Business

After spending a couple of decades kicking around the kitchens of Batavia, Robert Rudnicki and Adam Horton decided it was time to strike out on their own.

They're starting small -- a pizza and sub shop in Texaco Town -- but they have big ambitions.

"You have to start somewhere," Rudnicki said. "You start out cooking for someone else, then you go out on your own, and like I say, my ideal thing is I want a full-scale restaurant but this is how you get there."

Rudnicki and Horton are partners in Cindy and Barb's at the corner of Route 20 and Route 63 in Pavilion. They picked the location because they like the 14,000 cars that pass through the intersection every day. They also think that part of the county needed another dining option. And, besides, the space -- formerly the Pit Stop -- was available.

"I wasn't planning on a pizza and sub shop but that’s what people wanted," Rudnicki said. "I’m giving people what they wanted and trying to do it at a fair price."

The restaurant is named after Rudick's and Horton's mothers. Rudnicki, especially, was influenced by his mother to make cooking a career.

He started out professionally at Mancuso's, then the Batavia Club. After serving in the military he returned to Batavia and wound up at Sport of Kings. He worked there for 19 years.

That's where he met Horton, who worked there 17 years. Before that, Horton had worked at the Candlelight Room, Bohn's, Sunny's, and Settlers.

Both Horton and Rudnicki said they really enjoyed working together at Sporto's. After Horton went through cancer treatment and recovered his health, Rudnicki pitched his restaurant idea.

“He said, 'I’m opening up a business, you want to do it with me?,' " Horton said. "I was like, ‘sure, let’s do it.’ ”

Cooking, Horton said, is just what he loves to do.

"It’s just a fast pace," Horton said. "It’s actually a rush when you’re on the line getting your butts kicked and things are flying out the window and when you get done with it, you’re like 'wow, we did put out a lot of food.' It’s always been exciting for me."

Rudnicki was one of the competitors in the Foodie Challenge, which was awarded two restaurant spots inside of Eli Fish Brewing Company as part of the FreshLAB project.

Not winning one of those two top spots didn't deter Rudnicki. He said he was intent on opening his own restaurant one way or the other. For him, he said, a lot of what the program offered was redundant, given his years of experience in the restaurant business, though he did learn a few things that he thinks will help him going forward.

"It’s a great program for people just starting out and who want to become entrepreneurs and do their own thing and create their own concepts," Rudnicki said.

The menu of Cindy and Barb's right now is standard roadside grill fare: pizza, sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs, and they also have an ice cream parlor.

"You've got to have ice cream," Horton said.

Rudnicki said new menu items will be added as the business grows and he will include daily specials along the way.

"In this business, you’ve got to change," Rudnicki said. "The minute you stay stagnate, you’re done."

Both Rudnicki and Horton said they are determined to see their new business succeed because they're doing what they love.

Press release:

Today, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced that a bill passed earlier this year aimed at helping local breweries, wineries and distilleries attain tax-exempt status when doing various sampling events in New York State (A.11203) will be amended to become congruent with current law.

Under the current version of the bill, a portion of the legislation restricts anyone between the ages of 18 and 21 from serving alcohol, which is contrary to current state law. Hawley announced the legislature has agreed to pass a chapter amendment resolving this issue before the bill is signed into law.

“It is extremely important to our producers, wineries, distilleries and breweries, who host many tasting and sampling events, that employees under the legal drinking age are still allowed to work at these events,” Hawley said. “Furthermore, this legislation provides a great boost to local businesses and tax credits will be available to New York producers who offer tastings on their own premises.

"I hope these sales tax exemptions will help boost economic growth in our state and encourage new businesses to open here as well. The bill will not be sent to the governor until the end of the year, but I’m pleased by its widespread support. I’d like to thank the sponsors of this legislation for dedication to helping and promoting our state’s businesses.”

Press release:

Last week, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer spoke directly to United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to urge him to secure a level playing field with Canadian producers during the renegotiation of the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

According to Schumer, in recent years, Canada has established dairy pricing policies and has maintained high tariffs that have effectively created a “Dairy Wall” -- stopping most U.S. dairy products from accessing Canadian markets and distorting global trade. Dairy farmers and producers from across New York State have been severely hurt by Canada’s manipulative and protectionist dairy trade practices, and it will only get worse without action.

