chamber of commerce

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to stop by Oliver's Candies parking lot -- at 211 West Main St. in Batavia -- today for their bumper-to-bumper brochure exchange.

Set to run from 3 until 4:30 p.m., this event is a great opportunity to learn about the many attractions in Genesee County and the surrounding region. Representatives from each organization will be there to talk with people and provide information.

The following organizations from Genesee County are participating:

• Oliver's Candies
• Simply Homespun
• Batavia Bus Service, Inc.
• Coffee Culture
• Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
• D & R Depot
• Jell-O Gallery and the Historical Le Roy House
• Batavia's Original (formerly Pontillo's)
• Copper Top Gardens

Other organizations from our region will include:

• Hidden Valley Animal Adventure (Wyoming)
• Genesee Country Village & Museum (Monroe)
• Genesee Country Campground (Livingston)
• Barn Quilt Trail (Orleans)
• Watt Farms (Orleans)
• Orleans County Tourism
• Artists of the Oak (Orleans)
• Medina Railroad Museum (Orleans)

"Yankee Doodle Brochure Distribution" will also be represented.

For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 343-7440.

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.

• Meet Joseph Teresi, Geneseean of the Year
• Business of the Year has it covered
• Pudgie puts the local into 'locally grown' produce and garden plants
• Stuart Steiner: Leaving at the 'top of his game' and reaping a special reward
• Robert Bennett honored for outstanding community service

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.

This is our fifth and final installment of stories on the 2010 Genesee County Chamber of Commerce awards winners. The awards will be presented at a dinner tomorrow evening at the Clarion Hotel.

Among the many good works that 2010 Geneseean of the Year Joe Teresi has been active in over the years is the Challenger Sports program.

His involvement began when a local woman came to him with an idea for a program serving kids with special needs, giving them a chance to play sports, but wondering how to insure those activities. As vice president of Tompkins Insurance, he might have the answer. 

His plan, rather than burdening the upstart program with its own policy, was to get it under the umbrella of the YMCA.

With that insight, one of Genesee County's most enduring and endearing community activities was born.

Teresi said that seeing the joy on the faces of the kids in the Challenger program is reward enough for the volunteer work that he does, but he’s had to find the best way to balance nonprofit work with his career.

“Sometimes, I’m able to mix the two like with the Challenger Sports,” he said.

But other times, Teresi just donates his extra time to a cause he feels is worthy.

“Being able to give an organization 100 percent of my effort is great,” he explained. “But one thing about volunteering is sometimes the same thing gets old and when that happens, you’re ready to move on to the next challenge.”

Teresi has been an officer and director on the Genesee and Wyoming counties YMCA board and his knowledge of the organization was crucial when he helped found Challenger Sports.

According to Teresi, a lot of things in his life have led him toward volunteerism.

“It’s been instilled in me -- – probably through my parents, high school at Notre Dame where they make community service a big part, and also through my company here,” Teresi said as he sat in his office at Tompkins Insurance.

“We get so much from the community that we make it a big point for all of our employees to give back to the communities where we live and serve – both with some money if they can, but more importantly with their time and effort.”

But Teresi doesn’t volunteer his time just because it’s encouraged at work.

“It’s the smiles,” he said.

“For Christmas dinner this year we served over 300 people and probably over 100 of them were kids…seeing the smiles on their faces when they got not only a good meal, but when they received their present and had a taste of Christmas that they might not have had a full taste of before.”

Teresi worked with the Lions Club of Batavia for years to make a free Christmas dinner possible to those who might need it. He explained that his whole family gets involved and it’s a special time for each one of them.

“The Lions Club does a lot of good for the community that goes unnoticed and it was really my beginning of giving back as an adult,” Teresi said.

He thanked Rocco Della Penna for introducing him to the Lions Club, and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for choosing to honor him this year -- along with Rick Mancuso and Shelly Fallitico for nominating him – especially because being named Geneseean of the Year came as a surprise.

“I was in shock and awe,” he admitted.

“Then I realized that it would be a great thing to be recognized for some of the work over the past few years, but there are many other people who do good work that often go unnoticed."

Although the 2010 Business of the Year has all seasons "covered," owner Ronald Weiler says that the spring and summertime are certainly the most hectic.

“It’s very intense,” he admitted, and after a moment, chuckled at the accidental pun.

