Della Auto Group was recently cited as the “Business of the Year” by the North Country Chamber of Commerce during its annual awards dinner on Jan. 30. (Provided photo)

PLATTSBURGH — The North Country Chamber of Commerce hosted its 114th Annual Awards Dinner on Jan. 30, at SUNY Plattsburgh’s Warren Ballroom. This year’s sold-out celebration welcomed 500 guests for an evening of recognition and celebration.

Cited this year for Business of the Year was the DELLA Auto Group.

“DELLA Auto Group has become a great part of our area’s economy, with multiple dealerships providing much employment and representing a total investment of many millions of dollars,” President and CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce Garry Douglas said. “Add to that their generous commitment to community causes and you have a great choice for Business of the Year.”

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The storied history of DELLA

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What began as a single dealership fueled by determination, hard work and family commitment has grown into one of the North Country’s most respected and impactful businesses. The DELLA Auto Group, founded in 1983 by Michael Della Bella Sr. and his wife Carmen, was being recognized as Business of the Year for its decades-long investment in people, community and economic growth across the region.

The DELLA story began when Michael and Carmen purchased Bob Clarke Pontiac in Queensbury, giving rise to D’ELLA Pontiac. Both worked side-by-side at the dealership, rolling up their sleeves and balancing the challenges of growing a business while raising a family. Their dedication and hands-on approach laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational enterprise.

Over the years, the DELLA Auto Group expanded steadily throughout the North Country. Today, Plattsburgh serves as a major hub for the group, with Kia, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Polaris Motor Sports, Subaru and Chevrolet locations, as well as a full-service collision center. The group employs more than 375 individuals. Many team members have built lifelong careers with the company.

DELLA Auto Group is now led by the second generation, siblings Michael Jr., Christopher, Anthony and Kiara Della Bella. Each of the Della Bella children began working in the business at a young age, learning every department from the ground up.

Community involvement remains central to the DELLA mission. The company supports numerous local and regional organizations, including United Way, CV Tech Plattsburgh, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, SUNY Plattsburgh, Chazy Youth Hockey, the Plattsburgh YMCA, the Salvation Army, JCEO, the Clinton County Fair, North Country SPCA and the North Country Chamber of Commerce, among many others.

The Business of the Year honor recognizes not only the company’s growth, but also the people, partnerships and shared vision that have made the DELLA story a lasting success in the North Country.