Leadership Genesee

Press Release:

On Wednesday, February 26, members of the Leadership Genesee Class of 2025 met at Liberty Pumps in Bergen to begin their journey into discovering all kinds of things in relation to Genesee County’s Business & Economics. As one member shared, it was an AMAZING day, I learned so much about my city and my county!

At Liberty Pumps, the group participated in an activity designed to identify how much of their expendable income is spent in Genesee County. Much of our shopping today is done online for time and convenience. However, the group learned that by supporting local businesses, it ensures the vitality of the local economy and job creation which is good for everyone. What is spent local, stays local as 65 cents of every dollar spent remains in our community and even when shopping at a local big box store, the county retail sales tax stays here.

Mark Masse LG ’02, President & CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), explained their purpose is to facilitate local economic growth and development, which fosters investment and job creation for the benefit of our residents and children. The organization has a board of directors, ensuring the vision is accomplished. He shared how the organization helps market and fund projects to bring them to Genesee County, ultimately helping grow the tax base for our residents.

Robyn Brookhart LG ’02, Chief Executive Officer and Dennis Burke LG ’01, Chief Financial Officer at Liberty Pumps gave the class perspective of how important their organization’s corporate culture is and how they work to maintain it. It is collaborative, communicative, and engaging where all members are respected. Their business has grown from 50 employees 20 years ago to over 330 today. They are intentional in words and actions which was evident as the class toured the manufacturing plant. 

Class members visited 17 local businesses to get an all-around view of how important local business leaders work for their families, their customers and for the Genesee County economy.

The day ended at Eli Fish where the class heard Matt Gray LG ’11 talk about his business/ leadership journey and plans for future business development. The sentiment felt by everyone was that the entire day opened them up to reflect on how and where they spend their money and exactly why it matters.

February’s session was hosted by Liberty Pumps, Inc. and Eli Fish Brewing Co. Meals were sponsored by Lawley and Gavin M. Townsend, Lic. RE Salesperson at HUNT ERA Batavia.

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County,  an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information, visit LG’s website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee; “like” LG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leadershipgenesee; or contact Program Director Peggy Marone at 585-343-3040, ext. 118 or mem77@cornell.edu.

Submitted photos.

NOTE: This is the fourth of seven stories The Batavian will publish today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday) about this year's Chamber of Commerce award winners. The awards will be presented on Saturday evening at Batavia Downs. Tickets are still available for the event.

A talk with Peggy Marone, longtime director of Leadership Genesee, first meant a history lesson of her parents’ impressive local civic and professional lives: dad was chief pharmacist, the only one, at the former Genesee Memorial Hospital, and mom was a teacher of grades four and six at St. Anthony’s and became the hospital’s medical librarian.

Her mom, the late Esther Marone, was instrumental in the founding of Literacy Volunteers in Genesee County — by now, one may wonder what any of that has to do with Peggy’s recent accolade from the county’s Chamber of Commerce. While these people certainly served as role models and inspiration for her, they also delayed the inevitable for the modest leader, preferring to give credit to others than to herself.

"I knew that a very important value for me was fair and equitable. I put those two words together because it's really something that, it's been a touchstone of mine for a long, long time,” she said during an interview with The Batavian, sharing that’s in part how her folks influenced her. “When people aren't treated fairly or equitably, it really rubs me wrong. So I knew I wanted to do something along those lines.”

There will be no evading the limelight during the Wolcott “Jay” Humphrey III Excellence in Community Leadership Award presentation on Saturday during this year’s 53rd annual Chamber Awards Ceremony at Batavia Downs.

Named after Humphrey, who was president of the former Wyoming County Bank, this award exemplifies how he was extremely involved in the community as a volunteer who encouraged his employees to develop a commitment to volunteerism and community. He was a visionary who could see the big picture and made real improvements to his passionate beliefs, chamber staff said.

Marone remembers when she met him, albeit for how briefly they knew each other.

“He was pretty instrumental in getting Leadership Genesee going,” she said. “The next day, he died. I served on the Humphrey Symposium Committee for one or two years.”

After high school, Marone went on to St. Bonaventure for psychology (if for no better reason than because a guy she was dating was a psych major, she said), and it would seem as though all of those courses paid off in how she relates to people. 

She got into Human Resources “by accident” and discovered how, in lieu of being the big boss talking to a group from the front of the room, she wanted to “draw out of people” their personalities, thoughts, and gifts.

“I learned how to get the best out of people,” she said.

Marone had a string of jobs, opening up hotels, finessing her organization skills, working in Human Resources for Chapin and at Marriott in Amherst.

“Whatever I was doing, I was learning. It was as if the stars aligned,” she said of the offer to take on Leadership Genesee. “I tell people all the time I've looked at everything I've done, I may not have gone after a job specifically because I thought, Oh, that's it. That's the one I want. Except this one. This was the one that I knew was what my life had been preparing me for.”

