Sarah Hartmann, Founder and CEO of Vêsucré, was recognized as the 2025 Manufacturer of the Year by the New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) in August. While the award honored Sarah’s visionary leadership, the moment was truly a celebration of the dedicated team members at Vêsucré who bring its handcrafted desserts to life every day.
From Plant de Crème to TRUFFS, Vêsucré desserts are known for their plant-based innovation: free from dairy, soy, gluten, and refined sugar. But what makes the products exceptional is the people behind them. Vêsucré partners with Springbrook, The Arc Otsego, and Pathfinder Village to provide supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities, creating meaningful jobs where skill, creativity, and care are at the center of the process. Today, these desserts are available in 450+ stores across 11 states which is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of the Vêsucré team.
During the award presentation, Sarah reminded everyone that the recognition belongs to her team: “Your support of small business means everything. Most of all, this award belongs to the employees. Chef Charlie Shaw, our Senior Operations Director, has played a major role in our success, and I know he has such a bright future. And thank you to the Operations Associates, Gwen, Donnie, April, Joseph, and Alex, for being the true crafters in the kitchen.”
The event was attended by representatives from Congressman Josh Riley, Senator Peter Oberacker, Assemblyman Brian Miller, as well as Otsego County Chamber President Sean Lewis, Sonya Smith, State Director, and Edwin Frazier, Otsego County Legislative Chairperson. With coverage from WBNG Binghamton and Otsego Media, the story of Vêsucré’s inclusive workforce reached a wide audience.
As the entire operations team stood beside Sarah on stage to a celebratory ovation, the award shone as a symbol of what is possible when businesses embrace inclusion, sustainability, and community partnerships.
Looking ahead, Sarah announced the launch of The Makery, a new food manufacturing hub opening in Oneonta in 2026. With partners like Springbrook, The Arc Otsego, Pathfinder Village, and regional colleges, The Makery will expand opportunities for people with disabilities to gain meaningful work, while creating space for small businesses and students to learn, grow, and innovate together.
As Sarah concluded: “Thank you for believing in us—we cannot wait to welcome you to The Makery in 2026!”