Business

Press release:

In an effort to assist current business customers with unexpected financial burdens faced during the current COVID-19 crisis, and on the heels of its recently announced relief for consumer loan customers, Tompkins Financial has implemented a loan assistance program for its eligible commercial clients.

Tompkins’ new Loan Assistance Program provides up to 60 days of deferment for all commercial loans.

“We understand that companies, including our small business customers, are the backbone of the U.S. economy and that they need our support during this critical time more than ever,” said Stephen Romaine, president and CEO. “As a community bank, it is our duty to assist businesses in the best way we can, which includes taking a market-leading position on loan deferment that we hope will inspire others to do the same during this time of unexpected hardship.”

Tompkins announced late Wednesday that it would provide this program as well as loan relief options to retail customers, preceding New York State’s announcement Thursday. Loan customers who are experiencing challenges with loan repayment should contact their banker via phone or email immediately, or reach out to Tompkins’ Customer Care Center at 1-888-300-0110 to review options that may be available to them. 

About Tompkins Financial Corporation

It is a financial services company serving the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Ithaca, NY, Tompkins Financial is parent to Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Tompkins VIST Bank, Tompkins Insurance Agencies Inc., and offers wealth management services through Tompkins Financial Advisors. For more information on Tompkins Financial, visit online.

From the U.S. Small Business Administration:

Given the trying times we’re dealing we wanted to give you some updates you can pass along to your businesses. The first question businesses should be asking is of their current bankers and landlords. Are they able to defer payments for a few months? On current SBA Loans banks do have the authority to provide a deferment. Given the situation, we hope that landlords and other lenders would provide deferment as well.

Next, New York State has been approved and declared a State eligible for C for the novel coronavirus. Businesses can apply for these loans at: www.sba.gov/disaster

Disaster Loan Fact Sheet

It is a good idea for folks to have 3 years of tax returns, P&L from last year, Balance Sheet, Monthly Cash Flow and a listing of their liabilities (Mortgages, loans, etc.) together before applying. These loans do not replace lost sales but can cover fixed costs such as rent, utilities and payroll (if keeping employees).

I am doing a webinar with the Better Business Bureau and Lynn Oswald from our NCCC SBDC on Wednesday, March 25th from noon to 1 p.m. Please join us from the webinar as we’ll explain more about the Disaster Loan program and give other tips and resources for business survival in this trying time. Link to register.

Our Small Business Development Centers, SCORE Mentors and Women’s Business Center are operating during this time. Most are doing appointments via phone or web conference, but are available for businesses who have questions.

Please let me know if you need anything or have any further questions.

Best regards,

Greg Lindberg

Small Business Administration

Statement from Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association:

“We are happy to announce that all New York small businesses, including restaurants, are now eligible for low-interest loans through the federal Small Business Administration.

"Up until (now), New York businesses were unable to apply for these much needed loans due to communities not being listed as 'disaster areas.' Through continued conversations with Empire State Development and representatives from the federal SBA program, we’ve conveyed how serious the situation is for New York restaurants.

"Many have already shut their doors and will not be able to reopen. While this is a great first step, we need to find additional ways to save the restaurant industry. When this pandemic is over, going out for a nice meal will help us all feel normal again. But some restaurants simply won’t make it.”

UPDATE 1:48 p.m.: “We can’t thank Governor Cuomo and state officials enough for forgiving interest and penalties on late sales tax payments," Fleishut said. "For some restaurants, this little bit of breathing room could mean the difference between paying employees and shutting their doors forever. That being said, this relief is temporary, and we’ll continue to advocate for additional ways to help restaurants survive during this crisis.”

From the New York State Workers Compensation Board:

New legislation signed by the governor provides a combination of benefits for eligible employees who are subject to an order of mandatory or precautionary quarantine or isolation issued by the state of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any government entity duly authorized to issue such order due to COVID-19.

These benefits vary depending on the size and annual income of the employer.

• Employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income less than $1 million will provide job protection for the duration of the quarantine order and employees may use Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine. These benefits may provide wage replacement up to a maximum combined total of $2,884.62 per week.
• Employers with 11-99 employees and employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income greater than $1 million will provide at least five days of paid sick leave, job protection for the duration of the quarantine order, and employees may use Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine. These benefits may provide wage replacement up to a maximum combined total of $2,884.62 per week.
• Employers with 100 or more employees, as well as all public employers, will provide at least 14 days of paid sick leave and guarantee job protection for the duration of the quarantine order.

