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Press Release:

Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown announced today that Batavia Downs will hold several events across Valentine’s Weekend, February 14 – 16, including Valentine’s Day specials inside of Fortunes Restaurant, the Brew Fest on Saturday, and a special Sunday Brunch inside of the Genesee Room.

On February 14 and 15 Fortune’s Italian Steakhouse will feature a Dinner for Two special that includes $80 in Free Play and choice of several Prime Rib and Seafood combos. Drink Specials, A la carte entrees, and appetizers will also be available. Full menu can be found on the Batavia Downs website or Social Media pages. Reservations are highly recommended by calling 585-FORTUNE (367-8863).

Also on Saturday the 15, the 6th annual Batavia Brew Fest, presented by Genesee Brewery and Rohrbach Brewing Company, will run from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For $30, attendees receive 2 and a half hours of beer sampling from many WNY breweries along with light snacks and $15 in Free Play. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well. Tickets are available now at BataviaConcerts.com and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby of the main entrance of Batavia Downs.

Finally, on February 16, Valentine’s Ballads and Brunch at Batavia Downs will be held inside of the Genesee Room with seatings at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Brunch will consist of a live omelet station, Breakfast Buffet and a complimentary Mimosa for those 21+. $5 Bloody Marys will also be available for purchase. Light Music will be provided by Matt and Mandy. Full Menu can be found on the Batavia Downs website or Social Media pages. Cost is $25 per person with each person receiving $15 in Free Play when a reservation is made. Walk-ins will receive $10 in Free Play. Please call (585) 344-6143 to reserve your spot.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) released the following statement on her appointment to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI).

Established in 1977, HPSCI is responsible for overseeing the U.S. Intelligence Community, which encompasses the intelligence and related activities of the U.S. Government, including the Military Intelligence Program.

"I am honored to have been named to serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for the 119th Congress, and thank Speaker Johnson for this prestigious appointment. At this pivotal moment in our nation's history, I am committed to ensuring that our intelligence community has the resources and support necessary to strengthen our national security capabilities. Facilities such as Fort Drum, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and Rome Lab in upstate New York are critical to our national security. I am dedicated to advocating on behalf of these premiere defense sites as a part of our critical national security asset base. I look forward to working with President Trump, Speaker Johnson, HPSCI Chairman Crawford, and my colleagues to strengthen our defense capabilities and uphold essential oversight of our nation's intelligence operations," said Congresswoman Tenney.

“In an increasingly dangerous world with hot wars around the globe, multi-faceted threats from China, and terrorists within our borders, the mission of our intelligence community is vitally important. Congress has a responsibility to conduct thorough oversight of these intelligence systems to ensure we are safeguarding the American people and our national interests while also strictly adhering to the Constitution," said Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

Press Release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for their monthly Garden Talk programs starting February 6, at noon.  Master Gardener Denise K. will be our host for “Right Plant, Right Place.”  Did you know that plants have preferences for the types of sites where they prefer to grow?  Denise will discuss how soil influences your garden plants, as well as what other basic environmental factors influence plant growth.  By understanding your site, you will be able to pick the right plants to match your growing conditions.

March 6 – “Adaptive Garden Tools” with Master Gardener Brandie W.  Adaptive garden tools can help make gardening easier and more comfortable for people with physical limitations.  Gardening should and can be a therapeutic and enjoyable activity for people of all abilities.  Whether you have limited mobility, strength, perception, or dexterity, there are tools and methods available to help you be a successful gardener.  Adaptive gardening tools not only enhance accessibility, but also empower individuals to create and maintain beautiful and thriving gardens.  Learn more about which adaptive tools may benefit you and help you overcome barriers and experience the joys of gardening again.

April 3 – “Diagnostic Tips for Gardeners” with Master Gardener Jan B.  What’s wrong with my plant?  The art of plant disease diagnosis is a bit like being your own garden CSI.  We’ll help you hone your Sherlock Holmes skills so that you can use your powers of observation and reasoning to identify plant disease problems.  Is it fungal, bacterial, viral or not a disease at all?  We’ll also cover some basic management techniques.

Future Garden Talks and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the CCE Genesee County website http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events.

Garden Talk programs start at Noon and can be 30 to 60 minutes long, depending on the topic.  This free series is open to all, but registration is required.  You can attend in person at the CCE office (420 East Main Street, Batavia) or via Zoom. 

Many of our Garden Talk programs are recorded and posted to our CCE Genesee YouTube page at www.youtube.com/channel/UCaXK_W80PkoUBj-HBm8OFMA/videos .

