Four will be honored at Ulster County’s third annual Black Business Community Celebration

KINGSTON – The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Black History Kingston and Ulster County Tourism, has selected four honorees for the 3^rd Annual celebration of the Black Business Community on June 18 at Ulster Savings Bank, located at 180 Schwenk Drive in Kingston.

The awards recognize local Black-owned businesses or Black business leaders who have achieved outstanding results and demonstrated dedication and commitment to advancing business, strengthening their communities and improving the quality of life in Ulster County.

“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.

This year’s winners include:

Black Business Excellence Award

Corey James, a multimedia journalist at Spectrum News. Before joining the news team in July 2022, he worked as a cross-platform production assistant at CNN’s global headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

Black Business Leadership Award:

Rendesia Scottdirector of the Business Advising Center at SUNY New Paltz, a position she has held since 2005. In her role, she oversees the School of Business’ undergraduate advising curriculum.

Maude Bruce Community Impact Award:

Essie “Liz” Baker, owner of We Got the Juice, a combination juice bar and art gallery at 694 Broadway in Kingston, offering a variety of juices, smoothies, shakes and salads made from 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 achieve 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.