2026 Business Person of the Year - Julianne Groff
The Business Person of the Year is awarded to an individual who exemplifies excellence not only in business, but also in service to the community. This honor recognizes a Chamber member who has set a high standard of achievement and has made a meaningful impact on the role of business within our community.
Nominees must be Chamber members in good standing for at least 18 months and demonstrate consistent, active involvement. They are leaders who go above and beyond — individuals who inspire others, strengthen our organization, and generously contribute their time, talent, and resources to community projects, clubs, churches, and nonprofit organizations.
This year, the Chamber Board of Directors received an impressive number of nominations. The volume and quality of submissions are a testament to the deep commitment our Chamber members have to the Webster community.
In addition to being an exceptionally active member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce and the Webster community, this year’s honoree is a devoted wife, a proud mother, a respected nonprofit leader, and a generous philanthropist of both time and resources. She doesn’t simply speak about the importance of family, education, and community — she demonstrates those values every single day. Her involvement strengthens the Chamber’s mission and contributes to its continued success.
I am truly honored to introduce the Webster Chamber of Commerce 2026 Business Person of the Year: Julianne Groff.
As Executive Director of Webster Comfort Care Home, Julianne carries a responsibility she does not take lightly. She personally supports and guides a dedicated team of staff and more than 100 volunteers, ensuring they are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to care for individuals at the end of life and to care for their families. Her leadership extends far beyond traditional business hours. For Julianne, this is not simply a profession — it is a calling to which she devotes her heart and the majority of her waking hours.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Julianne passionately shares her time, treasure, and talent with numerous local nonprofit organizations. Within the Chamber, she serves on both the Recruiting & Retention Committee and the Events & Honors Committee. She is also actively involved with WHEN: DFCC, Soul Sisters, Free Mom Hugs, GRAPE (Greater Rochester Area Partnership for the Elderly), and the Women’s Club of Webster. She regularly supports the Phillips Village Food Pantry and coordinates donations with ROC Maiden and InterVol.
Julianne and her husband raised three children who attended the Webster School District and are now in college. Even today, she remains closely involved in their lives (at their request!) — serving not only as a supportive mother, but also as a trusted advisor to them and their friends pursuing degrees in Social Work. Recently, she has also begun advocacy efforts for individuals living with Long Haul COVID, an “invisible” autoimmune condition with which her husband was recently diagnosed.
Julianne is deeply proud to call Webster home. She believes that maintaining one of the best places to live and work requires a shared commitment — that each of us plays a role, and that true success comes from supporting one another.
Today, we present her with a plaque inscribed: “2026 Business Person of the Year presented by the Webster Chamber of Commerce to Julianne Groff in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the Webster Chamber of Commerce and your commitment to the community.”
In addition, the Chamber will contribute to a charitable organization of Julianne’s choosing in her honor.
Congratulations to Julianne Groff, the Webster Chamber's 2026 Business Person of the Year!
Click here to view previous Business Person of the Year honorees