To attend in person please contact Elizabeth at 585-343-3040 x101 or emk268@cornell.edu.  To register for a Zoom link, visit the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events.  A Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.

“CCE of Genesee County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.”

Press Release:

GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare is building momentum for its third annual hands-on career exploration event for students to experience healthcare careers.

More than 600 students from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties will take part in the event, held at Genesee Community College on March 17. Students will learn first-hand about exciting career opportunities in the healthcare sector by meeting representatives and professionals from a variety of healthcare organizations, careers, and training programs.

“The support of our regional sponsors play an integral role in the success of GLOW With Your Hands,” said Angela Grouse, Co-Chair, GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “We ask for your help in motivating the future leaders of our community to these impactful careers.”

“Since 2019, GLOW With Your Hands: Manufacturing and Healthcare have welcomed over 5,000 local students, educating them about the abundant local opportunities while providing businesses an interactive event to engage with those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare,” said Karyn Winters, Co-Chair, GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “By supporting this year’s event, our sponsors grow real opportunities for our students.”

Sponsorships for the March 17 event are available at the Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000), and Bronze ($500) levels.

For more information about GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare sponsorship, please visit https://www.glowwithyourhands.com/healthcare-sponsors-and-vendors.

Press Release:

Get in-person tax help and e-file for free at Richmond Memorial Library this tax season Richmond Memorial Library is pleased to partner with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season.

Tax Department employees will walk you through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and e-file your tax return for free.

• If you earned $84,000 or less in 2024, you qualify. 
• Safe and secure online tax software.
• Use on-site computers, or your own laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
• You only need basic computer skills and an active email account.

Sessions will be offered on Thursdays –February 6, February 13, February 20, February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27, April 3 and April 10. Appointment slots are 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. 

Those interested must schedule an appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, contact the library at 585-343-9550 x3 or visit the reference desk. 

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia. Find the library online at batavialibrary.org.

Press Release:

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Genesee County and portions of western and north-central New York. An arctic airmass is forecast to move into the region starting Sunday (January 19) and lasting through the middle of next week.

Key Weather Concerns:

• Bitter Cold Temperatures: At times, temperatures may plunge to 10 to 20 degrees below zero in lower elevations and 20 to 30 degrees below zero in higher terrain.
• Lake Effect Snow: Accumulating lake effect snow is likely east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario from Sunday night or Monday through midweek.

Community Safety Guidance:

• Cold Weather Safety: Residents are urged to protect themselves and others during the extreme cold. The National Weather Service offers cold weather safety tips at www.weather.gov/safety/cold-outreach. 
• Vulnerable Populations: Check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors, including older adults, young children, and those with medical conditions. 
• Bring Pets Indoors: Keep pets inside during extreme cold weather if possible. 

Warming Resources:

• Public places and large local businesses may serve as temporary warming locations. 
• During business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day), contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services at (585) 344-2580 for assistance.
• For after-hours assistance, call the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000. 

Please prepare now to stay safe and warm during the incoming cold weather. Stay tuned to local news for the latest weather updates, and visit www.weather.gov/buf. 

Press Release:

Genesee County has been notified that it will be awarded $8139 for Phase 41 federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funds through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as appropriated by Congress through FY2024.

Applications are due from qualified organizations by January 31. 

The National Board consists of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. More about the national program is available online at www.efsp.unitedway.org.

A Local Board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help supplement food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. The Local Board will determine how the funds awarded to Genesee County are to be distributed among local qualifying agencies.

The Genesee County Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP) Board is encouraging local agencies that meet requirements to apply for the funds. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an adequate accounting system, 4) practice non-discrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have an active voluntary board of directors. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

The deadline for applications to be submitted online is January 31. Non-profit organizations or public agencies interested in applying for funding may contact local board chair Katrina Standish at 585-589-5605, ext. 103 or via email at KStandish@caoginc.org.

Press Release:

Plans are already underway for the 20th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner which will take place Saturday, March 15, at 6 p.m. at the Alexander Fire Hall. This annual event is a celebration of Genesee County’s #1 Industry, Agriculture! The highlight of the night is a delicious meal using all locally sourced foods & products from Genesee County farms & agri-businesses. The dinner is open to the public.

Tickets are on sale now at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 8276 Park Road, Batavia. Tickets are $30 each, or a table of 10 can be purchased for $275. Sponsorships are also available which help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County. 