Leave for Quarantine/Isolation of Employee’s Child

The legislation also provides Paid Family Leave for working parents whose minor dependent child is subject to an order of mandatory or precautionary quarantine or isolation. In addition to job protection, eligible employees may receive up to a maximum benefit of $840.70 per week for the duration of the quarantine.

Note: These benefits are not available to employees who are able to work through remote access or other means.

The provisions of the quarantine legislation take effect immediately, ensuring that New York workers will be able to take advantage of these benefits.

Questions?

For more information, visit ny.gov/COVIDpaidsickleave or call the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline at (888) 364-3065.

For more information or to apply for disability benefits and/or Paid Family Leave, visit PaidFamilyLeave.ny.gov/COVID19 or call the Paid Family Leave Helpline at (844) 337-6303.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today (March 19) announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to help facilitate the identification of foreign and domestic workers that may be available and eligible to transfer to other U.S. agricultural sector employers to fulfill critical workforce needs within the United States under existing regulatory authority during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ensuring minimal disruption for our agricultural workforce during these uncertain times is a top priority for this administration,” Secretary Perdue said. “President Trump knows that these workers are critical to maintaining our food supply and our farmers and ranchers are counting on their ability to work. We will continue to work to make sure our supply chain is impacted as minimally as possible.”

“American farmers and ranchers are at the frontlines of maintaining the nation’s food supply,” Secretary Scalia said. “In these unprecedented times, it is critical for them to have the workforce they need. This new partnership between USDA and DOL will help support our farmers, ranchers, and American families.”

Background

USDA and DOL have identified nearly 20,000 H-2A and H-2B certified positions that have expiring contracts in the coming weeks. There will be workers leaving these positions who could be available to transfer to a different employer’s labor certification. The data, available on www.farmers.gov/manage/h2a, includes the number of certified worker positions, the current employer name and contact, attorney/agent name and contact, and the worksite address

This information will be a resource to H-2A employers whose workforce has been delayed because of travel restrictions or visa processing limitations. Employers should be aware that all statutory and regulatory requirements continue to apply. Employers are encouraged to monitor www.travel.state.gov for the latest information and should monitor the relevant Embassy/Consular websites for specific operational information.

Press release:

In an effort to assist current customers with unexpected financial burdens faced during the current coronavirus crisis, Tompkins Bank of Castile has implemented a temporary loan assistance program for our customers.

Our new Loan Assistance Program offers two-month loan payment deferment for various loan types, including consumer and commercial loans and mortgages.

“Our commitment to our customers and community continues to be the driving force for all we do,” said John McKenna, president and CEO. “As a community bank, it is our duty to assist our customers when facing unexpected hardship. We’re grateful to be able to support our customers in any way we can.”

Customers who would like to participate in the program will need to contact their banker via phone or email immediately, or reach out to Tompkins Customer Care Center at 1-877-243-8030 to review options that may be available to them. Please visit our website for more information.

Press release:

In support of NY State’s efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Tompkins Bank of Castile is transitioning to serving customers by drive-up or appointment only as of today, March 19. To make an appointment, customers may call their preferred branch or the Tompkins Bank of Castile Care Center at 1-877-243-8030.

Mobile and Online banking remain available 24/7 for many banking needs, including depositing checks, paying bills, and more. Other service options include:   

• Full service 24 hour ATMs
• Night drop depositories (available at most branches) 

Customers should be aware that the Gainesville Branch will be closing, and the Amherst branch will be by appointment only. Customers who normally bank at the Gainesville Branch are encouraged to schedule appointments at the Warsaw and Castile offices. 

“We are committed to implementing every measure possible to take great care of our employees and our customers, while providing uninterrupted access to your funds,” said John McKenna, president and CEO of Tompkins Bank of Castile.

“We understand the challenges that we all will be facing in the coming weeks, but we want to assure all of our customers that your Tompkins family is here for you. Through the power of our community, our employees, and our customers – we can get through this together.”

The company continues to monitor the coronavirus situation closely, and is following the guidance of relevant authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and various state and local government entities. As such, all functions that can be accomplished outside of a physical branch or office location have been moved to a remote environment.

