Greater Rochester Chamber announces 14 finalists for the 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has announced the fourteen organizations selected as finalists for its 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award, recognizing businesses and institutions that are working to build stronger, more welcoming workplaces throughout the Rochester region.

Now entering its fifth year, the Inclusive Leadership Award highlights organizations that have made meaningful and lasting improvements in workplace culture. The award celebrates groups that ensure employees feel respected, recognized, and valued while creating environments where inclusion becomes part of everyday operations.

According to the Chamber, the finalists represent organizations that are helping set a standard for inclusive leadership beyond their own workplaces. Their efforts are also contributing to a stronger and more connected Greater Rochester community by promoting fairness, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

The fourteen finalists for the 2026 award are:

• The Arc of Monroe
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester
• Coordinated Care Services, Inc.
• First American Equipment Finance
• Five Star Bank
• Genesee Regional Bank
• GreenSpark Solar
• Nazareth University
• Regional Transit Service (RTS)
• RochesterWorks, Inc.
• Starbridge
• The Summit Federal Credit Union
• SWBR
• Trillium Health

This year’s program includes updated criteria and a stronger organizational focus designed to recognize a wider range of achievements in inclusive leadership. Alongside the main Inclusive Leadership Award, the Chamber will introduce four Excellence Awards that will spotlight organizations demonstrating exceptional work in specific areas.

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The Excellence Awards will recognize accomplishments in four categories: Culture of Belonging, Fair & Equitable Practices, Empowered & Engaged Teams, and Community Connection. Organizations selected for these honors will be recognized for their efforts in creating positive workplace environments and strengthening relationships within the larger community.

Greater Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy congratulated the finalists and praised their commitment to creating more inclusive workplaces.

“Congratulations to our 14 organizational finalists on this recognition, and thank you for the work you are doing. Any community is only as good as its people, and Greater Rochester is blessed with so many leaders and companies passionate about people. Through this passion, they build inclusive cultures and fair practices that bring everyone up together. With organizations like these leading the way, a better, more equitable future is ahead of us. We are looking forward to recognizing these organizations and the individuals that shape them at a ceremony this fall.”

The award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, where the 2026 Inclusive Leadership Award recipient will be announced. The event will also feature a keynote address from the 2025 award recipient, Marisa Geitner, President and CEO of Heritage Christian Services.

The recognition process will be handled by a selection committee made up of a diverse group of professional leaders from the Greater Rochester business community. Committee members will review submitted applications and choose the organization that best demonstrates a commitment to inclusive leadership practices.

In addition to celebrating the finalists, the ceremony will provide an opportunity for business leaders, community members, and organizations to come together and recognize the importance of workplace inclusion. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available for those interested in attending or supporting the event.

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The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce continues to focus on supporting businesses through advocacy, compliance assistance, talent development, and community connections. The organization describes itself as a resource for companies across the region, helping businesses transform opportunities into progress and encourage continued growth.

Through initiatives such as the Inclusive Leadership Award, the Chamber aims to recognize organizations that are not only improving their own workplaces but also helping shape a more welcoming and equitable future for the entire Greater Rochester area.