Write a commentErin’s Angels of Central New York congratulates Lock 1 Distilling Company on being recognized as a Community Service Excellence honoree at the 2025 Family Business Awards, held on Wednesday, December 3rd at SKY Armory in Syracuse.
Founded in 2017, Lock 1 operates as a New York State Class D Farm Distillery. The company produces spirits using locally sourced grains and ingredients and features a tasting room that highlights New York wineries, breweries, cideries and other farm producers.
Lock 1 was recognized for its ongoing support of Erin’s Angels and its commitment to combating childhood food insecurity through the organization’s Feeding the Future of CNY initiative.
“As a family-owned business, we’ve always believed that if you’re fortunate enough to build something in a community, you have a responsibility to give back to it,” said Stephen Dates, co-owner of Lock 1 Distilling Company. “Being recognized for Community Service Excellence is truly an honor, but the real reward is knowing that our support helps organizations like Erin’s Angels continue feeding and lifting up kids right here in Central New York.”
Lu Hart, Vice President of the Erin’s Angels of CNY, praised the company’s dedication.
“Lock 1 Distilling Company has been a steady, heartfelt champion for the kids we serve, and their belief in feeding the future of Central New York has made a real difference,” Hart said. “What sets them apart isn’t just their craft, it’s the love and generosity they pour back into this community.”
The Family Business Awards, presented by BizEventz and the Central New York Business Journal, recognizes family-owned businesses for leadership, innovation and community impact. This year’s event featured keynote speaker Jeffrey Rogers, founder of Catalyst Leadership Dynamics, on “The Collaboration Advantage: How Intentional Culture Drives Results in Family Business.”
Erin’s Angels provides food assistance programs and scholarships for students in the Phoenix Central School District and surrounding areas. For more information, visit erinsangels.com.
