At Commercial press are, from left, seated, owners Dave and Tracy Charleson; standing, Lonnie Blackmer, Christine Ellis, Christina Fenner, Lynn Hale, and Alexa Goolden.

The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will present its Business of the Year award to Commercial Press of Canton at the chamber’s annual dinner Oct. 23.

“Commercial Press is a business that is recognized for not only its ability to personally grow, but its constant commitment to helping others grow,” Chamber Executive Director Brooke E. Rouse said.

“Many small businesses do not have the marketing knowledge or resources to process, design and execute, not to mention understand, how marketing fits into their overall plan,” said Rouse. “When you go to Commercial Press for a simple project, such as a business card or letterhead, you receive a lesson and an immediate support group that will dedicate time to promoting you beyond the specified project. This is the kind of business mentality that will help us all grow, and we are honored to recognize and appreciate them this year.”

The awards will be presented at the chamber’s annual dinner Oct. 23 at SUNY Potsdam’s Student Union Multi-Purpose Room. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. with a seated dinner to follow at 7 p.m.

The evening will also include a silent auction and live auction by Auctioneer Willis Shattuck.

Some seats at $45 per person are still available, Call the chamber at 386-4000 to RSVP.

David Charleson, a native of Canton, has spent most of his career in the printing business, first working with an uncle in Rochester. Tracy Charleson, originally from Russell, has a business background and today handles most of the company’s customer relations, sales and marketing.

Since the couple bought an existing printing business in Canton in February 1990, the Charlesons have managed Commercial Press into an ever-growing enterprise. More staff (today, 6 fulltime, 1 part-time), and more room (they’ve outgrown two locations) have enabled them to provide more services across the county and the region.

The latest in the line of Commercial Press products is screen printing, which both Charlesons point out is more than “just apparel.” Essentially, the technique can be used for “anything with a flat surface,” such as yard signs and vinyl graphics.

As one nominator of the business said, they are “entrepreneurs, teachers, mentors and best friends to any business that is lucky enough to witness their originality, creativity and courage.”

The latest and largest location for Commercial Press is 6589 Route 11, in Canton. There is more about their staff, products and services at www.commercialpressink.com.