Was there a learning curve, or did you take the ball and run with it?
“That's a good question because when I started, my marching orders were to run it like my own business. There was really no template. What I started off doing was spending time with the other leadership programs, leadership Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara, and I would go and spend a day with them on their day session and watch what they did. What did their agenda look like, how did they interface with their participants? How do you keep your alumni involved? I just went and asked tons of questions of everybody,” she said. “And then when the first class graduated, I interviewed every single one of them, and I asked them how the year went for them. What were the hits, what were the misses? How did it affect you personally, and where do you think we should go with this? 

"So I knew I had to develop an organization. So I had committees from the first class and design teams, and we would write learning outcomes and goals and action plans," she said. "And so we kept ourselves really on track to create things for the next year. So we recruited a class. You know, we just did one thing after another, left, right, left, right is what we did.”

She tried to glean the best advice from leadership directors in those neighboring counties, while staying true to what Genesee County needed. Those groups had memberships of up to 90, which Marone deemed too large to be valuable for each participant, so class size was kept to 30.

As she likes to say: “left, right, left, right.” Just put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

Talk about trial by fire — Marone began the day before 9/11. Not only was that a frightening and confusing time for folks, but also a difficult period to begin a fundraising program and rally people’s motivation.

“I had to double my efforts and ask people not to give up on us,” she said at her second-floor office. “I was always recruiting. I've recruited out this window, because we had some guys working out here. One of them had been an alum. His brother was out here with him. I opened the window. I said, 'Who is this?' That's my brother Pork. Pork, when are you gonna do Leadership Genesee, your brother went through Leadership Genesee, when are you? And he did.”

Those dreadful Covid days were the most rough and tumble of them all, she said, but they continued on — left, right, left, right — having Zoom sessions with “wear a funny hat” day and other silly things to keep morale up and for a laugh, she said.

Primary goals are to encourage their leader within and recognize their own value system, she said. Attendance dipped during the pandemic, and it’s already back up to steady numbers of 25 to 30 per class.  

What has been key to the success of the program?
“All the alumni,” she said. “So we pretty much get new alumni that join committees or stay on or participate. It’s a core group that enjoys what they’re doing.”

As for her values, those terms “fair and equitable” have been a touchstone to guide her path. That’s what instantly drew her to become a “Star Trek” fan in college, watching episodes in the skeller with a beer after dinner.

“Because of the diversity and inclusiveness,” she said, her back to her computer’s Trekkie screen saver. “They were so brave to do that in (the 1970s). It was awesome. I really like people. I really do, and I care very much about them. I care very much about, you know, how people view themselves. I always want them to feel good about themselves.”

Leadership is a year-long class that provides people with opportunities to network, volunteer, and learn about the county and its offerings while encouraging each individual’s leader within.

“And the biggest thing is … what is your value system and how do you live the values that you have?” she said. “I don't think people think about their value system either, but that's my organizational development kind of mind and HR mind that I encourage people to do that.”

There are 627 graduates so far, and each class is framed and hung on Marone’s office wall, and hand-decorated beads, strung together and sitting in a bowl on her desk, represent each of those class members that represent a success story.

What do you get out of this?
“Oh my gosh. A real sense of accomplishment. I mean, if I can affect one person's outlook on themselves to be more positive, to help them, you know, help connect dots for them, I mean, that's awesome. It’s really about them,” she said. “And for the community, I want to see Genesee County be in a better place as much as possible, so it keeps going for the generations to come.”

She lives with her daughter Nikole Marone in Batavia and also works part-time as a business manager at St. Joseph’s Regional School.

Press Release:

Leadership Genesee welcomed 30 individuals from all walks of life representing our community’s public and private organizations, on January 22 and 23 for the 2-day Opening Retreat.

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone said, “We believe it takes people from all walks of life and opinions to lead our county. Our future generations deserve a community with people who care about it, are knowledgeable, able to listen to each other and respect the difference of opinions about all sides of an issue.” 

She continues, “There is a lot going on in our world, we must have leaders who embrace inclusion, listen generously and understand we all have opinions and that’s what makes a community great. This kind of respect is missing in many conversations, it’s up to each of us to bring that respect back to our relationships.”

First time organizations include Gateway Home, Oak Orchard Community Health Center, Council Rock Wealth Advisory Group-Ameriprise, Crossroads House, Coordinated Care Services Inc./Wyoming County Mental Health and SMG-Batavia, LLC (The Daily News, Livingston County News). The class represents a broad cross-section of the community, including education, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, service industry, not for profits and the public sector.

