DRYDEN, NY (607NewsNow) – A woman-owned business in Dryden is receiving accolades.

On June 24, Protagonist Books and Coffee received the New York State Senate Empire Award.

Senator Lea Webb says the shop has quickly established itself as a space for residents to gather and build relationships since opening in September last year. Co-owner Sam Gellar-Smith sat down with WHCU/607NewsNow’s Matt Aceto in October last year.

The Empire Award is the state’s highest honor for small businesses.