State troopers are converging on the Pawn King shop at 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia following a report of a customer threatening the cashier. Allegedly, the cashier displayed a weapon to the person to abate the threat.
Earlier this year, Corey Brown and a few of his college friends found themselves in a futile hunt for adult sports leagues to join in their spare time.
"We were searching around for leagues and eventually got sick of it," he said. "We wondered, 'Why can't you ever find sports leagues unless you hear about it from a friend of a friend of a friend?'"
Instead of giving up, Brown and his buddies got to work to solve the problem. They did more research and created the Web site, LeagueHound.com.
"Basically, we're doing the work for other adults like us who want to find sports leagues in their area," he explained.
Brown enlisted the help of his friends, Eric Bartz, Tyler Kossow and Candice Lymburner to get the project going. Now, LeagueHound is functioning quite well -- and is growing every day.
Although he isn't living in Batavia anymore, Brown (who is working on his master's degree at Niagara University) still has a soft spot for his hometown.
"Sports can mean a lot to someone from a small town and that's probably why this was so important to me," he said.
Brown admits that he knew nothing about creating Internet sites when he began, but by mid-February, he had learned the basics and began putting things together. When asked when the Web site would be finished, Brown laughed.
"It will never be finished. New sports leagues can always be added, and we're not trying to put something together for just Western New York or just New York state. Actually, at first we wanted to make a nationwide Web site, but we figured New York would be a good start."
After starting out in Buffalo and Rochester, Brown and his buddies have begun to branch out toward Syracuse scouting for sports leagues.
"We'll work towards the big cities and then try to fill in the gaps in between," he said.
Researching isn't easy, as the college students have found -- it takes weeks to get even a small city covered.
"You have to look in every community center and every bar...there are actually a lot of leagues out there, they are just hard to find. It's the most difficult thing to deal with but we want to be the ones to do it so our clientele doesn't have to."
LeagueHound.com is up and running -- ready for more sports leagues seeking players to send along their information and more potential players wanting some adult sports to enjoy.
Press release:
The NYS Department of Health has issued a Certificate of Excellence to United Memorial for the Maternity Departments efforts to prevent the perinatal transmission of the Hepatitis B virus (Hep B).
A recent medical record review revealed 100-percent compliance with requirements under public health law mandating testing, reporting and recording of Hepatitis B status for all pregnant women and a minimum 90-percent birth dose rate of HBV vaccine was given to all newborns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can lead to chronic liver infections, liver failure and liver cancer. It may be transmitted through contact with body fluids from an infected person, sharing contaminated needles and from infected mother to newborn.
The Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants, older children and adolescents not previously vaccinated and adults at risk for Hepatitis B infection. The rate of infection in the United States has declined by 82 percent since 1990 when the vaccination of children for Hepatitis B was implemented.
Approximately 500 babies are delivered each year at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
New York is the fifth hardest hit state in the union in terms of jobs lost since the ratification of NAFTA, according to a study released by the Economic Policy Institute, and in New York, the NY-26 Congressional District has lost the most jobs after the NY-29.
The 26th district, which is currently up for grabs in a May 24 special election, has lost 1,800 jobs since 1994.
The study does note that some of the job loss may have been driven by the recent economic downturn, but says in all more than 500,000 U.S. jobs were displaced as a direct result of the ratification of NAFTA.
New York has lost 34,300 jobs. Most of the jobs were in the manufacturing sector.
The study takes into account new U.S. jobs created as a result of trade with Mexico.
Before the passage of NAFTA, the U.S. had a trade surplus with Mexico of $1.6 billion. By 2010, the trade deficit with Mexico had climbed to $97.2 billion.
The introduction to the report reads:
Prominent economists and U.S. government officials predicted that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) would lead to growing trade surpluses with Mexico and that hundreds of thousands of jobs would be gained (Hufbauer and Schott 1993; President Clinton 1993). The evidence shows that the predicted surpluses in the wake of NAFTA’s enactment in 1994 did not materialize, for reasons outlined in this briefing paper. However, congressional leaders and administration officials now make nearly identical claims about export growth and job creation under the proposed U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).
Wikipedia describes EPI as a liberal, nonpartisan think tank.
The next representative of the NY-26 will likely be asked to vote on three new trade deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, which is why we asked the four candidates for their positions on free trade.
