Three clients of the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) were presented with statewide awards. The North Central SBDC is headquartered at Onondaga Community College, and is led by Regional Director Bob Griffin. He was joined at each of the presentations by SBDC State Director Sonya Smith.
Community Impact Business of the Year - Birch Tree Montessori in Warners
- Birch Tree Montessori provides comprehensive Montessori education to children ages 3 to 6 years old. The business is owned and operated by Karyn Dieffenderfer and Rosemary Morgese. Both are retired teachers with over 30 years of experience. The NorthCentral SBDC assisted them with finding a location, formation of an LLC, construction of a business plan. and a list of business partners who provided accounting, insurance, and legal guidance for their businesses.
Family-Owned Business of the Year - Oswego Sub Shop in Oswego
- A family-owned business for 55 years and counting, the Oswego Sub Shop has been a cornerstone of the Oswego community, employing more than 40 people. Despite fierce competition from pizza places, fast food chains, and major national sub shops, the Oswego Sub Shop has stood the test of time thanks to their very simple secret: quality and heart. Beloved NBC Weatherman and SUNY Oswego Alumnus Al Roker says the Oswego Sub Shop "has the best subs in America!" The Oswego Sub Shop's lengthy menu includes a sub named in Roker's honor.
Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year - Upstate Oral Surgery and Dental Implants in Watertown
- Dr. Logan Curtis is a former Fort Drum soldier and highly-skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He was playing football at age 15 when he broke his jaw and lost seven teeth. The injury led to his first experience with an oral surgeon and ultimately his career inspiration. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Army, including his final four years at Fort Drum, he started his practice with guidance from the North Central SBDC office at Jefferson Community College. What began as a solo venture evolved into a team of multiple surgeons and 15 dedicated employees. The same day Dr. Curtis received the statewide Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year Award, he also cut the ribbon on the new home of Upstate Oral Surgery and Dental Implants at 22755 Summit Drive in Watertown. Dr. Curtis' success story was the subject of a television segment with WSYR TV Newschannel 9's Jeff Kulikowsky.
The North Central SBDC serves an 8-county region including Cayuga, Cortland, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, and Seneca Counties. For 40 years, the North Central SBDC, hosted by Onondaga Community College in Syracuse and Jefferson Community College in Watertown, has been a trusted resource for entrepreneurs. The North Central SBDC offers no-cost, confidential advisement services tailored to every stage of the business journey - from pre-venture planning to succession strategies.