Only 400 tickets will be sold. Tickets must be purchased by February 21. For more information or to download the registrations flyer visit the Chamber’s Website www.geneseeny.com.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau.

Sponsors of the 2024 celebration included: Allied Financial Partners, Arctic Refrigeration, Baskin Livestock, Inc., BVT – Brad Vokes Trucking, Carolina Eastern Crocker, Chapin, CPL, CY Farms/Batavia Turf, David Czapranski Trucking, Farm Credit East. ACA, Farm Family Insurance Company, Fieldstone Private Wealth, Freed Maxick CPA, Genesee County Farm Bureau, Growmark FS, LLC-Caledonia, L&M Specialty Fabrications, LLC, Lamb Farms, LandPro Equipment, L-Brooke Farms, LLC, Monroe Tractor & Implement Co., Inc., M&T Bank, My-T Acres, National Grid, Perry Veterinary Clinic, Stein Farms, LLC, Torrey Farms, Western New York Energy, LLC, William Kent, Inc. and Windy Acres Farm.

Farms and businesses that donated locally grown food for the 2024 dinner included: Dorman Farms, Farm Fresh First, Inc/Nortera Foods, Fenton’s Produce, SJ Starowitz Farms, Torrey Farms, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., Daves Ice Cream, Yancey’s Fancy.

For ticket information or questions contact the Kelly B. at The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, 585-343-7440 or kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced the launch of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition is open to high school students who reside in New York’s 24th Congressional District.

Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has been held each spring to celebrate the talents of young artists across the country. Rep. Tenney welcomes students from the 24th Congressional District to take part in this tradition. Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experts from NY-24, and the winning artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year.

In 2024, Tenney’s office received over 30 submissions from high schoolers across New York's 24th Congressional District.

Acceptable mediums include:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal
• Collages (must be two-dimensional)
• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor
• Computer-generated art
• Photographs

All submissions must be delivered to one of Tenney's district offices beginning April 14 and ending April 18. All necessary paperwork must be attached to the students’ artwork.

Please set up a time to drop off artwork at one of the following locations:

• Lockport District Office - 169 Niagara Street, Lockport, Phone 716-514-5130
• Canandaigua District Office - 2375 Rochester Road, Suite 250, Canandaigua, Phone 585-869-2060
• Oswego District Office - 46 E Bridge Street, Suite 102, Oswego, Phone - 315-236-7088

For more information, visit Tenney’s website at https://tenney.house.gov/services/art-competition.

Press release:

After announcing Edwards Vacuum’s plans to build a manufacturing facility in Western New York two years ago, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced Edwards Vacuum and the U.S. Department of Commerce had finalized its CHIPS award of $18 million from his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law. 

Schumer explained this would lock in the federal funding Edwards Vacuum needs for plans to build its new $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility for the semiconductor industry, the first of its kind in the country, as there is currently no domestic production of semiconductor-grade dry vacuum pumps.

“Edwards Vacuum’s $18 million CHIPS award is locked in. This finalized federal investment will help ensure NY’s semiconductor supply chain is made right here in Genesee County,” said Senator Schumer. “The signed CHIPS award is a major step forward for this $300 million, 600 job project that will be a pivotal stop on America’s semiconductor superhighway. All the major semiconductor companies in New York and across America need this vacuum technology for their chip fabs, that only Edwards will make in the USA. It is a prime example of why our region is growing as the nation’s semiconductor ‘Tech Hub.’ With the funding from my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law now signed and sealed, Edwards Vacuum’s growth in Western NY can continue knowing the funding will be secured for them to tap no matter the administration. This is a win-win-win: for Genesee County, for Upstate NY, and America.”

This federal funding will support a planned $300+ million investment and 600 good-paying jobs when the facility reaches full production capacity. Schumer explained all chip fabs need vacuum technology, such as that produced by Edwards, to power the sophisticated equipment and state-of-the-art machine tools needed to make microchips. Those tools use vacuum pumps, like those that will now be made in Western New York, to manipulate the chip wafers and control industrial gasses needed to manufacture the finished microchips. By bringing manufacturing to New York, new chip fabs such as Micron and GlobalFoundries in New York and Intel in Ohio can have access to critical dry pumps that will now be made in the U.S., offering chip producers shorter wait times, improved responsiveness, lower risks of supply chain disruptions, and reduced CO2 emissions from an American-made product. 

The U.S. Department of Commerce will disburse funds in the coming years as Edwards Vacuum meets project milestones agreed to in the final award.