For the most current information on the actions Tompkins Bank of Castile is taking, please visit their website.

Tompkins Insurance Agencies customers are encouraged to call TIA’s Customer Care Center at 1-888-261-2688. 

Tompkins Financial Advisors clients are encouraged to contact their advisor directly, or call 1-800-275-4003.

Whitman Printing in Batavia is offering to print up to 100 takeout menus for free, for local restaurants/bars.

They will be printed using black ink and standard-size copy paper. No artwork or layout services – they’ll print from a file or copy an existing menu.

Besides the menus, Whitman Printing is also doing two other offers for the community:

• Free posters for COVID-19 recommendations available for pickup in their lobby, located at 3817 W. Main St. in Batavia;
• 50-percent off printing and copies for students and teachers.

Statement New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher:

“The agricultural community is strong. We understand adversity and come together in trying times. Our farms and agribusinesses are working hard to follow safety protocols and ensuring food production continues for the people of New York State and the country.

For this to continue, it is also important that agriculture remain open for business. New York Farm Bureau has sent a letter to Governor Cuomo commending him on the state’s response to COVID-19, but also asking that any mandatory business closures exempt farms, agricultural businesses that serve as a supply line, and food processing plants.

The letter reads in part, “Despite the spread of the COVID-19 virus, cows need to be milked, livestock needs to be fed, seeds need to be planted, machinery has to be repaired and regulations mandating environmental compliance will need to be met in order for food to continue to be placed on store shelves. The state’s food security and livestock health depend on obtaining an exemption from mandatory workplace staff reductions or closures for businesses across the state.”

In addition, New York Farm Bureau is concerned that the United States’ Consulates have suspended in-person processing of H-2A agricultural guest worker visas just as the spring planting season is weeks away. While we understand that plans are being implemented to consider workers who have previously been granted H-2A visas, it would halt the hiring of any new foreign workers. This could delay both planting and harvesting on farms and result in lower food production.

New York Farm Bureau has expressed our thoughts to the White House and members of New York’s congressional delegation. We have also encouraged our members to contact their representatives as well.

The letter to President Trump reads in part, “With the continued spread of COVID-19, now more than ever, it is essential that America maintain its level of high-quality food production to ensure food security for the nation. These H-2A visa workers help to plant, manage, and harvest essential crops, including fruits and vegetables. While we are not asking the Administration to jeopardize public health and safety or border security, NYFB requests that the Department of Labor (DOL) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ensure that all H-2A visa applications are reviewed and acted upon in a timely manner to ensure the flow of approved H-2A workers into the U.S.”

Americans are coming together to get through this pandemic as a united nation. Farmers are doing their part, and the people of this great state and country can rest assured we will get the job done for us all.”

Click here to read the full letter to Governor Cuomo.

Click here to read the full letter to President Trump.

New York Farm Bureau is the State’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau is dedicated to solving the economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural community.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is fighting for small business relief with the “Small Business Recovery Act of 2020,” an act that aims to provide critical financial help at a time when the survival of many small businesses hangs in the balance.

With small businesses making up 99 peaceful of business in New York State, and employing approximately half of the state’s workforce, the impacts of the COVID-19 virus, or coronavirus, threaten not only public health, but the entire state’s economy in the long term.

The Small Business Emergency Recovery Act of 2020 would:

• Immediately direct the state’s settlement reserve fund of $890 million toward small businesses;
• Create a 0-percent interest loan program dedicated to helping small businesses meet their payroll commitments;
• Repurpose available tax credits to help the needs of the state’s existing small businesses;
• Use all economic development discretionary funding for existing small businesses within New York State;
• Move tax deadlines for remittance, business tax, and personal income tax ahead 180 days, and;
• Suspend all regulatory fees on small businesses for 180 days.

“Our citizens are diligently following instructions as given to them by the state government in the interest of stopping the spread of this terrible virus,” Hawley said. “I don’t think  this drastic shift in lifestyle should punish citizens and families who own small businesses and do what we as legislators have asked.

"It’s not only in the best interest of the economy to support these businesses, but as neighbors, it’s the right thing to do for our fellow New Yorkers.”

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce has postponed their seventh annual Home Show due to Governor Cuomo’s coronavirus ban on gatherings of 500 or more people. The Home Show was scheduled for April 3-5 at the Falleti Ice Arena.