Schumer, in his call, urged USTR Representative Lighthizer to press forward during NAFTA negotiations to secure free and fair trade for dairy farmers and producers in New York State and beyond. While NAFTA negotiations have stalled and there have been no scheduled NAFTA rounds, new rounds of negotiations are anticipated.

“During my call with United States Trade Representative Lighthizer, I made it clear that our hardworking New York dairy farmers and producers across Upstate New York are the most competitive in the world, but they depend on stable and fair rules to compete fairly in the nearby Canadian market," Senator Schumer said. "But Canada has erected a de facto protectionist ‘dairy wall’ and is not playing by the rules, and the current NAFTA renegotiation must be used to rectify that.

"I urged Representative Lighthizer to do more and do it now, so that dairy farmers and producers can finally compete on a level playing field, and am calling on him again to use this opportunity to fix the unfair Canadian dairy trade barriers that have plagued dairy farmers and producers across Upstate New York.”

Schumer explained Canada has an unfair advantage over New York dairy farmers and producers. In addition to Canada’s 270-percent tariff on milk, a program called the “Class 7” pricing program, a market-distorting supply management system, has caused severe pain to New York dairy producers since it came into force last year.

In fact, Canada has used the Class 7 program to triple its milk powder exports in the past year, by creating excess milk production capacity within Canada then dumping the resulting milk powder onto world markets. To further prove this dumping exists, Schumer added that Canada’s dairy farmers are some of the highest paid in the world, yet Canadian dairy companies are still able to be among the lowest cost sellers of Class 7 products globally.

Schumer made clear in his call that as the United States, Canadian and Mexican trade officials are closing in on a deal to revamp NAFTA, dairy farmers must be protected, and that more must be done to finally dismantle Canada’s market-distorting policies and ensure a level playing field for Upstate New York ’s dairy farmers and producers.

Schumer said that he has directly stressed the importance of securing meaningful changes in our dairy trade relationship with Canada to past and current administration officials, including President Trump, current United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Ambassador to the United States David MacNaughton, and the U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft -- who have all committed to address this issue.

Recently, Schumer joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) to urge U.S. trade officials to do more to secure a level playing field with Canadian producers during NAFTA negotiations.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved incentives for two projects at the agency’s July 12th board meeting. The combined projects are anticipated to create 20 new jobs and approximately $7.6 million in capital investment.

J. Rental is receiving sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions of approximately $723,000 to build a new 60,000-square-foot facility on 19.5 acres in the Apple Tree Acres business park in Bergen. The $6.3 million project will create 15 new jobs. For every $1 in public benefit, the company is investing $14 into the local economy.

Lancor Development Corp. is proposing to invest $1.3 million to build a 12,000-square-foot facility in the new Le Roy Food and Technology Park. The project would create five new jobs and retain seven jobs. Lancor is receiving sales and property tax exemptions of approximately $122,000. For every $1 of public benefit, the company is investing $28.5 into the local economy.

The board also accepted an application from Pearl Solar LLC for the construction of two 2MW community solar farms for a combined total of 4MW at 2901 Pearl Street Road. Both projects have the same address but would have separate parcel tax map numbers. Pearl Solar LLC would make an approximate $6 million investment and is seeking approximately $288,000 in sales and property tax exemptions.

Press release:

At its July 12th board meeting, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors unanimously approved providing $10,000 for a feasibility study to determine uses for the Batavia City Centre site.

The GCEDC is collaborating with the City of Batavia and the Batavia Development Corporation in conducting the study. The city and the GCEDC also are applying for funding from Empire State Development’s Strategic Planning Program for matching funds.

“We continue to strongly support economic development initiatives in the City of Batavia,” said GCEDC Board Chair Paul Battaglia. “The redevelopment of Batavia City Centre site is critically important to the efforts to bring more capital investment and jobs to the region’s urban center as it has such a prominent footprint in the city.”

The intent of the study is to evaluate various redevelopment scenarios for the site, including remaining as a retail center. Other components of the study may include site planning, engineering, architectural renderings, cost estimates, permitting and financial analyses. The study also is intended to build off of current plans that have been developed for the site through the DRI process.

“After a number of discussions with our partners on this effort, we came to the conclusion that a feasibility study would build upon and advance the goals of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde, who also serves on the DRI advisory group. “In essence, a study will help create a vision for what the site could be and we believe that the information and analysis resulting from the study will generate interest among the development community.”

