NY J01509

Amy Meisenzahl is being honored as Emerging Entrepreneur by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce at its 53rd Annual Awards Gala on March 19, 2026, at Samuel's Grande Manor in Williamsville, New York

Meisenzahl founded Great Lakes Dried Fruit Company, a western New York food manufacturing startup producing shelf-stable dried fruit snacks from locally sourced ingredients

She is currently pursuing a master's degree in supply chain management at the University at Buffalo and serves as a Western New York Prosperity Fellow

The company was inspired by her experience at VanDeWalle Fruit Farm on Sodus Bay and observations about the U.S. food system after studying in Switzerland

Great Lakes Dried Fruit Company aims to rebuild regional manufacturing capacity in western New York through local supply chains, community partnerships, and automation to create sustainable jobs