As it happens, Weiler spends most of the warmer months quite literally in tents.

Sterling Tents & Awnings, Inc., was chosen by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce to receive the award on April 9.

“It feels really great,” Weiler said. “It’s quite an honor for just a small business with all the big businesses around. You would never think it would happen for a small operation like ours so it really feels great.”

Weiler recalls a day that changed his life forever -- a Monday night in early August of 1958 -- the day he met his wife, Sandra Sterling. They were just teenagers at the time.

“After we started going together, I started helping out with the business,” Weiler said, smiling as he stood in his office at 150 Pearl St.

“And here we are now.”

Sandra’s grandfather founded Sterling Tents & Awnings in 1911, making this year a century of coverings, tents and custom-made protection from the elements.

“We sort of help people to enjoy the outdoors,” Weiler said. “We all live in Western New York.”

Weiler pointed out the benefits that a small operation like his can provide to a customer.

“What really sets us apart is that we’re not a big box store,” he said. “We can handle individual needs, wants and desires and match them up to the application, pocketbook and the date it has to happen.”

Weiler also said that he and his employees take special pride in the customer service that Sterling Tents & Awnings is able to provide.

“Our doors are always open and you can always get a live person on the phone – we don’t have a recording or a lot of prompts. It’s an easy access type personnel that just drives to satisfy.

Sterling Tents & Awnings may be a family name, but Weiler likes for his customers to identify the business and service with a “sterling” reputation as well.

“Whether it’s protecting your party or wedding under your patio or just protecting an investment (boats, motorcycles, etc.), we’d like to see you have fun outdoors. That’s our goal.”

Top photo, from left: Kelsey Ferguson, Russell Irwin, Sandy Wilson, Ron Weiler.

This is the second in our series on the 2010 Chamber of Commerce award winners. The awards will be presented at a dinner at the Clarion Hotel on Saturday.

The inaugural Genesee County Lifetime Achievement Award of the local chamber of commerce will be presented Saturday to retiring college President Stuart Steiner, Ed.D. The accolade will be a singular coda for an exceptional career.

By all accounts, it is altogether fitting that this renowned educator, who leaves his post at Genesee Community College on Aug. 31, should get this unique honor.

During his 44 years at the GCC, 36 as president, he has worked relentlessly to make what used to be known as "junior college" more attainable, affordable and respectable. Nationally recognized for his solid and indefatigable leadership in education, he has brought GCC to new heights in every respect, according to community leaders.

In his comfortable office at the Batavia campus, the Maryland native talked about how pleased he is to be honored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at its 39th Annual Awards Ceremony.

His eyes seem to "smile" when he talks and he smiles a lot, too. His voice is soft and low and he's easy to chat with, a guy students can talk to, even play Ping-Pong with, seriously.

He motioned toward the MedTech building across the street, the new athletic fields, and indicated that most of what he set out to do has been accomplished.

So after two consecutive academic years of record enrollments and sound financials, with new labor contracts in place, and good relations with staff, faculty and the Genesee County Legislature -- he's taking his late wife Rosalie's advice.

"(Roz) said 'I know you love the job. You get up and you still go to work at 6:30, quarter to 7, in the morning. ... But when you decide that maybe it's time to retire, pick a time when everything's going right, when you're at the top of your game."

Steiner looks back and takes a lot of pride in what's taken place.

"It's enjoyable to see people who the college made a difference in their lives and the lives of their families," Steiner said. "It's not a theoretical difference. That's just a delightful thing."

Time was when going to that hilltop "high school with an ashtray" meant slouching toward a place of second-rate learning, where you went when you couldn't get into a "real" college. 

But over the years that perception waned because it could be proven that the quality of instruction and the transferability of credits earned would make it possible for more students to attend say, the University of Buffalo or even Cornell, as juniors. From a practical standpoint, for parents, that meant that a four-year university that was out of reach financially, could become at least a feasible option.

The degree earned comes from the graduating college. It doesn't say, the "first two years at a community college," Steiner said.

Add to that the surge in working adults, so-called "nontraditional students," needing job-specific instruction, and more people wanting certificate courses, and junior colleges grew up to become community colleges.

Steiner saw the changes and helped encourage the trends. Today, GCC typically has students from more than 20 different nations and more than 40 counties statewide.

