Skip to main content

Business

Introducing Zebra Reach: Shopping locally has never been more rewarding

By Howard B. Owens

As you know, here at The Batavian, we're always encouraging local residents to support local businesses. We especially like programs that help connect local shoppers with their neighborhood shops.

A couple of months ago, some friends in the online news business showed us a new smartphone and tablet app that is aimed at rewarding local shoppers for patronizing local businesses.

It's called Zebra Reach.

We're all familiar with loyalty cards -- buy five lunches, get the sixth free, buy nine books get the 10th free. A lot of businesses run these sort of programs, but they usually come with flimsy paper punch cards that either get lost or crammed in your wallet with a dozen other cards.

Zebra Reach makes loyalty reward programs digital and easier to use -- one app stores all of your purchase points for multiple participating businesses.

For the past couple of weeks, Lisa Ace has been busy asking a bunch of local businesses to participate. We wanted to make sure that when you first learned about Zebra Reach, there would be plenty of local rewards to, well, reward you for shopping locally.

To download the app, with your iPhone or iPad, click here. For your Droid powered phone or tablet, click here.

To visit the Zebra Reach Web site, click here.

And, if you don't have a smartphone -- coming really, really soon are plastic cards that will work pretty much the same. The participating businesses (those with smartphones or tablets) will scan your card, but you'll have only one card to carry for all participating local businesses.

Here are the participating businesses and initial offers (and of course, we're looking for more businesses to participate):

Adam Miller, 8 Center St., Batavia
Model Club Rewards -- $5 off your next purchase. For every dollar spent earn 1 point. Earn 50 points, receive $5 your next purchase.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia
1 Free sandwich.
Buy any 5 sandwiches, get 6th free.

Charles Men's Shop, Inc.,  200 E. Main St., Batavia
1 Free tie. Buy 3 shirts, get 1 free tie.

Dog Crazy Daycare, 1 Mill St., Batavia
Earn points toward a free doggy overnight stay. For $25 spent, earn 1 point toward the doggy overnight. New clients receive 2 bonus points.

Fisher Sports, 412 Main St., Batavia
10% off hockey equipment, For each visit you'll earn 5 points. Earn 25 points -- you'll receive 10% off your next purchase of any hockey equipment purchase.

Glass Roots, 12 Center St., Batavia
1/2 off glass. Buy 2 pieces of glass, get 1/2 off the 3rd.

Kravings Kafe, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia
$5 off. Receive 1 point for every $5 spent. Earn 16 points, get $5 off your purchase.

Main St Pizza, 206 E. Main St., Batavia
Free small pizza with 1 topping. Earn 15 points and redeem your free small pizza with 1 topping. Earn points with any purchase.

RW Vapors, 224 Ellicott St., Batavia
Buy 5 bottles of E-Liquid, get the 6th free.

Salsa & Curry, 15 Jackson St., Batavia
Buy 1 lunch, get the 2nd for 1/2 off.

Sweet Ecstasy Bakery, 6173 Main Road, Stafford
Free cookie, cupcake or muffin. Purchase any 10 bakery items and receive a free cookie, cupcake or muffin.

Sweet Pea's Cupcakery & Cafe, 23 Jackson St., Batavia
Free cupcake. Buy 11 cupcakes, get the 12th free.

Terry Hills, 5122 Clinton St. Road. Batavia
Free lunch. Buy 5 lunches, get the 6th free.

The Detail Shop, 3875 W. Main St. Road, Batavia
Free deluxe wash. Buy 5 deluxe washes, Get the 6th deluxe wash free.

Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia
Free Chamilia bead. Buy 3 Chamilia beads, get 1 free.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St.,Batavia
Buy 5 dinners, Get one free.

T.F. Brown's, 214 East Main St., Batavia
1 free lunch. Buy 5 lunches, get the 6th free.

West Main Mini Mart, 3845 W. Main St. Road, Batavia
Buy 7 pizzas, get one free.

Local business owners: To sign up for Zebra Reach, contact Lisa Ace (lisa@thebatavian.com or (585) 250-4118).  Participating is a no-cost, no obligation program to start. There's only a fee, $50 per month, once you have 50 customers participating in your offer(s).

UPDATE: Just added, Lambert's Design Jewelers, 375 W. Main Street. Batavia. "One point for every $10 spent on purchases.  Earn 20 points and receive $10 off your next purchase"

We provide support, in-store promotional materials and the marketing power of The Batavian. There is also a Web site where you can login and manage your offers and check stats on participation to see how your offers are working.

Fuel storage tanks being removed, but no leakage into the Tonawanda suspected

By Howard B. Owens

Yesterday work crews started removing the fuel pumps and fuel tanks from the Wilson Farms location at 355 W. Main St., Batavia.

While people have told us the tanks needed to be removed because they were leaking fuel into the Tonawanda Creek, information obtained from the DEC indicates that's just not the case.