The retreat was sponsored by Leadership Genesee Alumni, hosted by Grace Baptist Church and was facilitated by Skip Helfrich of Human Energies. Leadership Genesee is a program of CCE Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

For more information, visit LG’s website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee; “like” LG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leadershipgenesee; or contact Director Peggy Marone at 585-343-3040, ext. 118 or mem77@cornell.edu. Up next for the Class of 2025: Our Business, Our Economics on February 26.

Press Release:

Leadership Genesee presented awards honoring the 27 members of the Class of 2024 at the Annual Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills on December 5.

Class members from the private sector include Alleghany Farm Services, CPL, DelPlato Casey Law Firm, Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance, Lawley, Liberty Pumps, and Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union Also included from the public sector were members from City of Batavia, Genesee Community College, Genesee County IT Department, Social Services, Health Department, Mental Health, Office for the Aging, Probation, GV BOCES Early College High School, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Economic Development Center, Oakfield Betterment Committee, Town of Alexander, Town of Batavia, Go Art!, LeRoy Ambulance Service, Inc, UConnectCare (GCASA) and WNY Rural Area Health Education Center.

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone shared at graduation, “Every class who have spent a year learning about our community as well as themselves, have taught me something. A leader should never stop looking within themselves to assess how they’re doing as a leader and when something needs to be addressed, change direction and work to improve.”

Leadership Genesee is a year-long community education committed to exploring Genesee County and encouraging the leader within all of us. Our goal is to provide well-prepared servant leaders for Genesee County ready to accept responsibility for our community’s shared concerns.

One participant said they felt the experience strengthened their commitment to personal development and to serving others by making meaningful contributions to our community. 

Class speakers Jill Mapes and David Bell shared, “We are heartened knowing that those in this room will not hesitate to continue positive impacts outside of this room, to help a ripple of intention become a wave of compassionate change. More than anything else, we believe that this is what makes each and every one of us “leaders.”

The Class of 2025 will begin their journey in January, LG’s Silver Anniversary. 

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.

Press Release:

Nominator Tim Hens LG ’01 said, “Almost everyone around knows Matt Gray, he is an entrepreneur, family man and all-around supporter of life in Genesee County. They also know how much he has done for Genesee County, and I’m thrilled he has been named Leadership Genesee 2024 Outstanding Alumnus.”

Matt was very active with Leadership Genesee right after his graduation, participating in many design teams and activities, but has dialed back in recent years. Leadership Genesee was his first experience with defining Servant Leadership. He entered the class of 2011 looking for learning and networking opportunities and graduated from the program with a deeper understanding of himself, his family and friends and most certainly, the community around him. 

Matt shared, “Leadership Genesee was the first place that he realized we have an obligation and opportunity to positively affect the lives of those around us, to serve others.”

He believes we have a unique opportunity for our individual efforts to have a great impact on our surroundings. Small efforts can have big gains in a small community. Joining others with the same vision and goals is rewarding and fun.

He has not lost his passion for LG as he continually supports and donates to the organization through his many community ventures. While Matt has not been as directly involved with Leadership Genesee lately, it is only because he is engaged in every other organization that you can imagine. He spends his entire time making life better for the residents of Batavia and Genesee County.

Leadership Genesee is networking gone wild. Matt shares, “Most all the experiences that I have had in my professional life since graduating, can be traced back one way or another to LG. Connections are. made, conversations are had, and opportunities open.”

LG Director Peggy Marone shared, “I am over the moon happy for Matty. His involvement in Leadership Genesee as an organization helped map our future. His leadership and visionary thinking have improved our community in hundreds of ways, and he puts his ideas into positive collaborative action. After his conversations with Jonathan Mager LG ’12, the idea of Eli Fish Brewing Company was born.”

Matt’s community involvement includes being Vice-Chair of the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors, Leadership Committee for the Wings Over Batavia Air Show, City of Batavia Planning and Development Committee member, City of Batavia Community Garden Board President, and Genesee Amateur Hockey Association.

One of his greatest passions is economic development. Matt walks the walk in this area running several successful restaurants including Alex’s Place, Eli Fish Brewing Co., Matty’s Pizza, and revitalizing the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena as General Manager.

Matt is making Genesee County so much better in so many ways as Leadership Genesee provided him with opportunities to learn about the inner workings of government, industry, and charitable organizations in our county as well as friendships that will last a lifetime. 

“If you like being challenged and are willing to be open-minded and engaged, Leadership Genesee is for you” Matt said.

Additional community involvement includes: GCEDC Employment and Compensation Committee – Chair; Genesee County Funding Corporation – Vice Chair; Batavia Development Corporation Loan Committee; Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Place Branding Committee; GCEDC Housing Committee; BDC Housing Committee; City of Batavia Opportunity Area Committee; City of Batavia Zoning Update Committee; Batavia Ramparts Hockey Coach; Batavia Ramparts Coaching Committee.

