After 16 years of operating as a short-term housing option for travelers, Airbnb is voluntarily signing up to be part of the bed tax system in Genesee County, Deputy County Treasurer Kevin Andrews says.

The popular offering to people looking for anything from big city apartments to cottages by the lake is expected to add an estimated $30,000 to the county’s bottom line once the Legislature votes to approve the measure.

“Basically, this is a voluntary agreement that Airbnb is looking to enter into with the county where they will collect the bed tax on behalf of anybody who rents through their platform, and then they will remit the bed tax to us directly themselves,” Andrews said at the county’s Ways & Means meeting Wednesday. “Currently, we've been reaching out to any individuals that we can find that have been using them, their platform, and others, and having them register with us directly and pay us directly, but this would just allow Airbnb to do that on their behalf and remit the tax to us on their behalf.”

What does Airbnb stand for?
It means "air bed and breakfast," a term coined when Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky founded it in 2007. According to real estate investing site Mashvisor, the two men were living in a San Francisco apartment when they came up with the idea to rent out a lounge room to designers visiting the city. The guests slept on air beds and were fed breakfast in the morning. And Airbnb was born. 

The founders’ website lists $7 billion in total taxes being collected and remitted globally and that the typical U.S. host earned $14,000 in 2023. 

Why does Airbnb want to cooperate and do this?
“To help make sure that all their customers that are using their platform are meeting the requirements of the bed tax law for Genesee County and other counties so that they're meeting those regulations and requirements,” Andrews said.

When will this take effect? Do you have any idea how many properties this would include?
“Once we have approval from the legislature, we're hoping to have the agreement in place in the next month or so,” he said. “No, I don't unfortunately, Airbnb is reluctant to provide any specific information on their individuals and their platforms. Once we start receiving payments from Airbnb, then we’ll have a clearer picture on that going forward, for sure.”

County Manager Matt Landers said that the Chamber of Commerce provided a figure of about $30,000 annually that staff estimates would be the bed tax to come from Airbnb rentals. 

“So this is significant,” Landers said. “Even though we’re not getting detailed information, it turns out, if there was a spot check, Airbnb can go through the process, they can see, okay, there’s a fee. You can check on it that way.”

Prior to this agreement, it was up to each individual property owner to collect and remit the bed tax. This will now allow Airbnb to assist with the process, Andrews said.

“Property owners are still supposed to register and file a report to us, and we’ll still try to get that information from them,” he said. “And Airbnb has said that they’ll put information on their website about that process so that hopefully that will assist with getting people to register in their office for that.”

Legislators shouldn’t hold their breath for other similar companies to follow suit — such as Vrbo, as Legislator Christian Yunker asked about, Landers said. This type of information isn’t “as readily available” or provided by others as it is with Airbnb, he and Andrews said.

“I think they’re less willing to work with counties on this, but we’ll make an attempt, for sure,” Andrews said.

The Legislature is to vote on a resolution on March 27 to include Airbnb, an internet-based booking platform that processes transactions within the county, which would be liable for the occupancy tax on behalf of facilities within the county that provide lodging on an overnight basis, into the county’s local law, and enter into an agreement with Airbnb to collect and remit the occupancy tax. 

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating an apparent homicide. The victim has been identified as Michael G. Poole, age 59, of the Olcott, NY area. The victim waslocated during the afternoon of March 19, 2024 in the Town of Alabama, New York during the investigation into a missing person out of Niagara County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that this appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the public. Anyone who may have information related to this incident is asked to contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.

A heavy snow squall bulletin has been issued for northeastern Genesee County. The warning is in place until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Parts of Genesee County could also receive heavy snow with blowing wind Wednesday evening.

There's also snow in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, with a low temperature on Sunday, which is estimated at 14 degrees.

Press Release:

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA) Timbit Beginners will be participating in their end-of-the-year “Jamboree” on Saturday, March 23 starting at 9 a.m. at the David McCarthy Memorial Arena. The world has the Olympics, Buffalo has pond hockey, but we have the Beginner Cross-Ice Event – “THE JAMBOREE”.  

The draft has taken place and the teams are set. Game schedules are confirmed and the blue lines are waiting for the hockey players to stand on them for the National Anthem. 

The Rink will be divided into three areas and two teams will play against one another in 2-minute shifts for 12 minutes; then they move on to play more “games” with other teams – a Total of 4 games.  Since there are five (5) teams the team not scheduled for a “game” will participate in skill drills in the middle section. 

