Local Businesses Come Together for Veteran & First Responder Suicide Awareness Walk

On September 9, 2026, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community members will gather in Glens Falls City Park for the 6th Annual Walk for Veteran & First Responder Suicide Awareness, hosted by the Veterans Business Network (VBN) of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The annual event has become a meaningful opportunity for the local business community to demonstrate support for veterans and first responders while helping raise awareness of mental health resources available throughout the region. Beginning at 3:30 p.m., participants will join a symbolic 22-minute walk through downtown Glens Falls and connect with organizations offering wellness, support, and community services.

For the Veterans Business Network, the walk reflects a commitment to ensuring that those who have served their communities and country know they are not alone.

“Every step we take is a declaration that no Veteran or First Responder should ever have to face life’s hardest battles in isolation,” said Veterans Business Network Chair Dr. Christopher J. Thomas, owner of Elite 9 Talent Solutions. “As the Chair of the ARCC’s Veteran Business Network, we are committed to transforming awareness into action, strengthening the bonds of community, and honoring those who dedicated their lives to serving others by ensuring they always have someone willing to walk beside them.”

Throughout the afternoon, local businesses, agencies, and nonprofit organizations will line the walk route, sharing information and resources designed to support veterans, first responders, and individuals seeking mental wellness services. Organizers say the event highlights the important role employers and community organizations can play in fostering connection, awareness, and support.

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce views the event as an example of what can happen when local organizations work together around a shared cause.

“The Walk for Veteran & First Responder Suicide Awareness brings our community together to honor those who serve, raise awareness about the unique challenges they face, and reinforce the message that seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness,” said ARCC President Tricia Rogers. “The ARCC is proud of this annual event and the work of the Veterans Business Network and our volunteers.”

This year’s event will also benefit Comfort Food Community, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to healthy food and strengthening community connections across the region. Donations collected during the walk will support the organization’s work serving residents through innovative food-access and community partnership initiatives.

“At Comfort Food Community, we know that wellness begins with meeting basic needs,” said Executive Director Laura Marx. “Access to healthy, nutritious food can have a profound impact on a person’s physical health, mental well-being, and sense of dignity. We are honored to be the beneficiary of this year’s walk.”

Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate in the walk and show their support for veterans, first responders, and mental wellness initiatives throughout the region. The event will take place Wednesday, September 9, beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Glens Falls City Park. 

Nominees for annual ARCC Business Awards announced

An annual celebration of community that has been occurring for over 25 years is being planned for early October at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, NY. Over the years, the ARCC Business Awards have brought together thousands of people to celebrate community, achievements in business, economic growth, and the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in our region. The 2026 ARCC Business Awards plan to honor 34 businesses & nonprofits during a breakfast ceremony on October 8^th at The Queensbury Hotel. Each nominee will be recognized before the winners are announced in seven categories.

• Large Business of the Year nominees: Stark Tech and The Queensbury Hotel.
• Steven M. Sutton Small Business of the Year nominees: ADKtechs, McCann’s Pharmacy, Adirondack Moving Company, Queensbury Cigar & Pipe, The Log Jam Restaurant, OrbitalFire Cybersecurity, and Five Towers Media.
• Rookie Business of the Year nominees: ADK Karting, North Country Media Network, Bandstand Brew Works, and Downtown Dogs.
• Large Nonprofit of the Year nominees: Glens Falls Hospital, Healthy Alliance, Hudson Headwaters Health Network PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), and Crandall Public Library.
• Small Nonprofit of the Year nominees: Comfort Food Community, Tri-County United Way, Veterans and Community Housing Coalition (VCHC), World Awareness Children’s Museum, Glens Falls Collaborative, Adirondack Economic Development Corporation, Chapman Museum, Glens Falls Area Youth Center, Creative Jam Foundation, and Glens Falls Senior Center.
• Professional Business of the Year nominees: Capital CFO+, Every Penny Bookkeeping & Business Services, CEFO Advisors, and Saratoga Pure Water Systems.
• Community Champion: Advokate, LLC, White Glove Service, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks.

“Each year I am amazed at the number of nominations that come through,” said ARCC President Tricia Rogers. “As a Chamber of Commerce, we truly enjoy celebrating our businesses and nonprofit organizations making a difference in our region every day. This event allows the ARCC to shine a spotlight on the incredible work in our communities.”

As the 2026 ARCC Business Awards approach, the nominees represent the strength, creativity, and community-minded spirit that continue to drive the region forward. From long-standing businesses to emerging entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations serving critical needs, each nominee reflects the dedication and collaboration that make the local business community thrive. The winners will be announced during the business awards breakfast ceremony at The Queensbury Hotel, where the ARCC will bring members and community leaders together to celebrate their impact. Learn more at www.adirondackchamber.org/events.