Senator Pam Helming was recognized last night by the Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce with the 2025 Loretta Simmons Women’s Leadership Award during the organization’s annual Community Awards Banquet in Chili. The event brought together local leaders, business owners, and community members to celebrate individuals and organizations making a difference in the Gates and Chili area.

The award honors a woman or women-led business that has made a lasting contribution to the community through leadership, service, and commitment to others.

“I am deeply humbled and very grateful for this recognition,” said Senator Helming. "As the first woman to represent the 54th State Senate District, I understand I am standing on the shoulders of trailblazers like Loretta Simmons.  Loretta led with vision, kindness, and determination. Continuing her legacy of inspiring and encouraging the next generation of leaders is something I strive to do every day. Leadership is about service. It's about being accessible to the people I represent, as well as supporting our local businesses and job creators, standing up for working families and our seniors, and fighting for the essential community programs and services that keep our neighborhoods safe and vibrant."

Helming’s remarks echoed the event’s broader focus on community leadership and collaboration.

The Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce Community Awards highlight outstanding residents, businesses, and organizations making a positive difference in the community. Other award recipients were recognized for their volunteerism, civic engagement, and contributions to local projects that improve quality of life.

“It’s a wonderful honor for us at the Chamber to recognize Senator Pam Helming for her contributions here in the local community,” said Zachary Utech, President of the Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce. “The Loretta Simmons Women’s Leadership Award is named after the Chamber’s first President and honors women in leadership roles who are contributing to the betterment of the community. Senator Helming has been at the forefront of employer-first action and an active public servant. For some, public office is simply a title — not for Pam. Whether through her work in the community or her involvement with the many nonprofit organizations she supports, we could not have chosen a better recipient of the 40th Loretta Simmons Leadership Award. Thank you for your work in supporting small businesses here in the Gates and Chili community!”

Representing Livingston, Ontario and Wayne Counties, as well as the Monroe County communities of Chili, Churchville, Mendon, Riga, Rush, Scottsville, and Wheatland, Senator Helming has championed policies that strengthen local economies. She has helped secure funding for infrastructure and revitalization projects, supported workforce training programs that connect residents with jobs, and worked with chambers of commerce and local leaders to promote business growth across the Finger Lakes and Upstate New York.

2025 Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce Award Winners
Loretta Simmons Women’s Leadership Award: Senator Pamela Helming
Chili Beautification Award: Veterans Memorial at the Chili Community Center
Gates Beautification Award: Quicklee’s
Joseph Entress Memorial Economic Development Award: Mark Teng (Asia Nation, Footloose Spa, and JBC Rice & Noodles)
Innovative Business Award: Signature Salon Suites
Culture and Arts Award: Gates Chili Performing Arts Center
Elisa Martin Outstanding Citizen Award: Jeff Baker, Chili Public Library Director (Retired)
Youth Leadership Award: Benjamin Heizmann, Churchville-Chili High School
Dream Big Award: VICs (Village Ice Cream, North Chili)
Young Professional Award: Jacob Hale, Tompkins Community Bank
Special Recognition Award: Gates Public Library (65th Anniversary)

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