At 9 a.m. the players will be introduced one by one as they step onto the ice and proceed to the Blue Line for the National Anthem. We’d love to have you join us and capture the progress of the little players ages 4 to 12. 

This year the Beginner Program consisted of 61 registered players. They are coached by Brennan Briggs along with Nick Harris as well as many other dads, family members plus GAHA Student Coaches serving as on-ice helpers.

Without all of this support, it would be impossible to run this program. Most of the players have been on the ice since early October through today. About 26 joined the program in early January after participating in the November USA Hockey – Try Hockey for Free Event. 

At practices they run through drills established by USA Hockey’s American Development Modules – six stations are set up around the rink and a different drill is introduced at each station. The players move from station to station.

GAHA is thankful for the sponsorship of its Beginner Program by the local Tim Horton Shop managed by Dave Lumberg. They provide the jerseys for all of the players as well as Timbit donuts for our special functions throughout the year.

For this Jamboree the players are divided into five teams (featuring the Black Team, the Royal Blue Lightnings, the Navy Blue Angels Team, the White Morasco’s Rink Rats, and the Red Crushers) denoted by the color of their jerseys and will play five 12-minute games with shifts of 2 min. A great time is had by all.

At the end of the Jamboree the GAHA organization will offer a free family skate for the Beginner Program until Noon and the McCarthy Rink Staff and Management will be providing “free” rental skates for those participating.

Press Release:

As the Presidential Primary approaches on April 2, the Genesee County Board of Elections is providing essential information and deadlines for voters in Genesee County.

Primary Eligibility:

New York State operates as a closed Primary State. Only registered Republicans and Democrats are eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming April 2 Primary Election.

Early Voting:

Early voting will be available for eight days, from March 23 through March 30. The designated early voting site is the ARC Community Center at 38 Woodrow Rd., Batavia.

• Saturday, March 23: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday, March 24: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Monday, March 25: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 26: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 27: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• Thursday, March 28: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Friday, March 29: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Saturday, March 30: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Please note that there will be no early voting on Easter Sunday. However, an additional hour has been allocated to the preceding eight days.

Polling Information:

All polling sites will be operational on April 2 from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and are fully accessible. Voters can verify their designated poll site at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov or contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804. 

Absentee Ballot Information: 

Absentee ballots are available upon request for those unable to vote in person. Contact the Board of Elections or utilize the NY State Portal at absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov. Important deadlines for absentee ballots are as follows:

• March 23: Last day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application. 
• April 1: Last day to apply for an absentee ballot in person.
• April 2: Last day to postmark a ballot. The Board of Elections must receive ballots by April 9. 
• April 9: Military/Special Federal absentee ballots must be received by this date.

Registration Deadlines:

Voter registration applications must be received by the Board of Elections by March 23 to participate in the presidential primary.

In-Person Registration:

In-person registration is available at the Genesee County Board of Elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act. However, applications must be received by March 23 to be eligible for the Presidential Primary.

On Saturday, March 23, the Board of Elections will be open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. for registrations.

Please note that the west door (handicap accessible) will be the sole entry point into County Building 1, located at 15 Main St., Batavia.

Please contact the Genesee County Board of Elections for further inquiries or assistance. 

Genesee County Board of Elections 

• Phone: (585) 815-7804 
• Location: 15 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020
• Website: https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/elections/index.php

PUBLIC NOTICE: 

Pursuant to Section 104 Public Notice of the Open Meetings Law, this notice is to inform the public that the Town of Byron Town Board will hold a Special Meeting on March 25 2024 at 6:00pm at the Byron Town Hall located at 7028 Byron Holley Road, Byron NY 14422. The purpose of the special Meeting is to conduct interviews for the open Justice positions for the operation of the Town of Byron Town Court for the remainder of 2024.

Audiences will have an opportunity to watch a French connection this weekend.

Not the one with big city narcotics detectives investigating a heroin smuggling ring, but rather, the royal Shakespearean drama of “King John,” about the difficulties of who the lead character was and that he usurped the throne, Director E. Jane Burk says.

“One of the other characters that is in this play, his name is Arthur, he is John's nephew, he was the son of John's older brother, Jeffrey, who died. John took the throne before Arthur could ascend to it; he actually usurped the throne from his nephew Arthur. So much of the play revolves around a French connection. That's why we have (on the banners at the back of the stage) English lions on one side, and we have French fleur-de-lis on the other side,” Burk said during rehearsal Tuesday. “There is a significant threat of war because the French segment, the French king, King Philip, wants to put John's nephew Arthur on the English throne. So it all revolves around the situation that it was very militaristic. You could almost say contemporary in terms of the different factions that were trying to come to power.”