Past involvements include GCEDC Audit & Finance Committee; City of Batavia Planning & Development Committee; City of Batavia Downtown Revitalization Initiative Committee; City of Batavia Comprehensive Plan Committee; Vice Chair; Leadership Genesee Steering & Curriculum Committees. 

Matt and his wife, Jen Gray LG ’15 live in Batavia with their two children: Leo 17 and Lilly 15.

We will be celebrating with our community members who have stepped aboard the LG Express to take the journey to servant leadership. Every stop we make is a piece of our education that travels the tracks in all of Genesee County.

The LG Express event is our largest fundraiser in 2024, ensuring our train keeps on rolling. We hope to validate your ticket and see you there.

Press Release:

How well a community is doing in terms of healthcare and human service is not something we generally think about, but maybe it should be. The decisions healthcare professionals make regarding services that are offered are made with all of us in mind. 

How many patients is each physician seeing? How far do people need to drive to receive a specialized service and can that service be provided closer to home? What are the trends in health and safety and what precautions can the professionals provide to help mitigate misinformation and fear, but most of all, help when it’s needed.

Raising the awareness of present healthcare and human service issues and related services available in Genesee County is the goal of Leadership Genesee Community Health Report Day, which took place on Wednesday June 26. In an eight-hour day, through presentations, activities and site visits, class members became aware of more than 20 organizations, their purpose and who they serve.

Dr. Dan Ireland LG ’06, President/ Chief Operating Officer, Fingerlakes Rural Hospitals at RRH and Paul Pettit LG ‘15, Public Health Director, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments presented information regarding the current state of healthcare and public health in our nation as well as our local community. 

Topics included financial recovery from the pandemic, recruitment status of medical personnel, the opening of a new medical campus, public safety of our water and sewage supply, and inspection of public restaurants. Learning the health factors that all states use to collect data and how Genesee County compares to the state and national average, provides professionals with a roadmap of issues most important to address.  

Members of the class experienced disability and sensitivity awareness from members of Independent Living of the Genesee Region. They also learned the difference between social isolation and loneliness, especially in our older population, from representatives of the Office for the Aging. The group visited several human service agencies in Genesee County as well as touring the new YWCA/ RRH UMMC Healthy Living Campus. 

UConnectCare presented “Hidden Mischief” a prevention training to find more than 65 instances of drug reference and paraphernalia hidden in a mock bedroom. The group was astonished when they could only find about half of the hiding places. In a busy agenda, it’s always good to provide a break to re-energize, Holly Sharpe LG ’04, Sharpe Training LLC provided the group with chair exercises that can be done anywhere. 

June’s session was hosted by Mercy Flight EMS and GLOW YMCA. Lunch was sponsored by Mercy Flight EMS. A sentiment shared was Leadership Genesee is an opportunity to connect with individuals from the community who have a desire to be informed about the programs and services offered in Genesee County and join in future collaborations. 

With a mission of “Exploring the Community & Encouraging the Leader Within,” Leadership Genesee is a yearlong program designed to raise awareness of the needs and challenges that affect Genesee County and to enhance individual leadership skills with a focus on giving back to the community. Leadership Genesee is currently accepting applications for the Class of 2025.

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information, visit LG’s website at genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee; “like” LG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leadershipgenesee; or contact Program Director Peggy Marone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 118 or mem77@cornell.edu.

Press Release:

The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee and Leadership Genesee offices will close for the day at 2 p.m. on June 13. The offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 14.

By Peggy Marone LG ‘02, Director

Press Release:

How many times have you driven in downtown Batavia and never noticed there are more than 20 murals between Jackson, Ellicott, and Bank Streets? The Leadership Genesee (LG) Class of 2024 discovered them during a ‘scavenger hunt’ activity on March 27, LG Arts & Culture Day.

One participant shared, “The scavenger hunt allowed us to really observe the murals. How often I drive by these murals and don’t really notice the detail or the extent of artwork on display. Some of the murals I have never seen or noticed (like the one on the fire hydrant). Art can be made anywhere!”

Leadership Genesee Our Arts & Culture Day works to raise awareness about arts initiatives and activities in Genesee County and reveal some of our cultural history and traditions. “This month's topic really encouraged me to think about my personal background and heritage. Our community is so diverse!” said one participant.

The group met at Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (Go Art!) for the morning hearing from Gregory Hallock LG ’18, Executive Director, about how the organization has grown over the past several years. The organization is dedicated to developing the cultural life in Genesee and Orleans Counties by facilitating the creation, presentation, and experience of art, heritage, and traditions. The facility has a dance studio, podcast studio, displayed art, open mic sessions, Tavern 2.o.1 as well as offering community events. The class had the opportunity to tour the facility and participate in a Bollywood Dance session.