The Chamber plans on postponing the Home Show until later this year at a time when the pandemic ban is lifted. 

“The purpose of our Home Show has always been to put our area businesses in front of as many potential customers as possible,” said Chamber President Tom Turnbull. “We are trying hard to come up with ways to do just that during these extraordinary times.”

Bob Trombley had a nice side hustle going -- selling items that reminded people of pleasant pasts on eBay -- but doing that, working at the hospital in Warsaw, while raising four kids kept him a bit too busy.

So he decided, why not make the nostalgia business his main focus.

Saturday, joined by his wife and one of his children and the Chamber of Commerce, he cut the ribbon on his brand-new retail store in the Harvester Center, Vintage.

Just before cutting that ribbon, he recalled one customer who bought a radio-controlled car from him online. After the customer received it, he wrote Trombley a two-page email recalling the same RC car he lost at 13 and then spent 20 years looking for it again.

"Getting that meant everything to him," Trombley said. "It made me feel good about connecting those items to the past for people."

He wanted more of that.

“I noticed that a lot of items I sold online brought people happiness because they were things from their past," Trombley said.  

The new thrift and consignment store, will be more than a place to buy knickknacks from the past. He plans open mic nights on Thursdays (7 to 9). On Saturdays, parents can bring their kids in to "bang on the guitars on the wall" (and maybe get a free guitar lesson) (11 to noon). There will also be game nights and quilting lessons.

“We want a real sense of what it was like for me growing up in the '80s, just a real sense of a real community place," Trombley said.

Here's the Vintage internet link for hours and directions.

In terms of economic development, Genesee County has a lot to crow about, Ryan Silva, executive director of the New York State Economic Development Council, told the audience at Batavia Downs on Friday for the annual meeting luncheon of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

And crow county leaders should, he said.

The county has eight shovel-ready business parks that are already home to 37 businesses generating $809 million in economic output.

"That's staggering," Silva said. "That's great, but we need more."

When those eight parks -- including WNY STAMP, which does not yet have its first tenant -- are at capacity, he said, the economic output will double to $1.6 billion.

Getting those parks to capacity means putting more effort into increasing the local housing stock, of making Downtown a more attractive place to live, work, and play, to help capture those younger residents who might otherwise move away.

"Of course, the cost of doing business is one of the things that is a challenge for New York but that is why we have incentive programs," Silva said. "We want to offset the high cost of doing business, but then the next thing we want to talk about is workforce.

"When companies look at our region, they want to know that they can staff up in the first 12 months and have enough workers in 18 months. The more we do to partner with elementary schools, the more we can keep those future workers here."

Success means knowing what you're good at and building on those strengths.

"Genesee County is good at manufacturing, good at distribution, and good at agriculture," Silva said. "That economic cluster is an engine that drives the region."

Economic development is a risk, he noted. There are successes and failures along the way -- more successes but the failures often get more public attention, so local economic growth advocates should celebrate their accomplishments.

"Be proud of the work you're doing," he said. “It’s important for those who are naysayers out there for them to hear the good things that are happening in Genesee County.”

Theresa Bresten, VP and treasurer at HP Hood, one GCEDC's economic development success stories, accepts the 2020 Economic Development Partner of the Year Award.

Hood has hired 250 workers and is looking for 50 more. It's also recently purchased more land in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia with an eye toward future expansion. The core of the current plant was built by PepsiCo/Müller Dairy. Presenting the award was Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelly Stein.

State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer was congratulated on his retirement in 11 months from elective office after 12 years in the state Legislature with a silver-plated shovel. Ranzenhofer is widely credited with providing key political support to helping get WNY STAMP shovel ready.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley spoke to the burden New York politicians place on the business community and emphasized the need for economic development efforts to overcome those liabilities.

"While the challenges we face in New York are numerous and the focus of many state lawmakers involves enriching Downstate and New York City, Genesee County and Western New York have the potential to be the economic hub of Upstate New York," Hawley said. "Our diverse economy coupled with strong leadership and achievable solutions will continue to propel us forward."

GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde.