Batavia Players will present Shakespeare in Springtime’s “King John” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia City Centre.

Playwright William Shakespeare penned a significant number of plays that were histories about notables such as Richard the Third and Henry the Eighth, and this lesser known figure, King John, Burk said. 

“It is not frequently performed anywhere,” she said. “And it’s interesting because, actually, this particular play is all in verse. It’s all poetry; it’s not prose, it’s not normal, conversation-type stuff.”

A passage from King John’s character states:  

O cousin, thou art come to set mine eye.

The tackle of my heart is cracked and burnt,

And all the shrouds wherewith my life should sail

Are turnèd to one thread, one little hair.

My heart hath one poor string to stay it by,

Which holds but till thy news be utterèd,

And then all this thou seest is but a clod

And module of confounded royalty.

The time period is 1216, and the play is paying homage to the Magna Carta, which King John signed in 1215, a year before his death at 49, Burk said. The cast quickly became familiar with the setting, the lines and the demands of such a production, and has fulfilled its responsibilities with aplomb, she said.

Auditions were in mid-January, everyone received their scripts and immediately began to learn their lines after being cast for roles, and, because another show was happening during a portion of February, rehearsals didn’t even begin until later in the month.  

“And this is only March 19. And kudos to the cast. I give them so much credit. They have done an extraordinary job of creating this place that is not Western New York. That is not Batavia. That does not sound anything like the way we speak. I have French people that are speaking with French accents,” she said. “We have worked hard on this. They have learned their lines, their scripts, word for word. If you were to sit right now — I'm not exaggerating — if you were to sit and actually listen to what they are saying, watching but listening, and reading the script as you're going along, you will see that it’s word for word. It is extraordinary. That's exceptionally difficult. You cannot take away from the fact that they have given heart and soul to making this happen.”

And who are “they?” By all other accounts, they are ordinary people, volunteers in the world of community theater with a passion for the arts, people who have jobs, work for a living, tend to families, she said, and dedicate many hours to memorizing their lines and create the character they will eventually bring to life up on stage. 

The premise of “King John” is that he goes to war against the French after claiming that his nephew should be king instead. John has conflict with the church, orders his nephew's death, and turns the nobles against himself. In the end, John dies after a monk poisons him, the French retreat and his own son becomes king.

Burk isn’t necessarily looking to convert the masses onto Shakespeare; however, she’s hoping that folks are willing to give it a try.

“My idea is that, on some level, most of the people that will come to see the show probably have not had any sort of prior experience with Shakespeare,” she said. “But what we hope is that if we can make a difference in the life of one person if we can make the lightbulbs click on for one person, and they understand and discover what Shakespeare is all about, then we’ve succeeded. That’s what it’s all about.”

Tickets are $22 adults, $20 students and seniors online and $24 adults, $22 students and seniors for cash at the door.

A 37-year-old Le Roy resident is being accused by federal authorities of possession and distribution of child pornography.

Jordan Brodie faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison because of a prior child pornography conviction.

According to a statement by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, Brodie was using a chat application along with others who traded child pornography in May 2023, and Brodie uploaded at least one image to a different social media platform.  That upload was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The State Police conducted an investigation and determined that the alleged upload took place from Brodie's home in Le Roy. 

A warrant was issued, and investigators seized Brodie's phone and the contents of a social media site. Authorities say they discovered images of child pornography involving children less than 12 years old.

At the time, Broadie was under the supervision of the Genesee County Probation Department following a child pornography conviction in May 2021.

Brodie was arraigned today in U.S. District Court and ordered held in custody.

The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Lyons, under the direction of Major Miklos Szoczei II, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. 

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) and Sen. George Borrello (R,C) will be dedicating a portion of the state highway system in Genesee County, as the “SP4 George Harold Fry Memorial Highway.” George Harold Fry, a native of Genessee County, was a Specialist-4 in the Army during the Vietnam War. 

On July 11, 1969, SP4 Fry gave his life to restore the company’s radio network during an assault by the North Vietnam Army. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and sacrifice in the battle. Hawley and Borrello led the initiative to designate a section of the highway in SP4 Fry’s honor, which the governor signed into law.

“I’m proud to stand with Sen. Borrello in recognizing one of Western New York’s most valiant, Specialist George Harold Fry,” said Hawley. “For generations to come, the SP4 George Harold Fry Memorial Highway will stand as a testament to Specialist Fry’s heroism and commitment to his country and our freedom.”