While there is some localized soil contamination, which the DEC is supervising for remedial clean up, the leak is contained to the property.

The property owner is listed as Sugar Creek Stores. Both Wilson Farms and Sugar Creek were sold to 7-Eleven early last year.

Earlier this year, 7-Eleven announced it was selling two Wilson Farms stores in Batavia. Industry reports at the time indicated 7-Eleven was not interested in locations that sell gas, but 7-Eleven recently rebranded the former Wilson Farms location in Oakfield.

While a source tells us the property owner plans to discontinue gas sales at the West Main Street location in the city, we've not yet been able to confirm that with a company representative.

The property is .35 acres and stretches from the shared property line with Settler's west toward Lambert's Design Jewelers, with a length of green space in between the buildings.

Fuel tank removal is expected to take another week or two.

UPDATE: A spokeswoman for 7-Eleven said the property is on the company's "divestiture list." It will be sold.

Batavia's newest restaurant, Daphne's, set to open in former St. Nick's on Monday

By Howard B. Owens

Daphne Cross started her professional life as a waitress. Now she's a restaurant owner, and her new business has her name on it.

The sign was installed today. The restaurant opens Monday.

The location will be familiar to a lot of area residents. It's on South Swan Street at the former St. Nick's Social Club.

Jeremy Yasses bought the building in June partially hoping to revive the legendary club, but when that idea didn't go as he'd hoped, he let Cross know the building was available.

"It's a nice location," Cross said. "It's big. It's on the Southside. There are residents around. They're excited. Somebody stops in every day."

The grand opening will be in three or four weeks after Cross's liquor license is approved.

For the past several weeks, Cross and crew have been busy cleaning, painting and installing equipment.

Her chef, Mark DeCann, said the menu will feature Italian dishes, seafood and steak.

"The three basics everybody wants," DeCann said.

He promises, "It will be good."

Photo: UMMC's new patient simulator

By Howard B. Owens

UMMC invited the public into the ICU unit today to see a new patient simulator that will be used to help train hospital staff.

The $60,000 machine is a gift from CHART, the hospital’s insurance carrier. It provides a realistic representation of various medical conditions so medical personnel can practice everything from inserting an IV to performing defibrillation.

For more info, click here.

Above, Dan Grower learns about the simulator from Pamela Lynch.

No contract and an endless fight between contractor and homeowner in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Retired nurse Valerie Hill says she hasn't had a place to live for seven-and-half years, and she blames a local contractor for leaving her with a new house that can't pass final inspection.

The contractor, Bryan Wormley, said Hill would have gotten a certificate of occupancy in 2005 if she had let him complete the work.

The home, at 5520 Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, was supposed to cost $200,000. What is has wound up costing both sides is a lot of grief, heartache, worry and attorneys' fees.

Neither Wormley nor Hill ever signed a contract, a mistake they say they both now regret.

"That part is definitely my fault," Wormley said. "I was trying to help her out."

Wormley and Hill had known each other for some time before an afternoon in 2005 when they crossed paths shortly after Hill returned from Punta Gorda, Fla., where Hill has a winter residence. Hurricane Charlie had just devastated her community there and two of her friends died in the natural disaster.

Hill was relaxing beside a pond on her daughter's property in Stafford that day. She said Wormley drove up in a golf cart.

“He came over to me and put his arm around me and said, ‘Oh Valarie, I hear you’ve been through a terrible time, and that you’re going to build a house,' " Hill said. "He told me he had been building houses for 18 years. He made these wonderful promises to me. At that point of my life I had been through a lot down in Florida. He promised me it would be wonderful."

Hill already had blueprints and another contractor had said he could build the home for $239,000.

According to court documents, Wormley promised Hill he could build the home for $200,000.

At trial, Wormley reportedly admitted that while he reviewed the blueprints, he never prepared a formal cost estimate.

There is also disagreement over whether the agreed upon price of $200,000 was supposed to cover any changes or modifications to the plan.

There were apparently numerous changes -- and some dispute over whether these were actual variances to the the verbal agreement between the two parties -- and none of the changes were documented with signed work orders.

Following the bench trial, which ended in February, Judge Robert C. Noonan awarded Hill $45,000, plus interest, resulting in a money judgment against Wormley for $71,967.

Noonan's ruling found in Hill's favor on one cause of action -- breach of contract by Wormley.

Hill said she's spent $130,000 on attorney fees, Wormley puts his legal bill at about $80,000.

Citing case law, Noonan arrived at the $45,000 figure based on the estimates received by the court. The low estimate is $17,680 submitted by Ed Leising. The $45,000 estimate was submitted by Ronald Cudney.

Hill submitted an estimate "to bring the property up to Hill's expectations" of $54,090.

Wormley said he doesn't have much respect for Cudney, considers the estimate way out of line and said the house could be completed for $15,000.