Terry Abrams LG ’07, Curator/ Collections Manager, Niagara County Historical Society, shared information about The Tonawanda Seneca Nation, our neighbors in Genesee County. Terry spoke of Seneca's history and culture and how their values remain strong and intact. Language, song, art, dance, and sports are all vital aspects of Seneca culture. 

After a tour of Main St. 56 Theater and learning about the initiatives from Batavia Players to bring additional live theater to Genesee County and offer options to kids for theater camps, the group visited The Harve in the Harvester Center. The Harve is a 7,000-square-foot hidden gem of art and music! Nestled within The Harvester Center with its entrance just through Pub Coffee Hub this vibrant venue is a haven for creativity and entertainment.

After sharing stories of their cultural heritage, the group participated in a drum circle led by Jackie Swaby, Executive Director of the Arts Council for Wyoming County. Jackie not only shared her expertise in drumming but the background and significance of drumming. The group ended the day by participating in activities to create their own stories through art. 

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer, and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and provides equal program and employment opportunities. 

For more information, visit LG’s website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee; “like” LG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leadershipgenesee; or contact Program Director Peggy Marone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 118 or mem77@cornell.edu.

Press Release:

By Julia Garver, LG Class of 2010

What is “leadership”? The Leadership Genesee class of 2024 was able to get insight into this question from many community leaders in its first-day session, “Our Business & Economics” on Feb. 28. Responses included communication skills, engaging and motivating your team, leading by example, listening to your team and building trust and connection. 

One design team member put it this way: “Leadership embodies the art of inspiring others to achieve collective goals through vision, empathy, and decisive action. It's about guiding and empowering individuals to realize their potential, fostering collaboration, and navigating through challenges with integrity and resilience.”

The day started at Liberty Pumps with Robyn Brookhart LG ’02, President & CEO and
Dennis Burke LG ‘01, CFO sharing what makes LP so successful. First and foremost is the workplace culture, one that is collaborative, respectful, engaging, trustful, and has an element of fun. 

The business model of an ESOP, which LP has embraced, makes all employees (members) owners of the company so they have a stake in the efforts of their labors. That motivates members and encourages them to contribute their ideas for improvement to company operations. Also, the key to success is customer service, as mentioned by both Robyn and Dennis, a theme that reappeared several times during the day.

A presentation about how much of our expendable income is spent in Genesee County raised awareness about the impact of spending locally. Supporting local businesses ensures the vitality of the local economy and job creation with more than 55 cents of every dollar spent locally remaining in the community. The message was that “what is spent local, stays local.”

Visits were made by class members to more than 25 local businesses. The passion and forward-thinking of these entrepreneurs were impactful. Answering hard questions like ‘Should we expand? How much will it cost? Can my son/daughter take it over? and How can I compete with “big box” stores?’ is something that all small business owners face.

Rob Credi of Pub Coffee Pub revealed that what drives him includes the color scheme of his business which he chose to memorialize his sister, and his love of the show “Friends” which he uses to name some menu items. His vision led him to start the Crapshoot Kitchen & Commissary which provides opportunities for starter businesses to explore their space in the culinary field for take-out meals and food items. 

Other issues encountered by local business owners were competing products and keeping up with market trends. 

Guy Pellegrino, the owner of Pellegrino Auto Sales, an independent used car dealer, positioned his business to be a “new car store experience with no new cars”. To date, his business is the #1 rated used car business in Genesee County. He spends time and money on Internet access to apps and sites that let him stay ahead of price changes.

Tina Lambert, of Lambert’s Jeweler’s, mentioned that the current trends of lab-grown diamonds and fewer marriages have impacted their business. 

Lee Winters, owner of Genesee Feeds, said his biggest competition now is the internet. Loyal customers, a tribute to great customer service, have kept both their businesses successful.

The day ended at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena where Matt Gray LG ’11 spoke about how his experience in LG sparked the idea of the Eli Fish Brewing Company in which he is a part owner. Matt is also the owner of Alex’s and in 2022 he stepped up to take over the management of the ice arena. 

The economic impact of this venture is apparent when there are 5 to 15 teams from outside of the area coming to Batavia to play each week. The players and their families and supporters stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, and shop here in Genesee County which helps everyone.

February’s session was hosted by Liberty Pumps and the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena. Meals were sponsored by Lawley and Gavin M. Townsend, Lic. RE Salesperson at HUNT ERA Batavia.

Press Release:

Leadership Genesee welcomed 29 individuals from all walks of life representing our community’s public and private organizations, on January 24 and 25 for the 2-day Opening Retreat.  

First time organizations include LeRoy Ambulance Service, Oakfield Betterment Committee Inc., WNY Rural Area Health Education Center, and DelPlato Casey Law Firm, LLP. The class represents a broad cross-section of the community, including education, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, service industry, not-for-profits and the public sector.