Schumer has been a relentless champion for expanding the semiconductor supply chain in Western NY. Schumer personally called Geert Follens, who was then President of the Vacuum Technique Business Area for Edwards parent company Atlas Copco Group, to urge the global semiconductor supply chain company to expand in Upstate New York. Later that year Schumer announced with Governor Hochul that Edwards Vacuum had heeded their calls and planned to build their new manufacturing facility in Genesee County. Last year, Schumer celebrated Edwards Vacuum’s groundbreaking ceremony in Genesee County for Phase 1 of their construction, which is expected to be completed in 2028.

Schumer also helped the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region win the prestigious Tech Hub designation to support the buildout of the semiconductor supply chain in Upstate NY through his bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law and last year secured a major $40 million investment to implement the Tech Hub’s work with companies like Edwards. The proposal, called the “NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub” has built on the historic investments Schumer delivered that have spurred a boom in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation across Upstate NY. Edwards Vacuum is working with Genesee Community College and Tech Hub partners like Monroe Community College, Erie Community College, and the Northland Workforce Training Center to help them hire and train hundreds of new workers.

“The Empire State is becoming a national leader in advanced manufacturing because of the investments New York has made in this industry and the extraordinary help of President Biden. New York State has the talent, infrastructure and innovation to continue on this trajectory and the best is yet to come. My 2025 State of the State includes new initiatives to grow this critical industry, and we’ll continue doing everything in our power to great jobs and boost economic growth,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.

Press Release:

The Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming (GOW) County Health Departments and Hospitals are working together with community partners to gather information from residents to help with public health planning for the next six years. 

This information will help inform and guide the development of documents called the Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and the Community Services Plan (CSP). This process is part of the New York State Prevention Agenda, a plan for state and local action to improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers.

“The health departments are working to identify the health challenges, service gaps, and other factors that may impact the communities’ health status,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The input from our residents will help to identify community health needs, which will play a crucial role in developing the upcoming plan.” 

In 2022, the community survey and conversations helped inform some of the initiatives that local health departments, hospitals and partners focused on: 

• Promote Well-Being and Prevent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
  • Prevent opioid overdose deaths
  • Prevent and address adverse childhood experiences
• Prevent Chronic Diseases
  • Prevent initiation of tobacco use
  • Increase cancer screening rates
  • Improve self-management skills for individuals with chronic diseases

To assess the health status of our communities, we are inviting community members to participate in an anonymous survey. The survey can be completed online and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Paper copies of the survey will also be available at many locations in each county. 

You can access the survey by visiting the following links:

• English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GOWCHA2025
• Spanish (Espanola): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GOWCHA2025Espanol

The health departments are arranging Community Conversations with interested groups to gather insights into the most pressing health concerns or issues in their community. These conversations aim to gather ideas on how to address the identified health concerns.

“Our hope is people in our communities will share their ideas on health and wellness, including obstacles they face,” stated Laura Paolucci, Wyoming County Health Department Public Health Administrator. “The more people who participate, the more inclusive these action plans can be.”

To participate in a community conversation, obtain copies of the survey or if you have any questions, please contact your local health department:

• Genesee County Health Department at: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555, visit their website at GOHealthNY.org or visit Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY. 
• Orleans County Health Department at: 585-589-3278, visit their website at GOHealthNY.org or visit Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
• Wyoming County Health Department at: 585-789-8890, visit their website or Facebook.

Press Release:

Registration is now available for kindergarten and prekindergarten students in the Byron-Bergen School District.

The District plans to once again offer a half-day universal prekindergarten (UPK) program at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School. The UPK program is focused on socialization, learning through play, and self-exploration. Children learn through a hands-on learning environment that includes activities, learning centers, concrete materials, and manipulatives. 

Students learn through a nurturing environment that is enriching, challenging, and developmentally appropriate. 

Students must turn four years of age by December 1, 2025 to be eligible for the program. If you have a child eligible and are interested in having them attend the Byron-Bergen UPK program, please complete this Google form which is also available on the Student Registration page of the Byron-Bergen website. 

The form requires the student’s name, parents’ name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. This electronic Google form is due by Monday, February 24. Parents who have already contacted the Elementary School by phone will still need to complete the form. If you are having difficulty completing the form, please call the Elementary School office for support.

Please note that if the District receives more applications than the allowed capacity, a lottery will be held to select students. This year's lottery drawing will be held on February 28, via Zoom. 