According to Noonan's written decision, Hill paid $182,000 during construction of the house. Wormley claimed a total of $244,130 should be paid. Based on evidence, Noonan reduced that price to $231,850.

Hill also paid $36,500 directly to various vendors.

That meant Hill was entitled to total credits of $218,500.

"However, other than sporadic invoices, there is no document, job cost report, or other accounting document which sets forth the amounts Wormley expended," Noonan wrote. "Wormley acknowledges that there is nothing in writing which memorializes Hill's agreement to pay any of the alleged extra or additional charges."

The court found in favor of Wormley on $16,950 in charges. Given the finding in favor of Hill for $218,500 in credits, Wormley was due only $216,950, so Hill owed him nothing further, Noonan ruled.

Hill said she's heard through friends that Wormley has said he won't pay the judgment against him. Wormley flatly denies it.

He said he may be able to only pay $500 a month, but he intends to pay the judgment.

First however, Wormley said, he plans to appeal the judgment.

He thinks Hill lied on the witness stand on several points and that if he can prove it, he will win on appeal.

He also believes he has a case against Hill for defamation. He said anything she has told the news media about the case is a lie, that he believes she's under a gag order from the court, and he takes particular issue with a sign she's put on the front porch of the Horse Shoe Lake Road house that accuses Wormley of leaving the house behind with 109 code violations.

Wormley said the sign simply isn't accurate. He said there may be four or five items that need to be fixed to bring the structure up to code, but everything else on the list of trouble areas completed by Leising is either fixed or finished. They are nothing, he said, that would prevent Stafford's building inspectors from issuing a certificate of occupancy.

On the morning a pair of reporters showed up at Hill's place, Wormley (who has a temporary business location on Horseshoe Lake Road) drove by, stopped, took a cell phone picture and yelled, "I'm going to sue you for slander, Valarie."

When the reporters looked down, Hill asked if they had seen Wormley flip her off.

She claims Wormley has given her the finger before, and to her grandchildren.

Wormley characterized Hill as a habitual liar who has been going around town bad-mouthing him.

"This has gone on for several years," Wormley said. "Before this, I've never been to court once. I've never had a customer I couldn't satisfy. Valarie is a bold-faced liar."

Hill said she started feeling like a dissatisfied customer as soon as the basement was dug. She said Wormley's crews dug it too deep. That forced unwanted modifications to the house plans and caused flooding problems in the basement, she said.

"If I knew then what I know now, there should have been a stop work order right then," Hill said.

Then there were the changes in the plans, from the type of roof vents, the width of the stairwell going downstairs, the size of the Florida room and sliding glass doors to a dispute over whether the agreement even included a finished basement.

Hill also complained about crossed wiring, a garage door that doesn't open and numerous unfinished tasks around the house.

One of the things HIll said she insisted on -- and it's part of the blueprints -- is a roof vent along the length of the roof line. Instead, Wormely installed pocket vents.

"One of the things my husband told me before he died (that was 17 years ago) is that if he ever build another house, he would get a ridge vent," Hill said.

If there is one thing he knows well, Wormley said, it is roofing and he said in WNY conditions, a ridge vent is a bad idea. It doesn't circulate air well enough and is more prone to getting clogged with dust.

It would also be an easy fix, Wormley said, only a few hundred dollars to convert the roof to ridge venting now. He said he would have done it if Hill had allowed him to complete the project.

As for the width of the stairs, he said he was trying to compensate for a poorly drawn plan. The stairs are right at the front door and there wasn't enough space in the original plans for a person to walk into the living room. He said he considered it a safety issue.

As for the other items, he said they would have been finished if Hill hadn't locked him out of the house in October 2005, but he also said he had stopped sending work crews over out of concern that Hill had said she was running out of money.

This was right after Hill contracted with a local business to install a $35,000 kitchen.

Wormley was going to install a $15,000 kitchen using a local contractor who doesn't have a showroom.

Hill said she didn't want to buy a kitchen out of a barn.

Wormley said before Hill filed suit, he offered her $245,000 for the house and the property, and she turned him down. He said his attorney in Denver has documentation of the offer, and The Batavian requested the documentation. Wormley said his attorney can be slow to return calls now that the case is over. The Batavian has yet to receive the documentation.

Noonan found that Hill started denying Wormley and his crew access to the house because of her concerns over substandard work and unauthorized changes to the plans.

The too-deep basement meant, according to Hill, that she doesn't have as high of a stone face around the base of the house, that her basement windows that are supposed to be above grade, are below grade (and the back windows are too big), and that instead of having five stairs at the front of the house, she has only three.

Each summer, Hill said she's been trying to finish the house herself, dealing with the alleged code violations one at a time so she might be able to live in the house.

The house was supposed to make it easy for her to see her daughter and spend time with her grandchildren -- both teenagers now -- and those years have all been taken from her, she said.