The 48th annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Awards were given out last night (March 7) at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia. This is the County’s premier event honoring businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

Honorees for 2019 were:

• Business of the Year: Tompkins Bank of Castile       
• Agricultural Organization of the Year: Call Lands/My-T-Acres   
• Special Service Recognition of the Year: Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship                             
• Geneseean of the Year: Jeff Allen

Photos courtesy of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

​Group photo above -- back row, from left: John McKenna - Tompkins Bank of Castile; Dan Kilker - Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship; Phil Call, Pete Call - Call Lands/My-T Acres; and Jeff Allen - director of Crossroads House. Front row, from left: Diane Torcello - Tompkins Bank of Castile; Gail Ehmann, Karen Reeverts - Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship; Marie Call - Call Lands/My-T-Acres; and Darla Allen.

Above at podium, John McKenna of Tompkins Bank of Castile.

Above, Pete Call at podium alongside Phil Call, of Call Lands/MY-T-Acres.

Above, Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship President Dan Kilker at podium.

Above, Crossroads House Director Jeff Allen.

Tompkins Bank of Castile is Genesee County's Business of the Year. Tompkins will receive the award tonight during an awards dinner at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

Press release:

Projects to revitalize an important downtown corridor in Batavia and to add 22 megawatts of community solar capacity in Genesee County received approval from the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors at the agency’s March 5 board meeting.

The seven projects approved for assistance have pledged more than $45 million of capital investments.

The Ellicott Station project, a $22 million mixed-use brownfield redevelopment project in Downtown Batavia, plans to construct 55 workforce apartments as part of an adaptive reuse of a former manufacturing facility on a brownfield site that would transform a major gateway to the city, and has applied for support from the New York State Office of Community Renewal.

Ellicott Place is a $3.1 million redevelopment of 45-47 Ellicott St. by V.J. Gautieri Constructors. The project includes the construction of 10 second-floor apartments at the existing facility, along with the development of first-floor storefronts and building-wide façade improvements.

Both projects support Genesee County’s EDGE economic development strategy for housing to support the growth of local businesses and were recognized as strategic projects in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) announced by Governor Cuomo in 2018.

Five community solar projects proposed by Borrego Solar include capital investments of approximately $21.6 million, and over 15 years are projected to produce more than $2 million to local taxing jurisdictions, including the Elba, Pembroke, and Akron school districts. Each project would also contribute $25,000 toward a community benefit agreement to support STEM education and economic development initiatives.

Borrego’s projects will be located at 3104 W. Main Street Road, 3232 W. Main Street Road and 5230 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road in the Town of Batavia and at 241 Knapp Road East and 241 Knapp Road West in the Town of Pembroke.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider final resolutions for two Batavia Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) strategic projects at the GCEDC’s Thursday, March 5, board meeting.

The Ellicott Station and Ellicott Place projects would add 65 new apartments that support Genesee County’s EDGE economic development strategy for housing to support the growth of Genesee County’s businesses and communities.

Ellicott Station is a $22.5 million mixed-use brownfield redevelopment project by Savarino Companies that includes adaptive reuse and new construction at 40, 50, 56 Ellicott St., a blighted property in a key gateway entrance to Downtown Batavia, and the creation of 20 additional jobs to Downtown Batavia’s business community.

Considerable brownfield remediation, site improvements, and construction is proposed, with the project proposing a five-story apartment building with 55 new modern workforce housing units, along with a brewery, restaurant/beer garden, and preparation for additional development at the 3.31-acre campus. 

Ellicott Station is requesting approximately $3.6 million in economic incentives, with a $2,105,792 property tax exemption, a $790,512 sales tax exemption, and a $180,792 mortgage tax exemption. Revenues from the project will also contribute to the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity brownfield redevelopment fund.

Ellicott Place is a $3.1 million redevelopment of 45-47 Ellicott St. by V.J. Gautieri Constructors that includes the creation of and access to residential and commercial spaces in Downtown Batavia.

The project will construct 10 second-floor apartments at the existing facility, along with the development of first-floor storefronts and building-wide façade improvements. The redevelopment of Ellicott Place is estimated to create nine additional jobs to Downtown Batavia’s business community.

Ellicott Place is requesting approximately $130,000 in economic incentives, with a $110,400 sales tax exemption and a $20,000 mortgage tax exemption.

Ellicott Station and Ellicott Place were among eight transformational investments announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as enabling the Batavia DRI’s strategy to drive new, mixed-use development, improved access to local healthcare, and transform public spaces for community use.

Final resolutions are being considered after public hearings were held for both projects on March 3.