Kathy Hochul, Jack Davis and Ian Murphy all said they oppose NAFTA. Jane Corwin said, "I am a believer in the free markets and free trade but it must also be fair trade."
Asked specifically whether they would vote yes or no on the South Korean pact, Hochul, Davis and Murphy all said, "No." Corwin did not answer the question.
(via Buffalo First)
This information comes from Genesee Community College.
A new challenge grant program to aid SUNY's four research centers will also create facilities and programs that strengthen the business climate and boost private sector job creation, according to Genesee Community College President Stuart Steiner.
NYSUNY 2020, a new economic development initiative announced earlier this week by SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, aims to spur economic recovery in New York State and create jobs.
The program will rely on a mix of public and private funding, including financing from the Empire State Development Corporation and SUNY Construction Fund.
"We have opportunities right here in Western New York to build thriving industries in such emerging fields as biotechnology, high-tech agribusiness, information technology and many others," Steiner said. "The new SUNY strategic plan commits our university system to help restore an entrepreneurial spirit in New York State. We look forward to NYSUNY 2020 becoming a vital part of this effort.
"Each of our four SUNY university centers -- located in Buffalo, Albany, Binghamton and Stony Brook -- already possesses world-class research and development capabilities. NYSUNY 2020 can help bolster the scientific and technological expertise of these research institutions, and result in business and job creation in their surrounding communities. NYSUNY 2020 is good for SUNY and good for New York.
"Through The BEST Center and through our partnerships with such organizations as chambers of commerce and the Genesee County Economic Development Center, we at Genesee Community College are already working to boost the economic climate of our Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming region. We look forward to the work our great research centers will be able to do through NYSUNY 2020, especially The University at Buffalo, and to be partnering with UB on projects that create businesses and jobs in our local communities."
Todd Haight has been appointed general manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs by the Board of Directors of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation that owns the Genesee County racetrack and casino.
Haight began his new duties this week and he replaces Michael D. Kane, who was recently appointed president and CEO of WROTB
In his previous position as promotion marketing specialist at The Downs, Haight served as track handicapper and television host. He also created and implemented racing promotions. He has been with the organization since 2002.
“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity and the confidence shown in me by Chairman Richard Bianchi, the board of directors and Mike Kane,” Haight said. “I look forward to working with the racing staff and horsemen and continuing many of the great traditions for which Batavia Downs is known.”
Kane said: “Todd’s knowledge and experience in the horseracing industry and at Batavia Downs should serve him well in his new position.”
In addition to being America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track, the facility at 8315 Park Road in Batavia is home to more than 600 of the most popular slots and the Grandstands Bar & Grille.
Batavia Downs’ 65th harness season begins July 25.
"Bike to Books" -- an event that encourages eco-friendly practices, reading, exercise, and plain old fun -- is scheduled for May 20 and 21.
For two days, anyone who rides his or her bike to Present Tense Books on Washington Avenue in Batavia will receive a discount on their entire purchase and a discount coupon for bike accessories from Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle.
In addition, they will be entered to win a Cateye® cycle computer courtesy of Adam Miller. A gift certificate to Present Tense will be awarded to the person(s) who bikes the farthest.
According to the League of American Bicyclists, cycling as little as four miles can prevent 15 pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. In addition, the average cyclist burns between 400 and 550 calories during an hour of cycling.
“This is a really fun event that is great for the whole family,” said Erica Caldwell, owner of Present Tense. “With gas prices skyrocketing, this is an inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors and get in shape while encouraging your kids to read.”
This year marks the fourth such collaboration between the two stores. In previous years, participants biked in from as far away as Akron, NY. The event began in 2007 as a creative spin on May as National Bike Month, which encourages people to ride to work, ride to the grocery store, or, in this case, ride to read.
“Bike to Books is a great way for independent businesses to team up and offer a unique event to the community,” said John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle, a cornerstone Batavia business for nearly 100 years.
The two business owners have worked together on several events and promotions in the past, an effort that emphasizes the importance of keeping shopping dollars in the local economy. "Bike to Books" is one such collaborative event that yields rewards for all participants.
“Bicycling means good exercise, environmentally friendly travel, and a way to really appreciate the sights you see along the way,” Caldwell said. “We want to see bikes lined up all along the front of our store during this event!”