Student-specific lottery numbers and the Zoom link will be shared with everyone who completes the form before the February 24 deadline. Once the lottery is complete, the families of selected children will need to complete the full registration packet, which can be found on the Byron-Bergen website and submit it to the Elementary School Office.

Children who will be five years of age, on or before December 1, 2025 are eligible for entrance to Kindergarten in September of 2025. New families in the school district should notify the school if they have a child who will enter Kindergarten in September of 2025. Parents may contact the Byron-Bergen Elementary School Office by calling 494-1220, ext. 1301. Information may also be sent to the Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971 West Bergen Road, Bergen.

Please send all information for kindergarten screening by June 1, 2025. All children registered for kindergarten will be scheduled for a screening appointment this summer. The results of this screening will be used to plan for the 2025-2026 kindergarten program. 

The following items are necessary to complete the registration process: the child’s birth certificate; certificate of immunization; proof of residency; and completed registration packet.

Additional information and registration packets are available at http://www.bbschools.org/StudentRegistration.aspx.

Press Release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation has unveiled its 2025 event lineup, offering engaging activities throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties. 

“We’ve thoughtfully planned events to cater to both the ‘north’ and ‘south’ regions, with many centered in the Olean and Batavia areas,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of Total Senior Care and HomeCare & Hospice. 

The year kicks off on February 23 with the enchanting Princess Party, tentatively planned at Bartlett Country Club in Olean. Little ones can enjoy a royal day filled with nail and hair makeovers, princess dance lessons, crown crafting, and a delightful lunch fit for royalty. Next, bring home a touch of spring with the Hospice Bouquet Sale in early March, offering beautiful flower arrangements to brighten your home while supporting compassionate care.

New to the lineup, the Superhero Bash on Sunday, March 30 at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia promises action-packed fun for kids, including cape and shield crafting, obstacle courses, and superhero freeze dance, with snacks to keep young heroes energized. 

May features two impactful events: the Hospice Hope Walk, Ride, Run Together at Lincoln Park in Olean on May 21, where participants of all ages can honor loved ones and support hospice care; and the Senior Health & Wellness Fair on May 28 at Total Senior Care in Olean, offering free health screenings, a blood drive, and more.

Golf enthusiasts can tee off for a cause at the inaugural Hospice Golf Classic on June 24 at Terry Hills in Batavia, while craft lovers can enjoy the Autumn Artisan Market & Craft Show on October 4 at Total Senior Care in Olean.

Tailgate Thursday, a fan-favorite event, returns on October 9 at Batavia Downs, combining wings, football fun, and games to support hospice care. The year concludes with the cherished Tree of Life Celebrations in November and December, held in both Batavia and Olean. These ceremonies honor and remember loved ones through candlelight, music, and personalized ornaments placed on a holiday tree. 

“The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation is committed to supporting the vital work of HomeCare & Hospice through philanthropy and community engagement,” said Melissa Sullivan. “We’re excited to bring these events to life and look forward to connecting with our communities.” 

The Foundation also offers businesses the opportunity to join the Hospice Heroes Program, gaining valuable exposure while making a meaningful impact through sponsorships or in-kind support.

For event details, sponsorship opportunities, or registration forms, visit www.homecare-hospice.org or call 716-372-2106. Mark your calendars and join us for a year filled with fun and purpose! 

Press Release:

Two projects in the City of Batavia submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) are projected to generate over $7 million in local benefits.

The GCEDC board of directors will consider initial resolutions for Graham Corporation’s expansion project and 202 Oak St, LLC’s hotel renovation at its January 16 meeting.

Graham Corporation is proposing to construct a new radiographic testing building at their manufacturing facility. The $3.3 million investment will add to an existing manufacturing building.

Graham Corporation is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $120,000 and a property tax abatement estimated at $20,934 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the expansion. The project is estimated to generate $1.2 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $16 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

202 Oak St, LLC is proposing to renovate the former Super 8 hotel’s 54 units. The $2.5 million investment would create 11.5 new full-time equivalent positions.

202 Oak St, LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $104,163, a property tax abatement estimated at $257,823 based on the incremental increase in assessed value generated by the project, and a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $19,000. The project is estimated to generate $5.8 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $20 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

In addition, the project is estimated to generate over $40,000 annually in bed tax revenue for the county once the renovated hotel is ramped up.

The GCEDC board meeting will be on Thursday, January 16 at 4 p.m. at the MedTech Center’s Innovation Zone, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia.

Meeting materials and links to a live stream/on-demand recording of the meeting are available at www.gcedc.com.