Local business leaders were honored at the recent Chosen Business Conference with awards recognizing their positive impact and contributions to the Crown Heights community. See the full list of winners.
Amid the 450 attendees and over 80 B2B service businesses on display at the Razag Ballroom, the honorees graciously accepted their awards, shared personal anecdotes, and thanked the Crown Heights business community for its support.
All of the honorees were chosen by the Crown Heights community through an online vote. The nominees were subsequently presented with their awards at the event.
Easily the largest business networking and expo in Crown Heights history, the conference was organized by Crown Heights Young Entrepreneurs (CHYE) in partnership with COLlive.com.
“The CHYE thanks all of our honorees, as well as everyone who sponsored or attended the Chosen Business Conference for helping to make it a resounding success,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Werde, Director of CHYE. “We hope this conference was only the first of many more Crown Heights business events to come.”
And, without further ado, here are this year’s Chosen Business Conference award winners!
Emerging Business Award – Yankie Teitelbaum and Bracha Torenheim of Flowmotion TV were presented with the Emerging Business Award, recognizing their display of leadership and entrepreneurial spirit that has positioned their company for substantial growth.
“Thank you for this honor,” said Bracha Torenheim. “We’re very happy to get to this point [in our business]. People see our success, but behind all the success there is a lot of hard work, sweat, tears, and investment. It’s nice to finally reach this moment after all these years of hard work. Thank you for the award.”
Business Excellence Award – Mrs. Rochie Sufrin of Little Toes received the Business Excellence Award, an award recognizing a business that has demonstrated sustained growth, professionalism, and excellence in providing a service that contributes to the overall good of the community.
“I am so honored and humbled to be given this business award,” said Rochie Sufrin. “I am so appreciative of all my loyal customers, family, and friends who supported me and continue to shop with me, making my work so much more exciting.”
Impact Award – Michel Raskin A”H of Raskin’s Fruit was presented an Impact Award for their outstanding contribution to the local economy as the oldest store on Kingston Avenue as well as the oldest surviving business in Crown Heights. This award acknowledges their contribution to the stability and growth of the community and the resurgence of Kingston Avenue as a world-class shopping destination.
“I see this award as a testament to Crown Heights merchants who founded an original Mom & Pop shop,” said Arik Raskin. “With God’s help, hard work, devotion, and customer service penniless immigrants established a business on Kingston Avenue that is a landmark over years later, and an active business to this very day.
“The conference was a blast of fresh air, especially after these past twenty-two months. It was very exciting for me to meet a new generation of young, local entrepreneurs ready and able to conquer the world! Thank you so very much for this award.”
Impact Award – Shmuel Malamud of IGPC achieved an Impact Award for demonstrating outstanding business leadership, building a world-class business, making a significant contribution to the Crown Heights Community as the head of the Vaad Hakohol, and his many philanthropic endeavors
“I am profoundly honored to receive this prestigious award and humbled to be recognized by such an impressive organization,” said Shmuel Malamud. “Crown Heights continues to be the breeding ground for the world’s greatest talent, from our esteemed shluchim, rabbonim, and educators to our business leaders, each of whom makes an immense spiritual and material impact globally.
“I am impressed that our young business leaders have matured to become our community leaders and financial supporters. Congratulations to all my fellow recipients and especially, Rabbi Yehoshua Werde [of CHYE], and his talented team for inspiring Crown Heights Young Entrepreneurs, and building such a valuable network for the amazing talent in Crown Heights.”
Leadership Award – Shmuly Goldman, Director of Sales and Enterprise Accounts at B&H Photo Video, was recognized with the Leadership Award for his exemplary leadership that has made him a sought-after business mentor in Crown Heights. This award also recognizes his significant contributions made to the community through the Chasdei Soul II Soul foundation.
“I am humbled and frankly still a little baffled that I was chosen to be a recipient,” said Shmuly Goldman. “But I am 100% amazed at how far CHYE has come and how much has been accomplished. I am sure that with the great leadership of Rabbi Werde things will only get bigger and better. Chazak.”
Congrats to all the award winners and to all the up and coming entrepreneurs and business leaders. The time is now to become our own biggest supporters. Great work CHYE.
so proud of you roch