Rochester, NY, July 2025 — The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has named Lindsay Connelly, President and Founder of Linden Digital Marketing, LLC, as the recipient of the 2025 Business Person of the Year Award In the “Under 25 Employees” category. Presented annually since 1983, this prestigious honor recognizes the outstanding leadership, success, and civic and professional service of regional business leaders redefining Rochester’s professional landscape.
Since launching in 2018, Connelly has transformed Linden from a solo venture into a high-performing digital marketing agency, known for its data-driven strategy and measurable results. What began as a one-woman operation has grown into a 20-person team, serving clients across sectors like finance, technology, construction, higher education, and more. Linden’s dedication to the sustainable, long-term growth of its clients drives its ability to turn business goals into actionable marketing strategies, blending content, design, and data to deliver lasting impact.
“Lindsay has taken a hands-on approach in supporting our marketing efforts, lending her expertise to craft effective campaigns and outreach initiatives,” says Megan Alchowiak, Executive Director of Shift2. “Her input on budgetary decisions has been insightful and instrumental in maintaining financial prudence while pursuing growth opportunities.”
Linden has helped over 80 Rochester-area & national businesses enhance their digital presence while also supporting the region’s creative workforce by hiring local talent and offering paid internships to students from RIT, the University of Mary Washington, and more. Under Connelly’s leadership, the agency has grown revenue by more than 8x since 2020, secured a new in-person headquarters based in Rochester, and became a Monroe County and New York State Certified MWBE. Rooted in integrity, ambition, and purpose — and driven by a deep investment in mentorship and emerging talent — Connelly has built a culture that values people as much as performance, earning Linden recognition as one of Monroe County’s Top 50 MWBEs in both 2024 and 2025.
“At Linden Digital Marketing, I see my role as a coach and a guide,” says Connelly. “I provide structure, clarity, and a strong set of values, and then I give my team the freedom and support to operate within that framework. I don’t believe in micromanaging. I believe in staying close enough to support people and far enough to let them grow.”
Beyond the business, Connelly actively supports the Rochester community through her roles as a board member for Shift2, Journeys of Solutions Inc., St. Ann’s Foundation, Causewave Community Partners, Alfred State College Marketing Program Advisory Board, and as an adjunct professor at RIT’s Saunders College of Business, where she teaches marketing strategy to EMBA students. Her leadership approach emphasizes both strategy and service, making room for both bold ideas and meaningful connections. Connelly was named a 40 Under 40 Honoree by the Rochester Business Journal in 2022 and Emerging Tech Woman of the Year by TechRochester in 2023, and under her direction, Linden has earned nine local and national marketing awards.
Lindsay was officially named the 2025 Business Person of the Year at the July 30 ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. This recognition celebrates not only her leadership at Linden Digital Marketing but also her deep-rooted commitment to Rochester’s business community and the next generation of professionals. The entire Linden team is proud to celebrate Lindsay and her win as a reflection of its values and as a milestone in its continued commitment to client success and community progress.