The "Bike to Books" event is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY. Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle is located at 8 Center St., Batavia NY. For more information call (585) 815-7640, or visit www.presenttensebooks.com <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a three-year extension of our alliance with electric energy supplier, Integrys of New York” said Lynn Freeman, chamber president.
“This is a win-win situation!” Freeman said. “The businesses in Genesee County win by reducing their electricity costs and the chamber benefits by helping the businesses in our backyard to see continued success.”
Integrys Energy Services of New York, Inc., (Integrys of NY), was one of the first Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to market electricity to customers in Western New York and has been serving Genesee County since 1997.
Customers that will benefit from Integrys are in the industrial, commercial, educational, municipal and agricultural sectors.
“It cost nothing to sign on to the program and we will even complete the application for the business,” Freeman said.
Call the chamber at 343-7440 for more information and an application.
Did you see the guy in the pink gorilla suit on East Main Street, Batavia? It's apparently a publicity stunt. First thing I said to the guy was, "What, lose a bet?" He said he was only allowed to answer, "Coming soon." He said he was hired to walk up and down Main Street in the suit.
TopLine Shirt Company will be shutting its doors temporarily. It will be restructuring, expanding to offer more single quantity items and renovating the store.
TopLine will close as of Friday, April 30, but will finish the production on any pending orders. The renovations and restructuring are expected to take about two weeks. For questions you may contact TopLine at 219-4311.
The proposal is in the city budget, it's in the strategic plan, it's on the drawing board, but officially, the Batavia City Council has yet to approve the creation of an economic development director.
The vote will take place at the council's next business meeting, but on Monday council members got a chance to learn more about the proposal, ask questions and state their opinions.
There were no strong objections, and Councilman Bill Cox called on his fellow council members to approve the proposal.
"It’s a great opportunity for the city and it’s the most important thing we’ve done in a long time," Cox said. "I don’ think you’re going to see any results for 18 months, because no matter what you decided, you’re going to have to apply for grants, you’re going to have to wait for replies, you have to be selective, so I think we’ll see the first fruits of our labor in 18 to 24 months."
Under the proposal, the city would chip in $10,000 per year for each of the first two years (funded by cutting $15,000 from the grant writing budget of the city), with the balance of the eventual hire's salary being covered by money from the revolving loan fund and the micro-enterprise fund (both funds filled years ago by state grants).
The Batavia Development Corporation, which in the past has overseen the revolving loan fund, would hire and supervise the economic development position.
Councilman Bob Bialkowski wondered if, within the two years allotted for the new position to start paying off, whether new grants would start funding the position.
Ray Chaya, president of the BDC board of directors, said, "that would be the hope. Even though the state is in dire straits, there is still money out there for economic development. We want to be able to capture whatever is out there as soon as it’s available."
Council members asked questions about benefits -- the new hire will not receive benefits through the city as an employee of the BDC -- and what the person will actually do.
The job description specifies that the economic developer will be required to recruit and retain small businesses in the city and help businesses find ways to expand and grow.
If the council approves the proposal, the BDC can get to work on recruiting the right person and hopefully getting him or her in place on or before Aug. 1.
"We really need three-to-four months to get that person in here and really have benchmarks set up," Chaya said. "Two years is really a short amount of time, so this person needs to have strong communications skills, small business sense and a really good understanding of economic development."
GCC makes a substantial contribution to the regional economy, according to a new study that will be presented at a public meeting at 1 p.m., Wednesday, in the Conable Technology Building.
The direct impact of college spending, salaries and goods and services is more than $22 million, according to the study, and former students add another $104 million.
Since 1966, 22,000 people have earned degrees and certificates from GCC. The lifetime earnings of a GCC graduate is $415,700 more than a peer with only a high school diploma.
About 70 percent of GCC's graduates remain in the GLOW region.
GCC's overall fiscal impact on the GLOW region is about 2.5 percent of the total economy.
To assist in arranging seating and refreshments, please RSVP attendance to the "The Economic Impact of Genesee Community College" presentation to Patty Hume in the External Affairs office at (585) 345-6809 or pahume@genesee.edu.
Full press release after the jump:
BATAVIA, NY -- The results of a recently completed study entitled, "The Economic Impact of Genesee Community College" will be presented to the public on Wednesday, April 27, by Kjell A. Christophersen, Ph.D, of Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. (EMSI), the president of the internationally acclaimed research organization.