Always Something Farm, on Sumner Road, in Darien is one of 27 finalists in the Ignite Buffalo business funding competition.

The competition, which received 500 entries from throughout Western New York, is expected to award seven companies with $50,000 to $100,000 to help that company grow and expand, along with mentoring.

The contest is supported by Facebook, M&T Bank, Intuit, Amazon, WordPress, and WooCommerce in partnership with 43North, a startup accelerator in Buffalo.

A finalist competition is taking place tonight at Erie Community College.

We don't have any information on what Always Something Farm pitched in its application as either a product or service it sees as an opportunity to grow, but owners Michael and Stephanie Parkot posted on Facebook, "This could change the face of the western NY food scene permanently!"

A story in Buffalo Spree in June indicates the Parkots raise heritage breed Mangalitsa hogs.

There were at least four or five companies from Genesee County that entered the competition. Always Something Farm is the only one from Genesee County to make it this far. There are 24 companies from Erie County still in the competition.

Steve Hyde, CEO of the GCEDC and co-chair of the DRI Local Planning Committee, Rachel Tabelski, new director of the Batavia Development Corp., Pat Burk, director of Batavia Players, Beth Kemp, director of the Business Improvement District, and Matt Worth, interim city manager.

Statement from Rachel Tabelski:

“Batavia is thrilled to see the announcement of the DRI projects today, and we want to thank Governor Cuomo and his administration for their support. The DRI funding will continue to transform Downtown Batavia into a vibrant center of business, dinning, shopping and entertainment.  The three guiding principals of the DRI included healthy living, arts and entertainment, and prosperity for all which will be achieved through these projects. The Batavia Development Corporation is ready to assist, not just the projects that were funded, but to work with the projects that were not selected to help them move forward,” said Rachael Tabelski, director of Economic Development for the Batavia Development Corporation.

UPDATE, statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley: 

“I am overjoyed with the City of Batavia receiving this $10 million grant from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. These investments in Downtown Batavia will help create new development, turn public space into valuable community uses, and improve delivery of local healthcare. It will go an immensely long way to revitalize Batavia’s business district, increase downtown housing and retain and attract jobs, and employers locally,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia).

Press release the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced eight transformational projects for Batavia as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award.

The strategic investments in downtown Batavia will help to drive new, mixed-use development, improve access to local healthcare, and transform public space for community use. The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create more opportunities for the Finger Lakes.

"Through smart investments and sustainable development, we are transforming Batavia's downtown and generating prosperity throughout Western New York," Governor Cuomo said. "These projects will help to not only preserve Batavia's rich history and character, but they will enhance the city as a destination and act as an engine for future growth for the entire region."

Batavia was named a DRI Round 2 winner in October. The downtown area is a mixed-use, affordable neighborhood with access to jobs, anchor businesses, and city and county services. The area has an excellent foundation upon which to continue its revitalization, including amenities such as recreational sites, healthcare facilities, food markets, a library, and various retail and restaurant venues in a walkable environment.

The eight specific projects to be funded through the DRI include:

1) Create a Thriving Residential and Commercial Hub on the site of the former Della Penna property by constructing a new mixed-use development on the vacant and abandoned industrial brownfield. The new Ellicott Station will contain mixed-income residential units, four commercial spaces, and a brewery/restaurant and will leverage more than $20 million dollars in grants and private investment, become a thriving residential/commercial anchor for downtown Batavia. ($425,000)

2) Rehabilitate the Former Genesee Bank and the Carr's Department Store Buildings for Mixed-Used Redevelopment. The first floor of the buildings, which have been vacant for more than five years, will be renovated for commercial uses, including a new cidery/café and retail and office incubator space. New mixed-income upper-floor residential units on the upper floors will provide additional housing options for downtown residents. ($1,000,000)

3) Establish Ellicott Place as New Mixed-Use Gateway to Downtown by renovating a large, underused building at a prominent location on Ellicott Street to include three first-floor commercial spaces, first-floor covered parking, and 10 upper-floor residential units. A new elevator and facade upgrades will improve access and instill community pride in a previously chronically vacant space. The redevelopment of this 48,121-square-foot building will complement the nearby Ellicott Station project and establish a new gateway to the downtown. ($1,150,000)