“For generations, many of our region’s finest and bravest young men and women have found their calling in military service and safeguarding the liberties we cherish,” said Sen. Borrello. “Specialist Fry was one of those patriots. Assemblyman Hawley and I felt it was important to name this highway in his honor to commemorate his courageous service to our country and to remind all who pass here of the immense contributions America’s veterans have made for us all.” 

Press Release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR), working with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) and the New York State Department of Special Education is hosting a workshop “Transition Planning: Life After High School”.  

Designed for the young people living in Genesee or Orleans County between the ages of 13 and 21 with a disability or special health care need and their parents, it will take place from 9 - 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30 at the ILGR office, 319 West Main Street at the Crickler Executive Business Center in Batavia.

Attendees will gain information on how to plan for life after high school. Learn what questions to ask, ideas for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), options, supports, and services that are available for them. A light breakfast will be provided.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required by calling April Fearby, Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Specialist at 585-815-8501, extension 401, or emailing her at afearby@wnyil.org.

“This event is funded by the New York State Department of Health using federal Health Resources and Services Administration Title V funding. The opinions, results, findings, and/or interpretations of content contained therein are the responsibility of the Contractor and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of the State or Federal funding agency.”

Press Release:

It was the Confirmation Retreat for Ascension Roman Catholic Community Resurrection RC Parish and Notre Dame High School Confirmation candidates.

May God bless these candidates on their faith journey.

Submitted photos.

Special Benefit for Early Access Pass Members: One free pass to the Home Show.
If you’re not yet a member, join today to receive this special member’s benefit.

Press release:

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is deeply saddened by the loss of our committee member, Thomas Sanfratello.  

Tom started as a Republican Committee member for District #1 and never said "no" as further positions became available.  He didn't hesitate to make himself available when a position became open on the Town Board and then, most recently, a representative to the Genesee County Republican Committee.  Tom's knowledge of civil and town law and his strong commitment to the residents of the town of Alexander made him an exceptional addition to the Board.  He will be sadly missed by all.

Due to New York State Board of Election laws, the Alexander Republican Committee has to act quickly to submit a replacement for Council member Sanfratello.  That candidate will become the Republican candidate in the November 2024 General Election.  The Alexander Republican Committee will have a meeting on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Alexander Town Hall.  Any Town of Alexander registered Republican who is interested in becoming endorsed by our Committee for the position of Council member, please contact Chairperson Barbara Eddy at 585-507-9930.  

Press Release:

Newly elected as the Godfrey Pond Association’s President is Charles Mike Hammon, who brings with him over 13 year’s experience in various roles in and around the Pond. 

Mike chose to retire from the Fire Service and was originally hired as the Pond’s caretaker in 2011 and served in that role for over 10 years. He became the Grounds Chairman in 2016 and served on the Board until his election this January. 

Mike jokes that it took three tries to finally retire from the Pond’s caretaker position. He now serves as the caretaker for the Hammon-Mabie Family cottage located at 7889 Bigelow Drive on the Pond.

The Pond is a unique piece of God’s green earth that we have been chosen to protect and maintain. Why Godfrey’s Pond, you ask. Where else would you want your kids and grandkids to go?

We encourage you to visit our grounds and all that we have to offer you and your family by attending any of our Open House events scheduled for Sunday, May 26 and Sunday, June 16. We also have our Hunting & Fishing Days on the weekend of Sept. 21 and 22, 2024.

Press Release:

GO ART! announces a call for artwork for its 7th annual juried exhibition, Art of the Rural. This year, organizers have added a twist with the theme, ‘Total Eclipse of the Art.’ Artists are encouraged to explore the theme through their interpretation and are welcome to think outside the box. 

 

The exhibition is open to all artists.  All work must be original, created by the submitting artist, and not previously exhibited at GO ART! All media is accepted. Artwork must be properly wired, ready to hang, and no larger than 36 x 36.” 

GO ART! members may submit up to 5 works for $30, $5 for each additional work. Non-members may submit up to 3 works for $30 and $5 for each additional work. Artists can drop off submissions at GO ART! located in Seymour Place, 201 East Main Street, Batavia. 

Artwork will be accepted from March 20 - 23 and March 27 -29 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. No entries will be accepted after March 29. 

Art of the Rural: Total Eclipse of the Art will be on display from April 3 – June 1.  The winners will be announced at the artist reception, which will take place April 6 from 5 - 8 p.m.  