The success story that is GCC would not be possible, Steiner repeatedly notes, without being able to delegate to quality staff members and instructors.

"You have to have a great support team and staff," Steiner said. "You can't run it and have a good college if you don't have other people who are good at their jobs."

There's high praise from Steiner about the college's foundation board and the board of trustees. Over the years, the men and women involved have helped steer the course, raise the money, get the buildings built and more. Ditto the county legislators.

(He happens to be the second-longest-serving community college president in the nation. Here's true kismet -- In the early years, he accepted a job at a community college in Maryland and there was another person hired there, same day, same hour, same type of job -- a director -- who is now the president of Westchester Community College. And that man is the longest-serving community college president in the nation.)

A lot of fancy degrees are on Steiner's office wall, including a doctorate in education and also in law, master's degrees and an AA degree from Baltimore Junior College (as it was called then). So he, too, started at a community college.

But of all his awards, honors and degrees, his crowning moment comes April 15 when the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery opens at the campus. She herself was a highly regarded artist.

"The decency that the board recognized that I couldn't do all that I was able to do if she wasn't doing a lot of the support work. She worked with the board, she hosted things. She did things in the community.

"That's the highlight -- to have the kids there and let them see their mom recognized for the work she did, not because she was my wife. I think that's important."

This is the first in our series on the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce award winners. Today, we feature Robert Bennett, winner of Wolcott “Jay” Humphrey III Excellence in Community Leadership Award. The awards will be presented at a dinner Saturday at the Clarion Hotel.

It takes a truly selfless man to find ways to go above and beyond to volunteer in his community for more than 20 years but Robert Bennett swears that his countless hours of community service have rewarded him just as much in return.

He has served on a number of boards and organizations in Le Roy and Genesee County just because he likes the feeling of being productive and doing good things for good people.

“I’ve made some great friendships and relationships,” Bennett said.

“The kind where if they need something, they call you and if you need something, you call them.”

When he heard he was to receive the Jay Humphrey III Excellence in Leadership Award at the annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, Bennett said he certainly felt humbled.

“What a great award. I was close friends with Jay – he and I worked on many different boards together. We’re old friends.”

Bennett used to work with Humphrey’s family at Wyoming County Bank. Although he’s remained in the banking industry, Bennett now manages the Le Roy Bank of Castile.

“My job at the Bank of Castile encourages everyone to get involved with the community,” he shrugged.

“Banking promotes getting involved…and there’s a lot of things that need your help but it’s not always the money. Anyone can write a check but sometimes it’s expertise, it’s running the projects or helping to guide these organizations.”

Bennett dedicates his time to the Genesee Community College Foundation and the college’s housing board. He’s been involved with United Way, the American Red Cross and he even helped develop the Le Roy Business Council. He is an active Le Roy Rotarian and a past president. He has coached sports teams, helped with Easter egg hunts, appliance raffles and various fundraisers for a number of different causes.

He plans to continue to make service to his community a priority and is currently looking forward to the annual Easter celebration in Le Roy, helping to choose which deserving graduating seniors will be awarded scholarships through the Le Roy Rotary, and working with the GCC foundation.

“If I get involved, I’m usually trying to just do something,” Bennett said.

“It’s not to be a member or a board director…I’m a people person. I just try to make a difference.”

Photos by Howard Owens

An effort to boost membership in the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is being launched and will culminate in a drive in May to sign 100 new members.

On May 11, 12 and 13, chamber volunteers will call on local businesses that are not members and ask them to join.

Above, Lori Stupp, Kelly Bermingham and Chad Zambito, who are heading up the effort.

There are 800 businesses in Genesee County that are eligible for membership.

Photo submitted by the chamber.

Full press release after the jump:

Committee organizers are preparing for the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Membership Dive which will be held May 11th, 12th and 13th. Community volunteers will be contacting local businesses that are not currently Chamber Members and encouraging them to join the already 800 local businesses that are members to become a Chamber Member.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce has seen a steady decline in membership over the last several years and getting the community behind this event will allow the Chamber the manpower it needs to significantly increase the number of Chamber Members and has set a goal of 100 new members during this 3 day event.

