Keuka College has been named the 2025 Mike Linehan Business of the Year by the Yates County Chamber of Commerce, honoring its long-standing service and partnership in the local community.
The Chamber selected the college for its enduring impact on Yates County through education, economic contributions, and civic engagement, citing a legacy that spans more than a century.
“Keuka College has been a cornerstone of Yates County for more than 130 years, and most of us have a connection to it in one way or another,” said Chamber President & CEO Jessica Bacher. “It’s woven into the life of our community. That’s why we’re so proud to recognize Keuka College. This honor celebrates not just its history, but the meaningful role it continues to play in shaping the future of Yates County.”
The Mike Linehan Business of the Year award, named for the late longtime Chamber president and advocate for local enterprise, is given annually to a Chamber member that exemplifies exceptional service to both its direct stakeholders and the larger Yates County community.
Keuka College was recognized not just for its economic footprint as one of the region’s largest employers, but also for its active participation in local life. Signature initiatives such as Celebrate Service… Celebrate Yates and the Donald and Corinne Stork Award for Community Service highlight the institution’s commitment to public service.
The college’s Field Period® internship program was also cited as a key example of its contribution. The program places students in real-world roles with local businesses, organizations, and schools, offering mutual benefits to both students and host partners throughout the county.
“Since our founding in 1890, Keuka College has called Yates County home,” said College President Amy Storey. “We’re proud to be one of the region’s largest employers, an educational partner, and a driver of economic and social impact. Just as importantly, we’re proud to be good neighbors. This recognition means so much because it reflects the strong, enduring partnerships we share with our local community.”
The college will formally receive the award during the Yates County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Community Awards ceremony, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, at Climbing Bines Hop Farm & Brewery in Penn Yan.
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