After years of trying to get help, a local contractor finally did come to her place to help repair something and when he stepped on a back stairwell, she said, the stairwell collapsed and he was injured.

"The only person who has come to help me got hurt," Hill said tearfully. "That man fell through the steps and got hurt. I’m tired and I’m angry. I’m doing all of this work myself. I’m trying to get it pass code. I’ve lost 63 pounds since May trying to do this myself. I can’t do it all by myself."

That incident is why she put the sign in front of the house, she said, naming Wormley and accusing him of leaving the house with 109 code violations.

Both Wormley and Hill claim to be in financial straits. 

For Wormley, his big setback came when the owners of the former Victorian Manor, Sunwest, went bankrupt. Contractors, including Wormley, lost $1.5 million on the remodeling project there.

Since then, Wormley has had at least one of his own properties go into foreclosure, piled up a couple of money judgments from vendors and is being forced to sell his office property on Clinton Street Road.

Hill said she's now out of money. She sold her 3,000-square-foot home in Stafford in 2005, anticipating moving into the new house just yards from her daughter's home (her daughter actually owns the lot Hill's house is on). Every dime she got from that sale, she said, has gone into construction of the new home or fighting Wormley in court.

All of Hill's belongings were moved into the house on Horseshoe Lake Road in November 2005 after her previous residence sold, but Hill said she hasn't been able to live there since there is no certificate of occupancy.

"I've been living with my daughter, her friends, other relatives, back and forth to Florida," Hill said. Breaking down, she added, "I've slept in a barn. When I wake up in the morning, I have to look around to see where I am. For seven and half years. Friends and family. I get tired. I feel like I’m in everybody’s way now. I have no home of my own."

Wormley said this is just another of Hill's lies. He said when Hill sought reimbursement for her expenses, she provided his attorney with water and cable TV bills. The bills showed a spike in water use in the summer, and the cable was only turned on in the summer.

Hill has been living at the house, Wormley said, every summer since 2005.

"If you talk to any of the neighbors," he said, "they'll tell you they see her car in and out of the garage a thousand times a day."

Public invited to see patient simulator at UMMC open house

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

United Memorial’s Education Department will host an Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 2 – 5:30 p.m. in room 202 at the hospital in order to demonstrate the new patient simulator. The simulator, a $60,000 piece of equipment was provided to United Memorial at no cost from CHART, the organization’s insurance carrier. It will be used to educate clinical staff.

The simulator is wireless, lifelike and can be used to assist with training for multiple airway skills, catheter placement, airway complications and breathing complications. It has cardiac and circulation features, vascular access, blinking eyes, secretions, urine output, bowel sounds and the instructor can make it speak. The simulator can function as a male or female patient.

Pam Lynch, director of education; Kevin Aldrich, 2nd Floor nurse manager; Mary Lama, 3rd Floor clinical care coordinator and Judy Clark, ICU nurse manager were educated as trainers for the new equipment. The simulator assists in improving patient care and safety. It allows new students to practice basic nursing skills and veteran nurses to learn the latest technologies and use of new practices and equipment.

The public is welcome to attend this open house.

Speakers in Alabama express hope and fear over proposed 1,200 acre technology park

By Howard B. Owens

For Holly Nelson, the proposed 1,200-acre technology business park in the Town of Alabama is both something to dread and something that seems like a good opportunity.

She's not alone in her conflicted feelings. Nearly a dozen people spoke at a public hearing Thursday night in the town's fire hall and expressed both a wish that Alabama remain a small, rural community, and that it embrace jobs and growth.

"I moved back here so I could be in the country," Nelson said during a short statement where she fought back tears. "If we had known what would happen, that this would be proposed, when we started building our home, we never would have built it. My whole family is here and loves Alabama. I don't want to lose that, but I do want my kids to be able to stay here and have a place to work. I'm so torn."

After speaking another minute or so, she said, "I'm scared," and seemingly unable to hold back the tears any longer, she walked away from the mic.

The purpose of Thursday's meeting was to give interested members of the public -- especially Alabama residents -- a chance to raise any issues with a proposed compensation package from the Genesee County Economic Development Center and the necessary changes in zoning for the site.

In all, the total estimated benefit to the town is $8.5 million, including $5.2 million for a new public water system. The town will also receive a commission on the sale of the land in park -- to be known as the Science, Technology, Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) -- as manufacturers are signed to build facilities on the property.

The first speaker was an organized labor representative who encouraged Alabama residents to support STAMP because both in the construction and in the new factories, it could bring good-paying jobs to the region.

He was followed by Alabama resident Doug Crosen who encouraged the town board to not be swayed by outside voices.

"There's going to be huge pressure from the outside both for and against it, but the decision better be about our town," Crosen said.