For a complete list of rules and entry forms, visit www.goart.org/galleries. Contact Mary Jo Whitman at mjwhitman@goart.org with any questions.

Press Release:

In the heart of the Genesee Valley, a new generation of healthcare warriors stepped into the light on Friday, March 8, ready to embark on a journey defined by compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serve. 

The Genesee Valley BOCES (GV BOCES) School of Practical Nursing celebrated the graduation of its latest LPN class, a group of 26 individuals whose dreams of nurturing and healing had finally taken flight.

Among these graduates, Jenna Merdak shone as the Valedictorian, with Bryce Wallamn honored as the Salutatorian. Their achievements were a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience each student had demonstrated. In a world where the healthcare landscape was marred by shortages and challenges, more than half of these graduates had already conquered the NCLEX exam, marking the beginning of their journey into nursing with triumphant success.

Krista Jaggard, one of the proud graduates, reflected on her path to nursing. Her journey was a tapestry of experiences, from human services to home health aide and from CNA to standing at the threshold of her dream. 

"I find it gratifying to help others. It makes my life better knowing I’m doing something good for society," Jaggard said, echoing the sentiment of her peers. 

Her ambition to work in the operating room or emergency department was fueled by a love for the profession and the pride she shared with her classmates—a sentiment that had them all riding high on cloud nine.

For Ashley Staples, another graduate, the LPN program was a dream deferred but never abandoned. Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood with the rigors of nursing school, she exemplified determination. 

"I knew I had to put nursing school first, and missing out on my kids' activities was hard, but I knew I had to study because if not, I could fail, and I couldn't do that because nursing is my future," Staples shared. Her journey was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of a calling.

Kristen Bedard, having dedicated thirteen years to caring for the elderly, aspired to bring her wealth of experience and compassion to pediatric nursing. The challenge of stepping outside her comfort zone and the joy of connecting with new people had propelled her forward. 

"If nursing is something you’ve always dreamed of doing, go for it and do the work. Trust your gut, and you will accomplish your goals," Bedard advised, her words a beacon for future nurses.

Marisa Dale, an LPN Instructor, offered wisdom and a touch of realism to her students. "What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make," she quoted, emphasizing the profound impact nurses have on their patients' lives. "You are a nurse, and patients rely on you. Never ever lose sight of the patients," Dale reminded them, underscoring the sacred bond between nurse and patient.

The ceremony was a mosaic of emotions, with each graduate being pinned, some by family members who were nurses themselves. This tradition, linking generations of caregivers, underscored the deep-rooted connections and shared commitments that bound them.

Behind the success of these graduates stood a dedicated team of LPN instructors, whose unwavering support and guidance were pivotal in navigating the rigorous journey of nursing education. These educators, with a blend of expertise, patience, and passion, crafted an environment where learning flourished amidst challenges. 

Their tireless efforts, often extending beyond the confines of the classroom, ensured that every graduate was not just prepared academically but was also instilled with the core values critical for a successful nursing career.

The graduates, Julie Affeldt, Kristen Bedard, Andrew Brown, Amanda Buckner, Marjorie Castillo, Taylor Cox, Randi Donaghy-Bailey, Laniyah Dukes, Heather Findley, Koran Glover, Anessa Gonzalez, Shaquille Harp, Kimberly Hedgebeth, Jazmine Holmes, Krista Jaggard, Jolynn Lamphrom, Lanina Martinez, Shallie McMullen, Jenna Merdak, Diana Morales-Rosario, Sydnie Santillo, Noah Schultz, Ashley Staples, Bryce Wallamn, and Kayla Wilson, stood at the gateway to their futures, intent on making a meaningful difference.

As they embarked on their respective paths, the words “on hard days, never forget why you became a nurse" served as a compass, guiding them through the trials and triumphs that lay ahead. In the heart of the Genesee Valley, a new chapter in healthcare had begun, heralded by the courage, dedication, and compassion of 26 remarkable individuals.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Retired Educators’ Association (GCREA) awards at least one $500 scholarship each year. 

This scholarship will be awarded either to a graduating Genesee County High School Senior who intends to enter, in some capacity, the field of education OR to an individual who is currently enrolled in an education program at an institution of higher learning.

Applications are available at Genesee County schools or from cmbonacquisti@gmail.com. Applications are due on April 1. The announcement of the winner will be made in May.

Press Release:

Grow-NY aims to add to the 289 new jobs created by previous winners over the past five years, including in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier.

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the application window is now open for the sixth year of the Grow-NY food, beverage, and agriculture business competition. Grow-NY attracts high-growth potential food and agriculture startups to compete for $3 million in total prize money each year and supports 20 finalists through a business development phase that connects them with the region’s resources.

