First RBA Pinnacle Awards in Six Years

For the first time in six years, the Rockland Business Association (RBA) will be celebrating the Pinnacle Awards. “The Pinnacle Awards recognize the leaders and trailblazers shaping Rockland County’s business landscape,” said Ken Zebrowski, former NYS Representative and current President of the Rockland Business Association (RBA). “We are looking forward to honoring those who exemplify excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to our community,” he added.

This year marks a special change in the Pinnacle Awards, as there will be 12 honorees being celebrated. The six 2020 honorees will be honored alongside the six 2025 Pinnacle Awards honorees.

This celebration will take place at the Hilton Pearl River on June 1st, where from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. guests and honorees will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner and a ceremony in their black-tie-optional finest.

Zebrowski shared a few of his thoughts with the RCT on his plans to reimagine the RBA and bring to life what he is calling “RBA 2.0”.

“We’re bringing a bunch of new programming, new services for our members, new networking events. We’re bringing back many of the things that made the Rockland Business Association a stalwart of the county since the late 1960s. One of those events is the Pinnacle Awards,” said Zebrowski.

Zebrowski displayed pride in the RBA and the member’s dedication to advocacy for a thriving economy in Rockland and beyond. “We are forming a new council that will be dedicated towards strategic policy and action, and we also hold events that give folks an opportunity to engage with their governments or to learn about economic development projects.” Some of these events include “Bagel and Briefings”, where members get to chat with local government officials, a CEO Forum and Speaker Series, discussions with Congressman Mike Lawler and events that help to foster stronger relationships with the three local colleges.

For Zebrowski, one of the core principles of the RBA is how the association strives to be a resource for businesses. Because of this, the RBA is equipped with several councils and committees dedicated to helping businesses succeed. “I think it’s important that folks come together in an association that’s dedicated towards advancing Rockland economically,” shared Zebrowski. “We can fall into the trap of only focusing on the hurdles and the negatives, but we really need to focus on the solutions and the progress we can make together.”

The Pinnacle Awards promise to be a night focused on the progress businesses have made and continue to make in Rockland County. Nominations for the 2025 honorees are open now. The six categories for honorees include the Al Samuels Award for Overall Business Excellence, the Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award, the Excellence in Sustainability Award, Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in Business, Outstanding Achievement by a Non-Profit Organization and the Outstanding Achievement by a Small Business. Know a person or business who exemplifies what these awards stand for? Go to rocklandbusiness.org/pinnacle2025/to learn more about the event, nominations and the RBA.