business continues to thrive with immense popularity from its professional and caring services to members of our Pelham community.
Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
Winner: William ‘Billy Wise’ Weinblatt of Wise Hardware
The Pelham Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 is awarded to a person and businesses almost synonymous with each other, offering outstanding service and support to our community members in matters that most of us know limited things about. In fact, everyday, he went out of his way to share advice, solutions, and his time, to help members of our community. As a business, it will be sorely missed, after a lifetime of achievements.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Chamber of Commerce. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.