4) Develop an Intergenerational Healthy Living Campus in the Heart of Downtown, including a new home for the Genesee Area YMCA. The centrally located facility will include a 55,000- to 60,000-square-foot building and parking for 300 cars. Together with a complementary medical building planned for the site of the former YMCA building, the project is expected to generate 3,000 visits downtown daily. ($4,075,000)

5) Establish a New Regional Performing Arts Center at Batavia City Centre by renovating the façade and interior of the city-owned building. The new visually prominent and centrally located downtown theater will feature space for offices, concessions, retail, and a dance academy, and will augment nightlife and weekend activity. ($700,000)

6) Support Downtown Building Improvements by creating a Building Improvement Fund that will provide grants to assist downtown property owners to undertake both interior and exterior renovations. Building improvements will enhance the aesthetics and livability of the downtown core and provide opportunities for new entrepreneurs to establish their businesses. ($600,000)

7) Transform City Centre into an Indoor Market and Performance Space by upgrading the concourse and entrances to accommodate an indoor marketplace with micro-retail kiosks and public performance space to hold community events. Improvements will include flooring, lighting, entrance structures, wall color, and roof upgrades. ($1,000,000)

8) Enhance Jackson Square, a public gathering space bordered by historic buildings in the heart of downtown, with decorative pavement upgrades, a multi-level deck/stage, seating, lighting, decorative signage, a networking nook, and landscaping. The upgraded public plaza will become a lively hub and common space for community interaction, and provide connections to multiple businesses through its unique alleyway node configuration. ($750,000)

"Growing the downtown core of the City of Batavia is an important part of our Finger Lakes Forward initiative," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Batavia is at the heart of a growing and diverse regional economy in Upstate New York.

"From the arts, to agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurial startup companies, great things are happening in Batavia and across the region. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects announced today will foster more growth throughout Batavia's central business district, creating jobs and transforming this historic part of Genesee County."

New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, "The City of Batavia will see great benefit from these investments, and we are excited to see these plans come to fruition. Governor Cuomo's Downtown Revitalization Initiative is an effective way to bring transformative growth to communities across the state while bringing out our collective competitive spirit."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Projects in Batavia supported through the DRI will help create an inviting, engaging downtown that will encourage investments and growth in new businesses, and quality of life improvements for its residents and visitors."

NYS Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Through Governor Cuomo's Downtown Revitalization Initiative, these community-led, targeted investments will combine with HCR's $379 million investment in the Finger Lakes over the last seven years that has created affordable housing for about 12,200 residents to help ensure that as Batavia's economy grows, all New Yorkers have the opportunity to take part. In New York State, we are lucky to have a Governor who understands how to build inclusive, long-term economic success."

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said, "This first part of $10 million in state investment will help revitalize our local neighborhoods and move our Upstate economy forward. Each one of these eight transformational projects will take downtown Batavia to the next level."

Eugene Jankowski Jr., Batavia City Council president, said, "Today's announcement of Governor Cuomo's Downtown Revitalization Initiative is exciting news for the City of Batavia and our downtown district. We are thrilled for the projects that were chosen and the City will be ready to assist them move forward. We are also dedicated to work with all the project owners that applied to the DRI, but did not receive funding to help them succeed in their plans here in Batavia. In all, the DRI investment could yield over $40 million in private investment directly into the downtown core of our city and that will bring prosperity to all."

Intermim Batavia City Manager Matthew Worth said, "The City of Batavia is very excited by the DRI announcement and for this investment into its downtown. These projects will be an infusion of activity into Batavia's downtown that will give momentum for additional projects to move forward. The City is prepared to partner with the Batavia Development Corporation and the Genesee County Economic Development Corporation to assist any and all proposed projects. The City is grateful to the Governor's office to have been included in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Congratulations to the award recipients!"

Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center and Batavia DRI Local Planning Committee co-chair, said, "Through a collaborative process, we have identified various private and public projects that have been vetted publicly. We are confident these projects will further our mission of growing our economy and revitalizing our urban core as peacemaking and downtown redevelopment is such a critical piece of today's live, work and play models required by our multi-generational community.

"These projects will be a catalyst for future private sector investments as we continue our collaborative efforts to redevelop the city of Batavia. Thank you to Governor Cuomo for his vision to invest in placemaking and downtown revitalization across New York and for his confidence in Batavia and Genesee County's enabling its continued growth and redevelopment."