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone said, “Leadership Genesee believes we owe it to future generations to provide a community with people who are knowledgeable, able to have civil conversations about both sides of an issue, and create trusting and respectful relationships!” 

She continues, “There is a lot going on in our world, we must have leaders who embrace inclusion, listen generously, and understand that it takes little or no effort to allow others to have their feelings and opinions. This kind of respect is missing in many conversations, it’s up to each of us to bring that respect back to our relationships.”

The retreat was sponsored by Leadership Genesee Alumni and was facilitated by Skip Helfrich of Human Energies. Leadership Genesee is a program of CCE Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and individuals with Disabilities, and providing equal program and employment opportunities.

For more information, visit LG’s website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee; “like” LG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leadershipgenesee; or contact Director Peggy Marone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 118 or mem77@cornell.edu.  Up next for the Class of 2024: Our Business, Our Economics on February 28.

Press Release:

Leadership Genesee (LG) presented awards honoring the 26 members of the Class of 2023 at the Annual Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills on Nov. 30. 

Class members from the private sector include Alleghany Farm Services, Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance Co., Hunt Real Estate ERA, Lizzie’s Ice Cream Camper, RRH United Memorial Hospital, Liberty Pumps, Porter Farms, Tompkins Financial, Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, Freed, Maxick CPAs, P.C., Tonawanda Valley Federal Union and UConnectCare (GCASA).

Also included from the public sector were members from Batavia Housing Authority, Byron Bergen Central School, City of Batavia Fire Department, Genesee County Department of Social Services, Health Department, and Office for the Aging, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee Community College, Mercy Flight/ Mercy EMS, and NYS Unified Court
System. 

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone said at graduation, “As a group, you have shared so much quiet courage for what life throws your way, it’s the kind of courage that’s inspiring to everyone you meet, whether they know about it or not. It’s the way you hold yourselves and show the world the grit and backbone you have and without even knowing it, you
become a lesson for someone who might not know they need it, but they do… we all do. You have a collective character that will stay with me for a long time.”

Leadership Genesee is a year-long community education committed to exploring Genesee County and encouraging the leader within all of us. We aim to provide well-prepared servant leaders for Genesee County ready to accept responsibility for our community’s shared concerns.

One participant said, “The experience exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I have gained a much deeper understanding and appreciation for the community I work in. I gained a better understanding of my leadership style and how to adjust to others’ styles to better serve and support them.”

The Class of 2024 will begin their journey in January. Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.

Press Release: 

We are pleased to announce that Holly Sharpe, a graduate of the LG Class of 2004, has been named Outstanding Alumnus 2023. Chris White ’06 and Jocelyn Sikorski ’07 nominated Holly sharing, “Holly has been a cheerleader and ambassador for Leadership Genesee in many capacities over the past 19 years and has volunteered for LG even before she was a member, helping with the group’s Outdoor Leadership Challenge.”

Holly shares, “As a lifelong community member, I thought I knew much of what happens in Genesee County and was surprised to see and hear there is much more than most people know or realize. I want to help others learn and experience this amazing program.” 

Holly served on LG’s Steering Committee for two terms, 2016-2022, serving as Co-Chair from 2020-2021. Leadership Genesee director, Peggy Marone LG ’02 shares, “Holly has been a close friend and advocate for all things community and Leadership Genesee. She has taught me a great deal about being an effective facilitator to find ways to help others grow in their abilities and confidence. That’s what leadership is all about and that is who Holly is.” She continues to facilitate LG’s Outdoor Leadership Challenge each year, one of the most impactful sessions in the year-long curriculum.

Holly has been a very active alumnus volunteering for LG, attending events and continued educational opportunities, as well as financially supporting the organization through alumni dues and donations. “I have not only learned and become more educated and aware of our community, but I have also made new connections and lifelong friendships,” said Holly.

Holly served on the CCE Board of Directors and the MHA Board of Directors, co-chairing their golf tournament. She served as a United Way Campaign Loan Executive and a City of Batavia School District volunteer. Professionally, Holly worked for the Genesee County YMCA as a fitness director and Associate Executive Director. During her tenure with the YMCA, she was recognized as a trainer of trainers for the YUSA.

Holly has her own training studio, Sharpe Training, LLC. She is a recognized and respected trainer traveling internationally for FitBodies, Inc. Group Exercise. 

When asked what Leadership Genesee means to her and what she’d say to someone interested in the program, her answer was simple, “Leadership Genesee means community, collaboration, connection, learning, and a valuable resource. Run, don’t walk, and apply, you will have zero regrets!” 

LG Director Marone is thrilled that she is being given the Outstanding Alumnus Award. “This award signifies someone who has worked not only to strengthen Leadership Genesee but who serves Genesee County generously as a true servant leader, a wonderful mentor for all of us.” 

