ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – An Ithaca business is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style.

On July 10, Rasa Spa was presented with the NYS Senate Empire Award by Senator Lea Webb.

Founded in 2006 and known for its environmentally responsible practices, Rasa has also helped address a critical labor shortage by creating the Living Essence Massage Institute.

“This business has built a reputation for being the place to go for personal empowerment and healing and has built its business model to care for not only the health of their clients, but the health of our planet as it relates to environmental sustainability,” said Webb. “I am proud to honor them with a New York State Senate Empire Award for all of [their] accomplishments.”

In addition to the spa’s energy-efficient infrastructure, water conservation, and use of non-toxic, organic products and recycled materials, it strives for a holistic and integrative approach to community health.

“Receiving the NYS Empire Award is an incredible honor because it recognizes something our team has believed from the very beginning: that wellness is an essential part of a healthy community,” said Rasa Spa & Living Essence Massage Institute Founder Rachel Hogancamp. “Nearly twenty years ago, we envisioned Rasa as more than a spa; we wanted to create a place where people felt genuinely cared for and where whole-person wellness was accessible to everyone. As we celebrate the first year of Living Essence Massage Institute, I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who has helped bring that vision to life. Our greatest achievement isn’t what we’ve built, it’s the people we’ve had the privilege to care for, mentor, and grow alongside. This recognition inspires us to continue investing in the health of our community and the future of our profession. We share this award with the incredible team, clients, and students who inspire our journey every single day.”

Rasa Spa currently operates its flagship location at 310 Taughannock Boulevard, and its Library Place location at 105 West Court Street.

Read more from State Senator Lea Webb’s Office here.