Among Crosen's concerns is whether the money for public water will cover hook-ups for residents, and whether residents will have the option to say on well water.

Anita Goras said she had split feelings about the project.

"This is going to be in my back yard and that's where my cows are right now," Goras said. "I am open. I know I'm not going to live forever and I would like to see my grandchildren be able to come back here and work."

Kevin Sheehan, deputy mayor for Albion, told the board that if Alabama didn't want STAMP, Orleans County will take it. He encouraged the board to approve the project for the sake of all of Western New York.

Bruce Pritchett -- who grew up in Alabama, still lives on Maple Road, and teaches in Albion -- said he understands the desire to keep Alabama a small farming community, but young people, he said, need jobs, they need a reason to say in Genesee County.

"There are not a lot of jobs available," Pritchett said. "We send our jobs overseas. There's nothing here for people. This is a great opportunity. As a community, I hope we take advantage of this opportunity we have and make the best of it."

Tom Walsh, a Corfu resident, said he understands the resistance from some, but encouraged Alabama to move forward with the project.

"I know it scares a lot of people," Walsh said. "If it came to Corfu, I'd probably be a little scared for me at first, but I would know at least there would be some work for people."

Vance Wyder Jr., said he's a 40-year-old disabled military veteran who really only knows farming. He isn't sure he and other farming community members can really be trained for the kind of jobs STAMP will bring. He's worried about losing farming jobs, which are harder and harder to come by in Alabama, and then the new jobs not being filled by local residents. He said nobody has really assured him that local residents can and will be trained for the jobs.

"My message to the board is be cautious, be wary, make sure you are doing the right thing for our town and not for the almighty dollar, because in the end, the almighty dollar might kick us in the ass," he said.

Another speaker, a gentleman who has worked in IT for 20 years and is a resident of Alabama, said the board should be mindful of the potential for spinoff businesses from high-tech manufacturers.

He encouraged the board to ensure any businesses coming in reinvest in the local business community, such as by creating an incubator for start-up tech firms.

"We don't need some monolithic company with 1,800 jobs that never talks to the town after it's in place," he said.

Max Merten seemed the most strongly opposed to STAMP. He said he moved to Alabama 20 years ago to live in a rural community and he doesn't want it to change. He said he raised his kids to work, not push paper.

He's worried, he said, that the project is being pushed through the process too quickly.

"We don't need more jobs in a cornfield," Merten said.

Angela Kost concluded the round of speakers with the same ambiguity that set the tone for the meeting.

"I don't want to see it in my back yard, obviously," Kost said. "I don't think anybody in Alabama wants that, but it is a good opportunity."

The town board will meet within two weeks to take formal action on the proposals.

ARC hosts workforce recognition luncheon

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Genesee ARC saluted local business partners during a luncheon Thursday, celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The event is an opportunity to thank local businesses for believing in the abilities of the ARC workforce, both in the community and through Work Center subcontracts.

The theme of this year’s NDEAM awareness campaign is "Building an Inclusive Workforce" and focuses on recruiting, hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. Scott Jones, Genesee ARC director of Vocational Services, thanked business partners and asked them to share their ARC experience with colleagues in the business community.

“We can help place, train and work alongside an individual to help them succeed at a job placement,” Jones said. “Our success rate is phenomenal and we have a team of enthusiastic workers, with a variety of skills."

One individual on the ARC workforce was singled out for recognition at the luncheon. Roxy Kio of Batavia is one of 59 Joslin Outstanding Performers recognized through NYSID’s annual people-centered awards program.

NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled) is a not-for-profit business which administers Preferred Source contracts for goods and services in support of state and local government procurement budgets, to achieve its mission of “Turning business opportunities into JOBS for New Yorkers with disabilities.”

Roxy joined the Genesee ARC workforce in February 2011. She learned about different types of contract work jobs and was initially trained on piecework tasks. She quickly mastered her new work skills and was open-minded to learning more about training and new assignments.

In March of last year, she began working with the janitorial crew and due to her thoroughness and attention to detail, she worked at 100-percent productivity rate. Over the summer, Roxy joined the Culinary Arts team at the Genesee ARC Community Center and has been assisting daily with the Meals on Wheels contract.

As a ‘Joslin Outstanding Performer’ Roxy received a certificate of achievement and cash award in a presentation by Assemblyman Steve Hawley. She will also be featured in NYSID’s annual yearbook.

Genesee ARC works with about 60 local business partners through individual employee placements, the trash & recycling center, work center and community contracts.

Businesses who want to learn about the benefits of building an inclusive workforce may contact Scott Jones at 343-1123 or scjones@rochester.rr.com.

Submitted photo: Scott Jones, ARC, Roxy Kio, award recipient, Margie Werder, NYSID, Donna Saskowski, ARC executive director, and Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Applicants sought for Leadership Genesee

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Leadership Genesee, a community leadership program uniting a diverse group of people from business, government, and non-profit organizations to study local issues is seeking applicants for its 2013 class.