The Chamber of Commerce has a lot to offer our local businesses such as Promoting your Business, Employee Discounts, Consulting, Networking, Advocacy and Health Insurance just to name a few of the many benefits. Becoming a member of the Chamber is one of the best investments your business can make.

For more information on the Membership Drive or becoming a Chamber Member please contact Kelly Bermingham, Director of Membership at 585-343-7440 or email her at kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

Lori Stupp – Chamber of Commerce Board Member
Chad Zambito – Chamber of Commerce Board Member
Kelly Bermingham – Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership

About 20 local business owners and managers attended a talk by Kevin Manne at T.F. Brown's this morning on social media, sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Manne, new media specialist for Genesee Community College spoke about how digital media is empowering customers, how that power can be harnessed to benefit a business and how to effectively promote a business on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and YouTube.

Previously: College hires new media specialist, sees rapid online growth

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce this morning announced its 2010 award winners.

They are:

• Business of the Year: Sterling Tents & Awnings, Inc.
• Agricultural Business of the Year: Triple P Farms, LLC.
• Geneseean of the Year: Joseph Teresi
• The Genesee County Lifetime Achievement Award: Stuart Steiner, Ed.D
• The Wolcott "Jay" Humphrey III Excellence in Community Leadership Award: Robert Bennett

The awards ceremony will be April 9 at the Batavia Clarion, Park Road, Batavia.

UPDATE: The chamber has released additional information about the awards dinner.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 39th Annual Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, April 9 at the Clarion Hotel, Park Road, Batavia.

This is the county’s premier event honoring businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

Understanding the recent economic situation, the chamber has lowered ticket prices hoping that this will allow and encourage attendance. Tickets are $50 per person or a table of 10 for $450.

The evening begins at 5:30 with hors d’oeuvres, entrée tables and cash bar (no formal sit-down dinner will be served). The Awards Program starts at 7 and dessert and coffee will be served at that time.

Rick Segel , an author and nationally recognized expert on small-business marketing gave a dynamic presentation to about 50 small-business owners or their representatives today. Comedy is part of Segel's pitch and he generated quite a few laughs during the first session. The program went from 9 a.m. 1 p.m. and was sponsored by the Business Improvement District and the Chamber of Commerce.

The co-owner of a company that makes an ad-supported map product said he wants to make it clear he takes seriously concerns that his sales reps may have left an impression with some local businesses that his company is working with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

"We are acknowledging that we are not affiliated with the chamber on this edition," said Matt Vonderhaar, of Cincinnati-based Universal Advertising Associates.

Yesterday, The Batavian reported that chamber officials were concerned that Universal was representing a tie with the chamber in its sales efforts for a map of Genesee County.  The chamber has its own map project, which The Batavian is providing support for on the upcoming edition.

Vonderhaar said his 35-year-old company has been doing business in Batavia for 20 years.

In fact, he said, from 1997 up until June 2008, the chamber had a free ad on the Genesee County map in exchange for distributing the map through the chamber office.

He said Universal produces maps in 42 states, and many of them are affiliated with local chambers. He suggested that perhaps some of his 35 sales reps are conditioned to talk about the chamber connection from those other sales calls.

He said if anyone has any concerns about his reps sales tactics, they should contact him directly through his company's website.

"This is a second-generation business," Vonderhaar said. "We put out a great product. We're very proud of what we do. If anybody has an issue with our business they should call me directly."

A company out of Ohio has been calling businesses in Genesee County selling ads on a map, and Chamber of Commerce officials are concerned that business owners are being left with the impression that the sales effort benefits the chamber.

Lynn Freeman, president of the Genesee County Chamber, sent an e-mail to chamber members yesterday alerting them to the potential confusion.

"I spoke with the company and asked them to desist in tying their promotion to the chamber," Freeman wrote. "Their response was 'We can't control what our customers conclude.'"

The Batavian called the company, Universal Advertising Associates, which is based in Cincinnati, for comment and we have not received a call back.

There is an official map produced for the local chamber by a Rochester-based company, Mapworks, Inc. A portion of the proceeds from ads sold on this full-color map, benefits the chamber.

In the final quarter of 2009, The Batavian was the official sales representative for Mapworks on the chamber map project.

While release of the map is later than expected, it is in production now.

Freeman asks that any time a local business receives a solicitation from a third-party that purports to represent the chamber, business owners contact the chamber office to verify the affiliation.