Sponsored by GCC in cooperation with Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, the Genesee County Economic Development Center, and Genesee Community College Foundation, the public presentation will be held in Conable Technology Building at GCC's Batavia Campus in room T-102 from 1 to- 2:15 p.m.
A synopsis of the presentation will also be given to the Genesee County Legislature Committee of the Whole at 6 p.m. the same evening within the Genesee County Legislative Chamber in Old Courthouse, Batavia.
"The Economic Impact of Genesee Community College" will feature results of EMSI's recently completed economic impact study which utilizes state-of-the-art, field-tested research techniques to report and analyze the investment that both students' and taxpayers' have in the college.
With great precision, the EMSI model records the college's economic value in terms of job and income formation, higher earnings captured by the students, the return to taxpayers for their college support, and a broad collection of social benefits and avoided costs through reduced crime, improved health habits, and lower expenditures for welfare and unemployment by GCC graduates and former students.
The economic impact study measured the flow of money through area communities resulting from college spending, faculty and staff spending, and student spending. The annual direct regional spending by the college on goods and services (other than housing) was $22.1 million, while spending by former Genesee students directly attributable to their education totaled $104.1 million annually. Together, these make a total current contribution of $126.2 million annually to the local economy, and comprise 2.5 percent of the entire GLOW region economy.
Since its founding in 1966, about 22,000 people have earned degrees and certificates from GCC, of which approximately 70 percent live in the GLOW region. Additionally, the lifetime earnings of a GCC graduate are $415,700 more than their peers with high school diplomas.
While the $126.2 million represents direct economic impact, the college also has an indirect economic impact on the community as college graduates tend to become good citizens investing in their homes, becoming involved in their communities and relying far less on taxpayer funded health and social service programs. The EMSI study shows that taxpayers save an annual $1.2 million through indirect benefits such as lower criminal justice costs, a decrease in employee-related absenteeism, and less health care spending for smoking, drug and alcohol abuse.
Christophersen has 30-plus years of experience as a senior economist developing and analyzing economic models in Africa, Asia, the Near East, Europe, the Caribbean, and the U.S. He has served as team leader on many assignments to carry out activities that include economic modeling, project appraisal, assessments, planning, design and evaluation, feasibility and recurrent cost studies, and training in economic and financial analysis.
To assist in arranging seating and refreshments, please RSVP attendance to the "The Economic Impact of Genesee Community College" presentation to Patty Hume in the External Affairs office at (585) 345-6809 or pahume@genesee.edu.
Press Release from GCEDC:
On April 14, during a board meeting of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) a resolution to approve the Draft Generic Impact Statement (DGEIS) for the Western New York Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park was approved. The DGEIS has been completed and accepted by the GCEDC as Lead Agency for the proposed action.
On February 10, reports to the public of the preliminary findings of the DGEIS were presented at a public information meeting at the Town of Alabama Fire Hall.
The completed DGEIS, which was approved by the GCEDC board, includes an economic impact study, environmental studies, master plan update, traffic impact study, utility plan summary, proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment and farmland protection plan. The contents of the completed DGEIS have not changed significantly from what was presented in February.
The proposed action being examined by the DGEIS is the construction and operation of approximately 6.1 million square feet of advanced technology manufacturing and ancillary facilities, along with on-site utility improvements, on 1,337.20 acres of land in the Town of Alabama.
The WNY STAMP site is located along New York State highways 77 and 63, approximately 5 miles north of the I-90 New York State Thruway. The proposed action will involve rezoning the property pursuant to the Town of Alabama Zoning Laws.
According to the DGEIS the buildable area of the WNY STAMP project is 46 percent of the entire site. The remainder of the land would remain as open space. The intent of the master plan design is to blend the manufacturing park into the existing fabric of the community.
The Hamlet of Alabama is separated from the STAMP site by a subtle ridgeline and gracious landscape setbacks from existing uses. As part of the open space system, only 9.5 acres of wetlands would be impacted by the current design, and the site will retain its rural nature.
The park will be built to high-tech industry standards, in line with employee expectations, and will respect its surrounding context and environment.
The WNY STAMP site has seen several interested companies who were looking for locations on the East Coast and close to Canada. The companies were excited about the site, but it was not “shovel-ready” enough for their purposes.