Our community needs succession planning for leadership, not just elected, appointed or paid employment leadership, but the kind that receives no ‘paycheck’.  Community volunteers who work tirelessly for organizations that improve the health of the human condition must understand the issues facing the community in order to be effective.  Leadership Genesee provides the education and training for leaders as it explores the community and encourages the leader within.

Each year, Leadership Genesee selects 25 individuals to participate in a unique form of adult citizenship education.  The year-long curriculum is designed to raise awareness of the needs and challenges that affect Genesee County and enhance individual leadership skills through practice with a focus on civic responsibility and community stewardship.  Through group activities, tours and presentations by key community leaders, Leadership Genesee is developing leadership for our community, with our community and in our community.  Annual tuition is $1,950.

For an application or information, call Peggy Marone, Leadership Genesee director at 343-3040 x 118 or visit our web site at www.leadershipgenesee.shutterfly.com.  Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension which provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Nominations open for annual chamber awards

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Committee has announced the 2012 Annual Award Dinner will be held on Saturday, April 13 at the Clarion Hotel, Park Road, Batavia. This is the county’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

The chamber has streamlined its nomination forms to make submissions less cumbersome and time consuming. Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for: Business of the Year; Entrepreneurial Business of the Year; Agricultural Business of the Year; Innovative Enterprise of the Year; Special Service Recognition; and Geneseean of the Year. Business nominees must be a chamber member (If unsure of your nominee, call the chamber to verify). 

Nomination forms are available at the chamber of commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. and can also be downloaded from the chamber Web site at www.geneseeny.com.

If you would like more information, feel free to call Kelly J. Bermingham, director of Membership & Special Events, at the chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 26.

Photo: Sporting breast cancer awareness T-shirts

By Howard B. Owens

The staff of Genesee Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness month by wearing City of Batavia Fire Department breast cancer awareness T-shirts.

Chamber of Commerce fall seminar series begins Oct. 9

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce announces the Schedule for their Fall Membership Seminar Series. These exciting Seminars are a way to help you stay informed of the hot topics facing your business today! 

The Fall Seminars will cover topics such as Social Media, Banking, Health Insurance, Finances and Industrial Maintenance. We have leading experts in each industry to present and share their knowledge with you.

Presenters include: Colin Dentino, independent marketing consultant; Robert Bennett, The Bank of Castile; Mark Wolcott, Key Bank; Joanne McInerney, Tompkins Insurance Agencies; and Tom Steffenilla, Adept Equipment Services.

In order to keep these seminars intimate and allow for a more personalized setting they will be limited to 20 people per session. We feel this will create a more casual environment that will allow attendees to feel more comfortable to participate and ask questions.

All seminars will be held at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. Networking & light refreshments will begin at 7:45 a.m. with the seminar to start promptly at 8 and end at 9.

All sessions are free for chamber members and $5 for non-members. Call Kelly B. at 343-7440, ext. 26, to RSVP. REMEMBER each seminar is limited to 20 on a first-come basis.

Fall Schedule of Seminars:

Tuesday, Oct. 9

Social Media -- Colin Dentino, Independent Marketing Consultant

"What is it ... and do we really need to use it?"

Thursday, Oct. 18

Banking -- Robert Bennett, Vice President, The Bank of Castile

"Changing technologies and how to bank from your office"

Tuesday, Oct. 23

Financial -- Mark Wolcott Sr., Relationship Manager, Key Bank

"How to qualify and apply for a business loan / The ins and outs and what banks are really looking for!"

Thursday, Nov. 1

Industrial Maintenance, Part 1 -- Tom Steffenilla, President & Owner, Adept Equipment Services

"Identification and use of test equipment"

Tuesday, Nov. 13

Health Insurance -- Joanne McInerney, Vice President, Employee Benefits Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc.

"Health care reform and how it affects your business!"

Tuesday, Nov. 20

Industrial Maintenance, Part 2 -- Tom Steffenilla, President & Owner, Adept Equipment Services

"Industrial circuits using common schematics"

Mark Masse, senior VP at GCEDC, honored by Buffalo Business First

By Billie Owens

Mark Masse, senior vice pesident of operations of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, was recently selected by Buffalo Business First as a "40 Under 40" honoree for 2012.

An independent panel of professionals identified Masse as one of Western New York's outstanding young leaders. Masse's professional success with the GCEDC and his community involvement made him a logical choice for this top award.

Masse is a graduate of Le Roy High School and Nazareth College of Rochester with a degree in accounting, and is a certified public accountant in New York State. He had been with Freed, Maxick & Battaglia for 15 years before joining the GCEDC.

He specialized in small business issues that deal with corporations, subchapter S corporations, partnerships and individuals.

