Business Person Of The Year

2025 Business Person of the Year - Rich Marlin

The “Business Person of the Year” is an individual who is recognized as having set a standard of accomplishment in both business and the community.  Nominations are from the Chamber’s business members who have made a significant impact on the role of business in the community.  The nominee must be a member of the Chamber for at least 18 months.  They must be an active member who is always willing to go above and beyond and be a leader that motivates others.  They must have a level of community participation by contributing resources in the form of time, talent, or money to our community via projects, clubs, churches, and not-for-profit organizations.

Each year the Chamber Board of Directors receives several nominees for this honor, and the number of nominations is a testament to the commitment our Chamber members have to our community.

This year’s honoree, in addition to being a very active member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce and the Webster Community, is a husband, father, business owner, advisor to many and a volunteer.  Starting his career in the not-for-profit world, he decided to enter the financial industry to help people achieve their goals.

A financial advisor for 43 plus years and an Edward Jones partner for more than 30 years, he has been involved in a multitude of community efforts in addition to his active involvement with the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

I am pleased to introduce the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Business Person of the Year: Rich Marlin, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.  Rich and his team are proud to offer financial services that are compassionate and personalized. They prioritize the client relationship as they work towards achieving their goals together.  His clients are serious long-term investors ranging from those accumulating pre-retirement wealth or seeking retirement income to multi-generational families looking to leave a legacy.

Outside the office, Rich is passionate about sharing his time, treasure and talent with local non-profits. In addition to his Chamber Committee work with the Program and Membership committees, Rich leads the Chamber’s coordination for the annual United Way Day of Caring. He has sponsored Chamber connecting events such as Connect at Noon and he has led past Power Hour presentations. He was here this morning at the crack of dawn to help setup for our breakfast. He attends nearly every Chamber event, sharing his positive approach!

Rich’s efforts with the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is a project dear to his heart. Since 2021 he has served on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee where he has been a Board member and the Chairperson. This event has raised more than 1 million 100 thousand dollars and Rich personally has raised more than $7000.

Financially contributing to a large list of local charitable causes including the Webster Community Chest and Comfort Care Home; the Hope Ministry, Webster Health & Education Network, Christopher’s Challenge, the Garlic Festival, Wreaths Across America, One Soldier at a Time, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters, and the Heritage Christian Stables Day of Caring to name only a few. AND he was a boy scout leader for 20 plus years.   

Rich’s commitment to his family is real and proven out by action in addition to words. His vow to his bride “in sickness and in health” has been demonstrated with his gentle caring, unlimited support, and uncompromising devotion. As a father, Rich is guiding his son on a new business venture the is slowly “picking up” speed. Knowing that being a supporting father and husband requires self-care; Rich makes that a priority in his daily life.

We have a plaque for him today that is inscribed with these words: “2025 Business Person of the Year presented by the Webster Chamber of Commerce to Rich Marlin in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the Webster Chamber of Commerce and your commitment to the community”.

In addition to the plaque, the Webster Chamber will be contributing to a charitable organization selected by Rich in his honor.

Congratulations to Rich Marlin, the Webster Chamber’s 2025 Business Person of the Year!