“Planning, preparing and developing a shovel-ready site designed for appropriate industries, and having local community approval will help to secure companies at the WNY STAMP site,” stated Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC.
"Developing the necessary infrastructure to attract investment from outside the region is one of the most important roles that the GCEDC takes on for our county. A site zoned for a particular purpose, where a company can begin building quickly, at the speed of business, is the best way to bring jobs to our community.”
A public hearing is scheduled for May 12 at the Town of Alabama Fire Hall. The hearing will begin at 7 p.m., and residents are welcome to attend and comment on the DGEIS. Postcards will be sent to the residents of the Town of Alabama next week as a reminder of the meeting.
Copies of the DGEIS are available at <http://www.gcedc.com>, in print at the GCEDC offices, located at 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia, and at the Town of Alabama office.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will officially kick off its 2011 Membership Drive at 8 a.m. tommorrow, April 26, its office on Main Street.
Chamber President Lynn Freeman and Director of Membership and Special Events Kelly Bermingham will be joined by board members Lori Stupp and Chad Zambito for the kick-off, which will include an overview presentation for volunteers.
Five years afo, the chamber had nearly 1,000 members. That number has dwindled down to less than 800 today. Freeman believes that the current economic conditions have contributed to the decline.
“In today’s business climate, business owners are looking to trim expenses, he said. "Unfortunately, they sometimes fail to realize that a chamber membership can add to your bottom line in the long run so the campaign is really focused on educating the public on member benefits."
According to Freeman, the most popular benefits include the ability for chamber members to purchase health insurance for themselves and their employees. The chamber also offers “Member 2 Member” discounts which provides a 10 percent discount to chamber members and their employees at local businesses like Turnbull Heating and Air, Oliver’s Candies and Alex’s Place.
Freeman also said the chamber is currently working on an additional savings program that he believes will be very popular with members. Bermingham expects to train more than 20 volunteers who, along with chamber staff, will then visit nearly 200 perspective businesses during a three-day blitz scheduled for May 10-12.
“It’s been a while since we have done a membership drive and we are really excited to get out in front of perspective members and explain our benefits,” Bermingham said.
Along with health insurance and the “Member 2 Member” program, the chamber provides business promotion, consulting and advocacy. If you are interested in participating in the drive or in joining the chamber, contact them today at 343-7440.
Genesee County's jobs picture continues to improve, as the rate of unemployed residents has declined and some 200 new jobs were created in the county in March.
Data released from the State Department of Labor shows the unemployment rate for March in Genesee County at 8 percent, down from 9 percent in March 2010.
There are 2,800 job seekers in Genesee County, down 100 from February.
Meanwhile, 100 new "goods producing" jobs were created in Genesee County, March compared to February. The number moved up from 3,600 to 3,700.
Government jobs also grew by 100 new positions, growing month-over-month from 6,200 to 6,300. That's the same number of government jobs in the county a year ago.
Other sectors of job creation remained steady.
There are now 22,300 non-farm jobs in Genesee County, compared to 22,100 in February and 21,900 in March 2010.
Terry Hills Restaurant is OPEN FOR THE SEASON!
Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday Brunch.
It is offering new and improved menu items, draft beers and spirits, too! Be among the first in the Genesee County to visit us for lunch or dinner. Daily features will be highlighted. Reservations are always suggested, 343-0642, or dine@terryhills.com.
Be sure to sign up for the Birthday Club. You will receive a free round of golf, or a free Sunday brunch on your special day.
The staff hopes to see you at “The Hills” soon.
The restaurant, banquet facility and golf course are located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in Batavia.
As a matter of "consistency," the Genesee Economic Development Center Board on Thursday approved tax abatements for a proposed Holiday Inn Express near the Thruway in Batavia.
The project will get a 60-percent PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), and relief from mortgage taxes and sales taxes on construction materials.
Several local hotel owners showed up for the meeting at the Upstate MedTech Center, but none where given a chance to speak. They previously expressed their concerns at a public hearing attended by GCEDC staff, but no board members. Last month, staff members presented a detailed report to the board on the owners' objections.
Mark Masse, senior VP of operations, said in a brief statement to the board today that he researched some of the claims made by hotel owners -- about the impact more hotel rooms would have on occupancy rates -- and concluded, "an analysis of the data could be interpreted in many different ways."