Finger Lakes Forward

Under the Finger Lakes Forward initiative, the State is investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.

Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State's $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion -- and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.

Press release:

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced that following his push, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has agreed to administratively provide funding for the work being done nationwide, including the Northeast Center For Occupational Safety And Health For Agriculture, Forestry And Fishing (NEC), on the national tractor rollover protection systems (ROPS) rebate program through the end of FY2019.

Schumer, who has long advocated for the ROPS program, said today’s announcement is welcomed news for thousands of Upstate farmers. Schumer lauded the CDC for funding the ROPS program and said it is a vital program, considering that farm-related deaths are up to 800 percent higher than many other major industries, with tractor overturns being their most frequent cause at a rate of 96 cases per year.

“ROPS is a critical and cost-effective rebate program that provides important information to farmers across the country on how to find and install the right rollover bar for their machinery. The CDC’s decision to provide funding administratively for this lifesaving program is a great first step, but I won’t rest until I know for certain it will still be fully operational for years to come.

"I vow to continue working with the CDC to ensure our agricultural community has every available resource to succeed,” Senator Schumer said.

The ROPS program facilitates rebates in states with state-based funding to farmers to cover approximately 70 percent of the cost for a farmer to install a ROPS roll bar retrofit kit on their tractor. According to Schumer, the original grant funding for this important program was slated to expire in September, but following a major push by Schumer, the program will be funded for at least another year.

“Keeping family farmers and farm workers who operate dangerous machinery safe must be a major priority, especially in Upstate New York, where the agricultural community is our lifeblood. That is why I laud the CDC for restoring funding for this critical farm safety program,” Schumer added. “The work done by organizations like the NEC is exactly the type of work the federal government should be investing in: it’s cost-effective, informed by real industry experts, and helps save farmers’ lives every day.

"Funding this program means that Upstate New York Farmers will have continued access to valuable critical resources including a 1-800 safety hotline number and on the ground experts in rural communities to help farmers access the ROPS Rebate Program, which helps them correctly install rollover bars on their tractors just in case the tractor flips over.

"I’m proud of the role I played in helping secure funding for the ROPS program to plow forward and will be doing everything possible to make sure this program, which puts farmers first, is protected for years to come.”

According to NEC Director, Julie Sorensen, Ph.D., the program has also been considerably cost effective with recent economic assessments pointing to a $5 million savings in NY State due to deaths and injuries averted through the program.

“Before this program, many NY farmers had neither the money nor the time to invest in these crucial lifesaving devices and unfortunately their only viable solution prior to the ROPS program was to routinely put their lives at risk hoping this wouldn’t be their day to die on the job," Sorensen said. "Senator Schumer’s advocacy sends a clear message to farmers -- you are important and valued members of the New York community.”

Schumer said the agricultural community is the lifeblood of Upstate New York, and that protecting the well-being and safety of farmers must be a major priority. In response to the hazardous environment of working on a farm, the Northeast Center For Occupational Safety And Health For Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing launched an effort to create the life-saving ROPS Rebate Program, which covers approximately 70 percent of the cost for a farmer to install a ROPS rollbar kit on their tractor.

In most cases, this means farmers only pay $500 or less for this life-saving equipment that can otherwise cost up to $1,200. NEC also provides information to farmers throughout the country on how to find and install the right rollover bar. Since its inception in 2006, the NEC reports that more than 2,150 tractors have been retrofitted with protective structures in seven states, with more than 1,500 of those retrofits occurring in New York State alone.

Farmers throughout the country benefit from the hotline and administrative support that is provided through CDC funding. Furthermore, Schumer said, participants in New York reported 221 close calls and 19 serious incidents in which death or injury was likely without the protective ROPS structures.

Schumer said now that the CDC has agreed to administratively fund the program, critical outreach and infrastructure surrounding the ROPS program can continue and grow. Schumer lauded the CDC and vowed to do everything possible to ensure that the CDC administratively funds the program now and in the future so that the inroads the ROPS program has made can continue beyond 2020.

Press release:

The  48^th Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held Thursday, July 19, at the Genesee County Fair.

The auction begins at 7 p.m. in the main show ring.

New this year, 4-H members will be selling market chickens and dairy steers.

The auction will feature approximately 28 lots of market chickens, 10 goats, 19 lambs, 29 beef steers, two dairy steers and 44 hogs.