Holly will be honored at the LG graduation on Thursday, Nov. 30 at Terry Hills. 

The Outstanding Alumnus Award is sponsored by Skip Helfrich of Human Energies.  Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.

Press Release:

The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Genesee and Leadership Genesee (LG) offices will close for the day at 12 p.m. on Nov. 9. The offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 13.

CLICK HERE to apply.

Press release:

Leadership Genesee presented awards honoring the 19 members of the Class of 2022 at the Annual Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills on December 1.

The class includes members from the private sector including M&T Bank, Genesee Patrons Cooperative Insurance Co., Clark Patterson Lee, RRH United Memorial Hospital, Alleghany Farm Services, Liberty Pumps, Tompkins Financial, Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, Freed, Maxick CPAs, P.C., and Warrior House of WNY. Also included from the public sector were members from Genesee County Department of Social Services, Highway and Health Departments, Genesee County Economic Development Center, BEST Center GCC, City of Batavia and Richmond Memorial Library.

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone shared at graduation, “What I think about this class and why I love LG is that after everything this world has been through, you have shown the greatness of the human spirit, the best of yourselves and each other. Leadership Genesee is the unique opportunity and platform to practice and experiment with various subject matters, it’s a community education that encourages open dialogue where information builds on what came before, creating a new universe of community knowledge and the possibilities that could be. It’s a place where the fears from 11 months ago have become the collective confidence of LG 2022.”

The Class of 2023 is forming and will begin their journey in January. Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.

Photo by Laurie Pfaff, class of 2009 First row: Steph Parmenter, Christina Fetzer, Becky Prefontaine, Felicia Cecere, Stephanie Merkley; second row: Sheri Faggiano, Susan Zeliff, Justin Gerace, Wesley Bedford, Penny Kennett; third row:  Angelina Miconi, Jennifer Sweet, Christopher Camp, Jennifer Wakefield, Patrick Carr, Kaitlyn Pettine, Jeremy DeLyser, Nicholas Sperrazza, Jessica Zaremski

Press release:

Leadership Genesee will present awards honoring the 19 members of the Class of 2022 along with the 2022 Outstanding Alumnus Award at the Annual Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills on Dec. 1.

Paul Osborn, a graduate of the Class of 2005, has been named the Leadership Genesee Alumnus of the Year. The award is presented annually to an alumnus who works to fulfill the program’s mission displaying exceptional achievements and contributions to the community and Leadership Genesee.

When Paul was asked what Leadership Genesee meant to him, he said, “Leadership Genesee was an opportunity for me to learn more in-depth details regarding our community and focus on how I could become a better leader. The program provides tools and activities that make you more self-aware of the bigger picture, to think before you react, and ways to understand people to communicate more effectively.”

Tim Hens LG 2001 nominated Paul, sharing, “Paul is involved in every organization that you can imagine. He spends literally his entire time making life better for the residents and youth of his village, town, and county.”

Paul’s community involvement includes active participation and leadership roles with the following organizations: Oakfield Lions Club, Oakfield Betterment Committee, Alabama-Oakfield Dollars for Scholars, Oakfield Recreation Committee, BEA Camp Hard Hat for students providing experience in a building trades environment, GLOW Corporate Cup, Green Genesee/Smart Genesee, Genesee County Youth Board, Genesee County Parks Advisory Committee, Genesee County Job Development Youth Employment Program and the Association for the Conservation of Natural Spaces (ACORNS), to name some of the organizations Paul helps steward.

Paul shared that it’s been difficult to stay directly active with Leadership Genesee as his professional responsibilities as the Deputy Highway Superintendent for Genesee County include overseeing the Genesee County Jail Project, which takes much of his time. However, Paul continues to help Leadership Genesee because he gained tremendous insights and opportunities for engagement with many Genesee County agencies that are the backbone of our community. Paul shares, “Leadership Genesee is a catalyst for motivating graduates to get out and get involved. Doing what I can is my way of giving back to LG.”  

Leadership Genesee director, Peggy Marone LG ’02 shares, “Paul has always been an advocate for Leadership Genesee, concentrating his efforts in the community, which is a goal of our program. When we knew we were losing the opportunity to hold Outdoor Leadership Challenge at Camp Hough, we talked with Paul about relocating the session to the Genesee County Park. He worked to ensure the elements he built were done to specifications allowing LG classes to experience teambuilding activities at the County Park.” 

Paul is a Landscape Architect by training and has volunteered his love of natural beauty with so many organizations, including helping in the design of the International Peace Garden. Paul has led the transformation of the Genesee County Park system and has turned things like the DeWitt Recreation Area and the Ellicott Trail into regional award-winning community assets. Paul received the 2020 American Public Works Association Western Region award for involvement in the design and construction of the 9.8-mile Ellicott Trail project and the 2022 American Planning Association Upstate Chapter Award for Excellence in Comprehensive Planning for involvement in the 2050 Comprehensive Plan for Genesee County.

