The annual Mohawk Valley event recognizes three businesses and Christopher Destito Award recipient Frank DuRoss.
By David Laguerre | November 9, 2026
Mohawk Valley EDGE will hold its 2026 Leading EDGE Awards November 16 in the Grand Ballroom at Turning Stone Resort Casino. The organizer identifies Bartell Machinery Systems, Black River Systems Company and George’s Farm Products as this year’s business honorees.
Frank DuRoss will receive the Christopher Destito Award, which EDGE describes as recognition for an individual’s lasting regional leadership and service.
Three different parts of the local economy
The official awards page describes Bartell as a Rome-based manufacturer of industrial equipment serving industries including tires, wire and cable. Black River Systems is an employee-owned applied-engineering company based in Utica. George’s Farm Products is a family-owned Clinton agribusiness with garden-center and produce operations.
The awards highlight businesses in manufacturing, engineering and agriculture. EDGE’s descriptions of their regional contributions are the organizer’s assessments, not an independent ranking of local companies.
DuRoss’s work spans business development, professional sports and regional redevelopment, according to EDGE. The individual award is separate from the three business awards.
Evening schedule and registration
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour. A networking period follows from 6:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7 p.m., according to the organizer.
EDGE links to an official ticket page. Readers should check current prices, availability and terms there before making plans. The awards page also provides a contact for table purchases and sponsorship questions.
This is a preview of an approaching event. The honorees were reported in September, rather than newly named this week. The ceremony is still ahead; this report does not imply that the awards have already been presented.
Sources: Mohawk Valley EDGE’s official awards page, checked November 9, and September 9 announcement coverage. The organizer’s page does not display an original publication date.