There will be a complementary buyers' dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Auction supporters will receive buyer’s dinner meal tickets after registering for a buyer’s number.

Special thanks to William Kent and Family for providing 48 years of support of the 4-H Market Animal Auction Program.

For more information, contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider approving incentives for two projects at the agency’s July 12^th board meeting. The combined projects would create 20 new jobs and approximately $7.6 million in capital investment.

The board also will consider accepting an application from Pearl Solar LLC for the construction of two 2MW community solar farms for a combined total of 4MW at 2901 Pearl Street Road.

Both projects have the same address but would have separate parcel tax map numbers. Pearl Solar LLC would make an approximate $6 million investment and is seeking approximately $288,000 in sales and property tax exemptions.

J. Rental is seeking sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions of approximately $723,000 to build a new 60,000-square-foot facility on 19.5 acres in the Apple Trees Acres business park in Bergen. The $6.3 million project would create 15 new jobs. 

Lancor Development Corp. is proposing to invest $1.3 million to build a 12,000-square-foot facility in the new Le Roy Food and Technology Park. The project would create five new jobs and retain seven jobs. Lancor is seeking sales and property tax exemptions of approximately $122,000.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge will offer for bid 198 acres of grasslands for hay in three different fields ranging in size from 50 to 90 acres.

The Refuge annually provides a total of 1,100 acres of grassland habitat for migratory birds and resident wildlife. Active management of these grasslands is necessary to provide the highest quality nesting and migration habitat. The Refuge haying program helps in this management process by reducing encroachment of broad leaf weeds and shrubs.

Units will be allocated on a highest bid per field basis for each field. Sealed bids will be accepted until close-of-business (COB) on Wednesday, July 11. Bids will be opened on Thursday, July 12.

An official Bid Sheet and a Commercial Activities Special Use Permit Application, both available from the Refuge headquarters, are required to make a bid.

Completed Bid Sheets and Permit Applications can be mailed to or dropped off at the Refuge headquarters at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 and must contain all the information requested.

If you have any questions about the haying program or would like to see the fields, please call Paul Hess at 585-948-5445, ext. 7032.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located midway between Rochester and Buffalo, and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle celebrated 100 years in business Saturday with games, prizes and $1 tacos. Proceeds benefitted Don R. Carroll Toys for Kids.

Previously: Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle celebrates a century in business

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) is conducting a search to hire a new director of marketing and communications.  The position was recently vacated when it was announced that the current Director, Rachel Tabelski, will become the next director of the Batavia Development Corporation.

The director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the development, implementation and management of marketing and communications plans and activities in support of the GCEDC’s mission.

Among the responsibilities include, but are not limited to: development, implementation and management of the organization’s marketing collaterals; media and public relations; management of website, social media and customer communications; sales support; and, public policy engagement.

“The position has really evolved over the last few years under Rachel as the person we are seeking to hire will have a number of responsibilities as the role touches all aspects of the operations of our agency,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO.

“It is a dynamic and a critically important role as our region continues to attract interest among national and international site selectors, but also keeping in mind that we have many local and regional companies seeking to grow and expand here and we need to make sure our marketing and communications are aligned for both.”

Those interested in applying for the position must respond by July 12. A job listing has been posted on the GCEDC website at www.gcedc.com.

At Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, you’ll be singing and celebrating over a century of American history as you cruise down the Erie Canal. Located just outside Genesee County (just 15 minutes from Niagara Falls along historic Route 104) and headquartered in a renovated 1840 warehouse, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises offers a relaxing adventure and exciting take on history -- with daily and charter cruises, lively narration, and private charters and event space.

Experience the Canal

History is, in fact, the main theme at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. Experience “Life in the Past Lane" when you take a two-hour scenic cruise down the Erie Canal and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterway that changed the nation.

From May through October, book an experience that takes you through locks 34 and 35, the only double set of locks on the Canal, and ride 50 feet up as it fills with over three million gallons of water in mere minutes. Pass under Lockport’s "Upside Down Bridge," Lockport's "Big Bridge" (the widest bridge in the United States at 299 feet wide), through the "deep rock cut" and under lift bridges (everybody down!).

Cruise guides provide narration set to popular 1800s music – setting the scene and the mood as you navigate the canal.

