Ulster Chamber Names 2026 Black Business Award Honorees

Five Black business owners and community leaders will be honored on June 18 for their outstanding achievements at the 2026 Ulster County Black Business Community Celebration at Ulster Savings Bank, 180 Schwenk Drive in Kingston, from 4:30-8:00 p.m.
    The awards recognize local Black-owned businesses and Black business leaders who have achieved outstanding results and shown dedication and commitment to furthering business, enhancing their community and improving the quality of life in Ulster County.
    This year's honorees are as follows:
Black Business Excellence Award:
Eddie Parker, owner of EAP Productions DJ Service who retired after working for the NYS Office of Children & Family Services for 30 years.
Black Business Leadership Award: 
Sharon Williams, Director of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training. 
Maude Bruce Community Award: 
Mia F. Howard, CEO of Scrub Masters Plus Corp. 
Young Black Leader Award: 
Naimah Armstrong, a licensed clinical social worker at the Kingston City School District and entrepreneur who operates Crowned From Ashes, providing therapeutic counseling.
The Ripple Effect Award: 
Frank Waters, Founder and Executive Director of MyKingstonKids, a nonprofit youth organization. 
    The event begins at 4:30 p.m., with the awards presentation at 5:00 p.m. and a community celebration to follow from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
    “It’s absolutely amazing to see another stellar roster of exemplary Black business owners and leaders from the Ulster County area being recognized and celebrated,” said Chamber Vice President Jess Davis. “The Ulster Chamber is incredibly grateful to our partnering sponsors whose continued support helps make this event possible year after year. We encourage all members of our community to join us for this free event at Ulster Savings Bank on June 18th. Come out, show your support, and be part of the celebration!”
    The awards are an annual event, co-hosted by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ulster County Tourism and Black History Month Kingston. This year’s sponsors include Ulster Savings Bank (Presenting Sponsor), Ulster County Tourism (Welcoming Sponsor), KDD Marketing (Platinum Sponsor) as well as CDPHP and RCAL (Diamond Sponsors). 
    Everyone is invited to join the celebration. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. To register, go to ulsterchamber.org.