Paul’s advice to anyone who is thinking about applying for LG is, “Go…don’t hesitate!  There is so much more to the program than meets the eye.  This program will provide you an opportunity to engage, learn, network, share your story, and most of all…be open to different ways of thinking.” Paul enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and learning about other places, especially Europe.

The Outstanding Alumnus Award is sponsored by Skip Helfrich of Human Energies.  Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about Leadership Genesee, please visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee.

Photo: File photo of Paul Osborn, 2012, by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Leadership Genesee welcomed 19 individuals from all walks of life representing our community’s public and private organizations, on January 26 and 27 for the 2-day Opening Retreat, held at Terry Hills. 

First-time organizations include M & T Bank and Warrior House of WNY. The class represents a broad cross-section of the community, including education, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, service industry, not for profits and the public sector. 

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone said, “Today’s world must have leaders who embrace inclusion, listen generously and understand that it takes little or no effort to allow others to have their feelings and opinions. This kind of respect is missing in many conversations, it’s up to each of us to bring that respect back to our relationships.”  She continues, “Leadership Genesee believes we owe it to future generations to provide a community with people who are knowledgeable, able to have civil conversations about both sides of an issue and create trusting and respectful relationships!”  

The retreat was sponsored by Leadership Genesee Alumni and Terry Hills and was facilitated by Skip Helfrich of Human Energies. Leadership Genesee is a program of CCE Genesee County, an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, protecting veterans, and individuals with disabilities, and providing equal program and employment opportunities.

For more information, visit LG’s website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/leadership-genesee; “like” LG on Facebook at www.facebook.com/leadershipgenesee; or contact Director Peggy Marone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 118 or mem77@cornell.edu.  Up next for the Class of 2022: Our Business, Our Economics on February 23.

Submitted photo and press release:

Leadership Genesee graduated its 19^th class of community members on Dec. 5^that Terry Hills during a ceremony honoring their accomplishment and recognizing Eric Wies, LG 2019 Outstanding Alumnus.

Mark Beehler, athletic director, Elba Central School, spoke for the 29 members of the class, sharing perspectives of the year.

“This journey is really about relationships, building relationships between each other, with the community and strengthening the relationships we already had before this began," Beehler said. 

Servant leadership is at the heart of Leadership Genesee, with a focus of enhancing the confidence and network for LG alumni to effectively serve our community.

“I figured a good leader got people to agree with them, follow them, and work towards a common goal," Beehler said. "But what I’ve learned through this program is that being a servant leader is much different.  It is leading with the idea of serving others, not having them serve you.

Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone told the 150 in attendance: “Leadership is not rocket science. There’s no secret handshake, there’s no secret society, there’s no one better than you, there’s no one worse than you. Everyone has the capacity to lead.” 

She continued, “Leadership is truly service, putting others first, not worrying about who takes the credit and growing the health and well being of the community so everyone can participate in a deserved quality of life. Leadership is one person at a time, one moment at a time.” 

With a mission of “Exploring the Community & Encouraging the Leader Within,” Leadership Genesee is a yearlong program designed to raise awareness of the needs and challenges that affect Genesee County and to enhance individual leadership skills with a focus on giving back to the community.  

The Leadership Genesee Class of 2019 includes: Mark Beehler, Marie Bell, Joshua P. Bernard, Joel M. Boyer, Anita Cleveland, Ben Dennis, Jenna M. DiFilippo, David G. Diegelman, Steven Falitico, Lezlie A. Farrell, Rachel A. Hale, Betsy Halvorsen, Shawn Heubusch, Courtney Iburi, Daniel G. Insinna, John J. Maloney Jr., Emily L. Marling, Kimberly M. Mills, Martin Moore, Gregory Muench, Tonya Phillips, Robert Riggi, Nicole L. Salmonds, Jaylene E. Smith-Kilner, Kelly Jo Stein, Christian A. Townes, Matthew Walther, Kaitlyn Warren and Sarah Welker.

The graduation of the Class of 2019 brings the LG Alumni total to 514 since the program’s inception in 2001.

Planning Committee members were Stacey Anderson ’03, Amy Barone ’13, Michelle Dills ’05, Mickey Hyde ’06, Lisa Ormsbee ’12, Danielle Rotondo ’08, Ann Marie Suttell ’12 and Thad Thompson ’13.

The evening’s sponsors were Human Energies, Terry Hills Restaurant, Whitman Printing and Laurie Pfaff, LG Class of 2009.

To learn more about the Leadership Genesee experience, contact Program Director Peggy Marone at (585)353-3040, ext. 118.  You may also contact Marone via e-mail at mem77@cornell.edu or visit Leadership Genesee’s website. 

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County.