Learn the History

Since 1987, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises has been a family owned business and community staple. From the boats to the building and event space, every detail has been carefully considered and immaculately preserved. The original stone walls are the remains of what was once Niagara Preserving Company, and the property was also at one time Western Block Company, a business that manufactured block and tackle for pulleys used on canal boats. Many of these artifacts can still be found throughout the spacious building.

Across the parking stands a four-story stone building built in the 1840s. The building was once a flour mill that used the water from the Erie Canal as its main power source, and channeled its excess water down a spillway, which still carries water to the canal today.

The building -- preserved in its original condition -- serves as the Lockport & Erie Canal Heritage Museum with hands-on canal related exhibits, a working model of a lock, and many interesting, and educational displays and artifacts.

Make a Memory that Lasts

But, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises is more than just a history lesson and a cruise along the canal. Each of its three vessels and spacious buildings can be rented out for private events, functions, and even weddings. Book time on a boat with food, drinks, music, and the opportunity to choose-your-own-adventure - we mean, route! Each has its own great atmosphere:

• Lockview IV, a 48-passenger boat built to resemble the African Queen;
• Lockview V, a 125 passenger, double-decker boat built for the Great Lakes;
• Lockview VI, a 150 passenger, double-deck Mississippi-style stern paddle wheel.

Back on dry land, choose from one of three event spaces:

• The Veranda Banquet Room has more than 100 windows overlooking the Canal for stunning views from every angle;

• The Meeting Room boasts a giant skylight and windows that overlook cobblestone walkways and the Canal for an atmosphere that will whisk you back in time;
• The Canalside Grove has an enclosed shelter but puts your event outside directly on the canal. (And let’s not forget the 15-foot fully stocked bar available!)

So good are they at what they do, Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises was recently entered into the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame for earning a Certificate of Excellence every year for the past five years! With so many satisfied customers, you’re sure to be one, too.

For more information on nearby attractions, visit www.visitgeneseeny.com.

Press release:

H.E. Turner & Co., Bohm-Calarco-Smith, and Burdett & Sanford Funeral Homes have temporarily lost telephone service coming into and out of our four locations. However, we remain ready to assist our community as the need arises.

Therefore, if you find yourself needing to contact us, please call (585) 322-3249 or (585) 356-1668 until further notice. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Our telephone provider is experiencing a system-wide outage. We will update this release when the situation is resolved. 

UPDATE Wednesday morning: The regular phone lines are back in working order.

The Batavia Development Corp. Board of Directors agreed this morning to hire Rachael Tabelski as the new economic development director, replacing Julie Pacatte, who left a couple of months ago to pursue a new job opportunity.

Tabelski is a Batavia resident and has been marketing and communications director for the Genesee Economic Development Center for more than seven years.

Board President Pierluigi Cipollone, who served on the search committee, praised Tabelski as clearly the most qualified among a field of five candidates, that included two from Buffalo, one from Texas, and a native New Yorker from the Finger Lakes region who currently works in Massachusetts.

"She came to the interview very well prepared," Cipollone said. 

He said she had a spreadsheet of all BDC's projects, worked side-by-side with Pacatte on preparing the city's successful bid for the state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative project, and clearly understands economic development.

The job offer to Tabelski, with a salary of $67,000 annually, which is $2,000 more than the BDC paid Pacatte, was approved unanimously.

"It's a no-brainer," said Board Member Steve Pies. "She is well versed in our projects and she is passionate about it.

The fact that Tabelski has been working with Pacatte on city projects as part of her job with GCEDC makes her a perfect fit for the job.

"There will be no hiccup," Valle said. "She is knowledgeable about everything. She has a great vision and goals, and she's fantastic."

Tabelski is married to City Council Member Adam Tabelski. Cipollone said the only conflict of interest will be for Adam Tabelski will be on votes related to his wife's compensation. He will need to recuse himself on those issues when they came before the council.

In the discussion, board members questioned whether the compensation was appropriate. Cipollone said that based on his research the salary range in similar-sized cities in the region is $70,000 to $90,000, so the BDC is on the low-end of the scale, he said.  

That prompted Steve Casey to ask if, notwithstanding her ties to the community, a low salary might encourage her to move on to another job sooner rather than later. Cipollone noted the BDC has limited funds to work with and anything paid in salary would mean less available for projects.

Rachael Tabelski will start her new job July 6.