The Grow-NY region is a 22-county area spanning Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. It is a unique initiative that connects innovators and investors in the food, beverage, and agriculture sectors both locally and internationally. Grow-NY has resulted in economic growth and entrepreneurial opportunity in upstate New York over the past five years. 

Since the program’s launch in 2019, its winning startups have created 289 new jobs and attracted millions of dollars in follow-on investment as a result of winning the competition.

Year 6 of the program invites startups from around the world to "grow and lead change," situating the accelerator and competition at the center of an emerging, climate-smart bioeconomy. Grow-NY offers food and ag-tech startups from around the world the opportunity to win up to $1 million, as well as dedicated business mentorship and introductions to the region’s leaders and resources to connect them to potential partnerships and other strategic opportunities.

In exchange for making a positive, measurable impact to the region’s economy through economic development activities such as job creation, Grow-NY winners receive their prize money as an investment into their company. 

One finalist will receive a top prize of $1 million; two others will be awarded $500,000 prizes; and four more will be given $250,000 prizes.

The program is funded through Empire State Development from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative’s three regional entities, CNY Rising, Finger Lakes Forward, and Southern Tier Soaring, and is administered by Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, said, “Grow-NY is a unique initiative that links agribusiness innovators with experts and investors, creating entrepreneurial opportunity in upstate New York. The sixth round of the accelerator will no doubt build on Grow-NY's incredible success, helping to further grow the next-generation ideas of these industry pioneers and bring significant investment to the region, bolstering the future of this crucial industry in New York State and around the world.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Year after year, I’ve had the incredible honor of helping to award the innovative winners of the Grow-NY competition. New York is one of our nation’s agricultural leaders, attracting cutting-edge food, beverage, and technology entrepreneurs from around the globe, and Grow-NY is a great platform to spur growth in this industry and create jobs. I encourage all eligible businesses to take part in this opportunity.”

The startup competition begins its sixth year with impressive momentum, having garnered applications and interest from over 1,500 businesses in 43 unique states and 49 countries outside of the United States over the last five years. In all, 97 startups have participated as finalists, with 35 winners sharing $15 million in startup funding as well as the invaluable mentorship and networking benefits that the program delivers to finalists. 

Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences said, “Cornell University is proud to partner with Grow-NY to advance science-based solutions that support climate sustainability, agri-food systems, and economic growth in our region and beyond. As New York’s Land-Grant institution, we’re dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering innovators whose vision supports a circular bioeconomy that can bring new sources of revenue to our exceptional growers, producers, and communities.” 

In addition to emphasizing innovation and scalability, the Grow-NY program is focused on drawing more diverse leaders to the region by reaching communities that have historically been left out of the innovation economy. In 2023, 61% of the 323 applicants included a founder from an underrepresented minority group, and 42% included a female founder.

Past Grow-NY winners have continued to raise money, expand, and succeed. Year 5 grand prize winner Hypercell was featured in an article in Forbes magazine shortly after winning the competition, and Year 4 $250,000 winner Vivid Machines went on to complete an additional $4.3 million seed round.

Hempitecture, a $500,000 Year 4 winner, became the first company to open an industrial hemp manufacturing facility in the U.S.

Grow-NY program director Jenn Smith said, “The Grow-NY region has unparalleled natural, economic, and agricultural resources that we’ve directed to helping food and ag startups grow their businesses, and change our agrifood system in the process. We’re looking for ambitious founders from around the world to join us.”

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 15. In August, up to 20 finalists will be assigned mentors and enter the business development phase. The selected finalists will present their business plans during the Grow-NY Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 6 and Thursday, Nov. 7 in Ithaca, New York, alongside a symposium of panel conversations and keynotes, a showcase of agencies, companies, research groups, and other organizations that serve startups working in food and ag, and a student stage where middle and high school aged New Yorkers will pitch their ag and food tech ideas.

To learn more about the judging criteria used to determine award decisions, click here. 

The Grow-NY region, which hosts over 40% of New York’s 33,438 farms, includes an abundance of vibrant, fertile lands and freshwater along with major urban population centers such as Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca, and Binghamton. To learn more about the Grow-NY region, click here.

To learn more about the Grow-NY competition, visit www.grow-ny.com.

To learn more about the Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement, visit http://crea.cornell.edu/.

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward

Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here.

Accelerating CNY Rising

Today's announcement complements “CNY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.

Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring

Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. More information is available here.