Past hotel projects that received GCEDC assistance included construction of the Best Western in 2002 and the Hampton Inn in 2002. In 2008 and 2010, local acquisitions of hotels received tax abatements (but no PILOT) and the Travel Lodge and Clarion have recently received PILOTs.
Masse concluded, "It's my recommendation as a policy decision to either be consistent with previous 60-percent PILOTS, mortgage tax and sales tax abatements, or is it the decision of the board not to help these types of projects going forward."
Board Chairman Hollis Upson spoke in favor of being consistent.
"There is some argument for the fact that additional rooms could be brought into the market without severe impact to existing hotels," Upson said. "It's certainly not the EDC's intention to harm any existing business, but we also want to be consistent."
After the meeting, the attorney for the existing hotel owners argued that there is no precedent for these tax abatements. He said the prior abatements for more rooms were granted years ago before the market was saturated.
"All of the data is that the 12-month occupancy rate never gets above 50 percent," said Thomas J. Warth, of Hiscock & Barclay. "Most of the properties are in the 40-percent area, and that's distressed property range."
There are four to five more companies that are in either early stage or mid-stage study of the Gensee Valley Agri-Business Park, and Columbia-based Alpina Products decision to set up shop in Batavia is going to help the cause, said Steve Hyde, CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
"Any time you get your frist tenant in one of these shovel ready sites, it really helps create momentum, much like the rising tide lifts all sail boats," said Hyde. "So, this is something we're most excited about."
The financial details are not available for public release yet because Alpina is still completing paperwork and then the application for tax abatements and grants most be approved the by GCEDC board. The package is expected to be presented at the board's May meeting.
The deal is contingent on approval of a set of incentives as well as some 900-feet of new roadway being completed to the 10-acre lot Alpina intends to buy.
The purchase price is $50,000 per acre, Hyde said.
"That's the sweet spot," said Hyde. "You spend that much between buying the land and putting in the infrastructure. It really is a cost recovery model."
In a meeting with the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday, Hyde mentioned that a mid-level Department of Transportation staff member was holding up a grant for a rail line into the agri-business park, and Hyde said he is hopeful this announcement will help unfreeze those funds.
Some of the businesses might want to locate in the park need rail and won't consider the park "shovel ready" without a rail line in place.
Even though Alpina won't need rail in its early years in the park, Hyde is hopeful Aplina's signing will shift the conversation about the grant.
"Hopefully, it will enable a different conversation," Hyde said. "I'm hopeful it will show this site is real."
Hyde said the GCEDC had four meetings with either staff of Alpina or the company's site selection consultant and the final meeting occurred with the company's entire board of directors, who all flew from Columbia to Batavia to visit the area and hear why this was the right site for them.
The full court press included a meeting attended not just by GCEDC staff, but staff from Buffalo-Niagara Enterprise, Greater Rochester Enterprise, Cornell, RIT and Town of Batavia. Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy was on a speaker phone for key parts of the presentation and really tried to sell the executives on what a great area Western New York is, Hyde said.
GCEDC officials then gave the executives a tour of the county, showing off its amenities and areas of growth and revitalization, and then showed off some of the amenities of the region. The tour concluded with a dinner at the Wine and Culinary Institute in Canandaigua.
Chefs there made a cheese cake in front of the dignitaries using an Alpina product for the topping.
But in the end, Hyde said, it's all really about the jobs.
"We're delighted that this came through because more than anything, it's going to create 50 jobs for 50 families," Hyde said. "And you know what, in this time, in this economy, every job our business community creates helps."
Joe Teresi, above, accepts his 2010 Geneseean of the Year award from the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce during the its annual awards dinner Saturday at the Clarion Hotel.
Below, the articles we previously published about each of the award winners.
Ron Weiler, Sterling Tents, Business of the Year.
Robert Bennett, winner of Wolcott “Jay” Humphrey III Excellence in Community Leadership Award.
More pictures after the jump:
MC, Dan Fischer, WBTA.
Jeff Boshart, chairman of the chamber board.
Chamber President Lynn Freeman.
Stu Steiner accepting the chamber's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stu Steiner.
Daniel "Pudgie" Riner, owner of Triple P Farms, 2010 Agricultural Business of the Year.
The Easter Bunny made his annual appearance at Oliver's Candies on West Main Street, Batavia, on Saturday.
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