At the GCEDC, Mark's key roles and responsibilities cover program management of all its real estate development and infrastructure projects, overseeing office operations, and engaging in sales and community development.

Read his full biography here:

http://www.gcedc.com/index.php/gcedc/gcedc-staff/?utm_source=GCEDC+September+2012+Newsletter&utm_campaign=September+Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Free brochures on GC agri-tourism available at chamber of commerce

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce offers a new brochure which highlights agricultural-related visitor experiences throughout Genesee County.

The chamber's tourism program developed the brochure with assistance from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Locals will find the brochure helpful as a current resource for agricultural related tours and shopping experiences. The brochure has detailed listings for gardens, u-picks, orchards, farm tours, and specialty items like local honey and maple syrup.

Free brochures are available at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. The digital version of the brochure can be viewed online from the homepage of the chamber's tourism Web site. Just click on the cow image on the www.VisitGeneseeNY.com homepage.

For more information, please call the chamber's tourism staff at 343-7440.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County. Tourism is the county's 2nd largest industry with an economic impact of nearly $130 million.

www.VisitGeneseeNY.com
 

Grease Lightning offering pink blades to 'wipe out' breast cancer

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Car Care Month, Grease Lightning auto repair shops are for the third year partnering with AutoTex to sell AutoTex PINK wiper blades in their stores.

With each sale of AutoTex PINK products, a donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The blades can be found locally at: Grease Lightning, 4003 West Main St., 2418 North Main St., Warsaw and at Castrol Premium Lube Express, 50 Liberty St. Batavia and 29 East South St., Geneseo.

AutoTex Pink wiper blades come in black with a pink ribbon insignia or an all pink style

Grease Lightning Founder Ben Thompson is thrilled to be partnering with AutoTex again.

“There is almost no one alive who isn't affected by breast cancer, either personally fighting the deadly disease, or watching a friend or loved one deal with the tragic consequences of breast cancer. Our team is happy to support the cause, and our customers seem happy when they make a purchase -- knowing that they are supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

AutoTex PINK is a women-owned and created company based in Pine Brook, NJ that is among the nation's leading global suppliers of windshield wipers. Get more info at www.autotexpink.com

Grease Lightning is on the Web at mygreaselightning.com

All of the bounty of fall available at Pully's in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

My intention was to stop for sweet corn. What I found when I pulled into Pully's Farm Market on Route 19 in Le Roy was a fall festival.

Owner Dave Pullyblank opened the market in the spring of 2008 on the farm that has been in his family since 1804. His goal then as now is to turn the farm into a family-friendly, agri-tourism attraction.

For fall, Pully has transformed his farm into a wonderland of play areas colored by the vibrant oranges, yellows and greens of the harvest season.

There is a corn maze, pumpkin cannon, corn (instead of sand) box and duck race, but Pully said the number-one attraction is the pumpkins.

The variety, he believes is the largest available in any single location in New York State.

"What I say is all these weird colored pumpkins, that’s fall," Pullyblank said. "You won’t find more variety of a decorative product in any other place. Anybody can grow an orange pumpkin. You won’t find anybody else growing that product in there (the green house)."

Pully's goal is to be a year-round destination. In the spring he sells bedding flowers, hanging baskets and vegetable seedlings. During the summer, he sells produce, including sweet corn, which he believes is the sweetest you'll find, plus tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash.

"The biggest thing I tell the folks, at the end of the day, the stuff that hasn’t sold goes to my cows, so when you come the next day, the stuff was picked that morning," Pullyblank said.

He wants kids to learn where their food comes from, Pully said. Eventually, he plans to include farm animals as part of his attractions for families.

For winter, Pully would like to sell u-cut and pre-cut Christmas trees, but two dry summers have slowed the growth of the trees.

What Pully doesn't sell, he brings in from other area farms.

"I can’t do it all, but I want to get it from the other farmers as close as I can," Pullyblank said.

All of the attractions and products at Pully's now will be available through the end of October.

The property has been in Pully's family for at least six generations and Pully got his start driving a tractor for his grandfather when he was 7. Pully said his farm is the last of the original four Le Roy farms still being run as a family operation by the original family.

The spring of 2008 turned out not to be a great time to start a new business, Pully admitted. It hasn't always been easy to grow a business during down economic times, but each year he keeps adding new products and new attractions.

"You have to keep going forward," Pullyblank said. "No matter what, you’ve got to keep going forward. If you don’t, you’re going to go stagnate and then there’s no reason for people to come out and see what you’re doing."

Pully's Farm Market is located 8160 Lake Road, Le Roy.

Photo: Open house at Northwoods Alpaca Farm in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

Laura DiPasquala, center of the photo, got her wish today -- she visited an Alpaca farm.

The DiPasquala's said they've driven past the Northwoods Alpaca Farm in Bergen many times, but today was the perfect day to stop. Owners Belinda and Bob Grant were hosting an open house.

Northwoods is part of a tour of Alpaca farm tour in Western New York (the open house continues on Sunday) aimed at promoting alpaca fiber (it's not called fur) for clothing and promoting alpaca farming to increase the number of growers in the nation.

Alpaca fiber is known for its soft texture, moisture resistance, warmth and comfort.

The Grants have operated Northwoods for about eight years.

Laura and Rich DiPasquala are from Greece.

Chamber of commerce announces new Web site

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce has just launched its newly redesigned Web site at www.GeneseeNY.com. Web site visitors will notice easier navigation in finding relevant community information, such as census data, major employers, employment information, as well as an easier to search chamber member database.  

Key upgrades were made to the Community Calendar section and adding interactive functionality. The new site also allows users to easily print the data they find on the site. 

The chamber is currently seeking updates to the popular Clubs & Organizations directory for Genesee County.  Please visit the Community section of the new site to see if your club or organization's data is listed. If it is not listed, we need your updated contact information.

Darien Lakes announced new thrill ride and 'Laser Blast' show upgrades

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Darien Lake announced exciting plans for the 2013 season including a major upgrade to the popular Laser Blast show and a new tower thrill ride.

Leading off the improvements is an extensive upgrade to the popular nightly Laser Blast show, adding cutting-edge water technology, pyrotechnics, and high-value production that will transform the classic laser show into a new summer spectacular, “Ignite the Night.”

The show will feature a 60-foot water screen as the backdrop to an action-packed show that chronicles events from the 1950s to today, including a tribute to Canada and our country’s heroes.

“We are really pleased to be able to bring this show to Darien Lake,” said Darien Lake General Manager Bob Montgomery. “Guests who enjoyed our Laser Blast show will be amazed at the new lifelike video projected onto the huge, 60-foot water screen. The special effects are incredible. Think Laser Blast on steroids!”

The other major improvement is called “Blast Off" -- a 185-foot thrill ride that will accelerate thrill-seekers to the top of a tower in a way that simulates an actual NASA launch.

“Guests will experience the feeling of 4G, equivalent to what the astronauts in the Space Shuttle experience. It is a real thrill,” Montgomery said.

Blast Off will be located in the “Waterfront Boardwalk” area, which will undergo significant renovations in the off-season. The Waterfront Boardwalk will celebrate the nostalgia of New York’s popular lakeside resorts and communities of the 1950s and will include classic rides like the Grand Carousel and The Big Wheel, along with new dining options and a “jumping water” attraction where kids of all ages will enjoy splashing and chasing dancing water streams.

“This new area will be all about Buffalo and Western New York’s wonderful lakes. It will be bustling with activity and provide a great opportunity for family fun,” Montgomery said.

Both new attractions will be ready for opening day 2013, which is set for Saturday, May 11.

Season Passes for the 2013 season are available for purchase online at www.DarienLake.com or at Darien Lake during operating hours for only $64.99 plus tax each. Guests can purchase season passes now and get free admission to Fright Fest plus receive the best price and benefit package of the season including free parking with every pass, free tickets for friends and more! 

2013 Season Pass purchasers also will be invited to a special “Sneak Peak” on Friday, May 10. Full information on the Darien Lake season pass program can be found online at www.DarienLake.com/plan-a-visit/season-pass.

Consultant says there are options for saving Wiss Hotel building in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy's Wiss Hotel, often referred to as a lost cause, may yet be saved.

A group of citizens pooled their resources and hired Perry-based revitalization expert Rick Hauser to conduct a feasibility study on whether the Wiss could once again be a viable business.

Hauser's short answer: Yes.

Though an expensive proposition, the old hotel building is structurally sound enough to be restored and the resulting mix of retail space and apartments would provide a return on investment.

Hauser's report suggests creating a limited liability corporation that would take the lead on the project.

Funds would come from investors -- both cash and in-kind (such as a plumber doing work in exchange for shares in the company -- tax abatement and a no-interest loan from the village.

Rather than spending upwards of $400,000 to destroy the Wiss and remediate any existing environmental problems, the money would help seed the restoration and rebirth of the building at the corner of Route 19 and Route 5, the west-end entry into the village.

The village would also need to apply for and receive National Register Historic District designation that includes the building.

The financial analysis also assumes a 10-year PILOT grant from the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Hauser's feasibility study proposes four retail spaces on the first floor and five large, high-ceiling, light-filled, market-rate apartments -- ranging in size from 800 to nearly 1,400 square feet -- on the second and third floors.

Under such a plan, at 100-percent occupancy, the building would eventually turn over $34,000 in annual net profit.

There was little discussion of the report -- which wasn't an item on the agenda -- at the village board meeting Wednesday night.

Supporters of the project said they just wanted to get the report in the hands of trustees quickly, before the village committed to destruction of the building.

Authentically Local