Special Supplement

March 4, 2023

BUSINESS
OF THE YEAR

‘23
Celebrating the 2022 Genesee
County Chamber of Commerce
Award Recipients:
Business of the Year:
Max Pies Furniture
Company, Inc.
Agricu�ural Business of the Year:
Fenton’s Produce, LLC
Innova�ve Business of the Year:
Empire Hemp Co. LLC
Special Service Recogn�on of the Year:
Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts
Council (GO ART!)
Geneseean of the Year: GENESEEAN AGRICULTURAL
Norm Argulski
OF THE YEAR BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS SPECIAL SERVICE

OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION OF THE YEAR
A2 Saturday, March 4, 2023 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS

The Max Pies Furniture Company store has been on the south side
of Batavia since around 1905, the Pies family says.

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS The staff at Max Pies Furniture Company Inc. includes, back row, from left, Jim Sanders, Hunter Snyder, Eddie Miller and Reggie Hale,
The showroom floor at Max Pies Furniture is shown. and, seated, from left, vice president Steve Pies, owner and president Phil Pies and secretary Peggy Cancelmi.

The furniture moves, the store doesn’t

MAX PIES: Furniture company, a city staple, nearing 120 years on South Jackson Street
By BRIAN QUINN There’s been some remodel-

‘
[email protected] ing.” We still have a lucrative, successful business
BATAVIA — From Max What’s the future of the
Pies to Steve Pies, three business on South Jackson that goes through a lot of cyclical changes, but
generations later, Max Pies Street? we’re still very relevant. We’re still here! We just
Furniture Company Inc. has “My dad is going to be 80
been at 400 South Jackson
St. for nearly 120 years. The
business now has an award
to go with its longevity — the
in May,” Steve Pies said. He
said his great-grandfather,
Max, kept working for a
long time and died when he
kind of keep adapting and stay in tune.

STEVE PIES
’
Max Pies Furniture Company Inc.
Genesee County Chamber of was 90. Steve’s grandfather,
Commerce Business of the Sam, died when he was 83,
Year Award. and pretty much worked
Steve was the one with until the day he died. Sam’s
whom the Genesee County brother, Jake, also worked in
Chamber first made contact the business.
to tell the business about the MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS “I would obviously like to
award. Steve Pies, left, and his father, Phil Pies, have worked for Max Pies see my dad get out, relax a
Thank you Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for naming us Agricultural
“A good friend of mine Furniture Company Inc. since 2004 and 1970, respectively. lot earlier than that, but he Business of the Year! We would also like to thank the community for their support!
from Batavia, Joe Fiannaca, can do whatever he wants,”
nominated us and I got a call It’s a skeleton staff, without Max Pies Furniture also does Steve said. “As far as myself,
question.” flooring, Steve Pies said. Greenhouses open
... letting us know,” Steve I’ve been in day-to-day daily starting May 1st
said. “I came in and told my Phil Pies’ grandfather, “The original Max Pies mode for some time now.
dad and the staff after I had Max Pies, was the founder of name stems from 400 South We still have a lucrative,
3323 Pratt Road,
the business, having come to Jackson St., Batavia, and Batavia, NY 14020
heard. My dad had received successful business that
a special recognition award the United States from Rus- many of those carpet stores goes through a lot of cyclical 585.343.9491
from the chamber before, so sia, near the Polish border. are an extension of our name changes, but we’re still very FentonFarmWeFarmYouEat.com
I really didn’t know we quali- Max added a warehouse right now that used to be relevant. We’re still here. We [email protected]
fied for the award, but they to the property while he was family that are no longer.” just kind of keep adapting
(the chamber staff) were like, running the business, Phil Phil Pies said he got in- and stay in tune.”
‘No, this is for the business.’ Pies said. volved in the business in Steve is the fourth gen-
“Obviously, we’re very Steve Pies said his great- 1970. There had last been an eration of his family to work We Are Open For All Of Your Foot Care Needs
proud and excited, but after grandfather started selling expansion of the 400 South here. His two children,
we kind of thought about furniture out of this location, Jackson St. business in the Sean, 19, and Sam, 15, have
it for awhile, we were like, on the south side, in 1905. early 1960s, he said. Phil said worked there as well. Sean is
‘We’ve been in business al- “The store got bigger and there was a Max Pies Furni- pursuing a career in music,
most 118 years. Why’d it take they added on and the name ture branch in Avon years his dad said, and Sam is a
so long? What have we been went throughout Western ago that went out of business sophomore at Batavia High
doing wrong?’” Steve Pies New York. It went from Buf- Another store, Max Pies Bab- School.
said. “We kind of laughed falo to Rochester, I think, yland, sold baby furniture in “In theory, you’ve had five
about that.” Syracuse and Kenmore, Batavia for years. generations go on the pay-
That aside, Steve Pies for that matter. After it Steve said he worked at roll,” Steve Pies said. 3922 West Main Street Road, Batavia
reiterated the excitement started here, some relatives Max Pies Furniture on the 585-344-1677 | www.bataviafootcarecenter.com
about the award that his branched out a little bit. truck when he was in high
dad, owner and president There was a Pies Furniture in school and college.
Lockport,” he said. “I officially came back to
Phil Pies, had. They both
plan to be at Batavia Downs
next Saturday for the awards
There
Pies
were
flooring
also
stores,
some
which
Max the
said.
business in 2004,” he
“As far as any additions
Thank you Genesee
banquet.
“It’s an honor. Thank you
were
Pies
different
Furniture
from
—
Max
though
(to
way
the site), it’s been this
since I can remember. County Chamber of
Commerce for this honor!
so much to the chamber and
the community for the sup-
port,” Steve Pies said.
When they accept the
award, both father and son
said they plan to say a few
words.
“We’re thankful and I
probably have a couple of
small stories to tell about
a little history,” Steve Pies
said. “I won’t get long-
winded at all. It’s more of
an opportunity to thank the Auctioneers
community.
“In anything in life, you’re Appraisers
not going to be successful
unless you surround yourself Real Estate Brokers
with the right people,” he ~ Since 1920 ~
said. “For a store this size,
it’s actually a lot bigger than P.O. Box 58, Stafford
it looks and to have just, re-
ally, seven to 10 employees,
to keep doing the volume 585-343-5449
we’ve been doing for so long. www.williamkentinc.com Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-4
 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023 Saturday, March 4, 2023 A3

AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Growing with the times

FENTON’S PRODUCE: Small farm reacts to customers’ desire for trending foods MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
The Fenton’s Produce roadside stand on Pratt Road in Batavia.

By BRIAN QUINN

‘ We probably have
[email protected]
BATAVIA — Running a small
farm is how the Paul and Gail 20 different varieties
Fenton are making a difference of hot and sweet
and what they’re doing has
earned their farm the Agri- peppers... It’s red
cultural Business of The Year pepper, purple
Award.
The couple has lived at the peppers, orange
60-acre Fenton’s Produce, LLC,
at 3323 Pratt Rd. since Paul and
peppers – whatever
Gail were married in 1985. It is a we think the
third-generation farm, started
by Paul Fenton’s great-uncles,
Fred and Louie Kiefer, in 1934.
His parents, Joseph and Eliza-
beth Fenton, purchased the
customers will like.

GAIL FENTON
’
Fenton’s Produce
farm in the late 1970s and then
the Fentons bought it in 1990.
Fenton’s Produce had made
field crops to vegetable crops
in 1984. It sells its produce to field. “Eight to 10 feet away from
area grocery stores, farmers’ my field is My-T Acres — 6,000
markets and local farm stands. acres. Out back here, the land is
Fenton’s has been an East Au- rented to Lamb’s. I don’t know
rora Farmer’s Market member how many thousands of acres
since 1984. they grow. Here we sit in the
“This farm used to be field middle of that at 60 acres. All it
crops, but we were strictly means is our focus is on a dif-
vegetables from the beginning,” ferent customer. We’re selling
Paul Fenton said. right to mom for supper. It’s
The vegetable they’ve had just whose your customer base?
the most success growing and MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS Ours is the families.”
selling has changed with time, Gail and Paul Fenton plant seeds on a February morning. Tops Friendly Markets loca-
he said. tions in Batavia, Le Roy and East
“We’ve had to change with — we probably have 20 different grow this herb or that herb?’” Gail Fenton said this is their “We’re experiencing labor is- Aurora are also Fenton’s Pro-
customers’ demands and varieties of hot and sweet pep- she said of the questions people second year with the system, a sues in the U.S. Some of these duce’s customers, the Fentons
wants. Our big crops now are pers, just so we’ve got more of a may ask. “Whatever people are piece of equipment they found countries have been experienc- said.
asparagus, peppers, tomatoes, variety for customers,” she said. looking for that they can’t find, if on YouTube. ing them. They’ve mechanized About a week and a half ago,
sweet corn and potatoes,” he “It’s red peppers, purple pep- we grow it, now they’re coming “We’ve always planted on- wherever they could.” Tops had three kinds of cabbage
said. pers, orange peppers — what- to us. And if they buy that one ions by hand. It’s usually a two- In Europe and Japan, small and three kinds of potatoes
Gail Fenton said they react to ever we think the customers will item, now they’re buying three day process. We could probably farms are the norm, Paul Fen- from Fenton’s, Paul Fenton
whatever food is trending in the like.” or four other items.” do it in half a day now, with two ton said. said.
media, for example. Some of the trends depend On the Fenton’s Produce of us,” she said. “Here, we’re kind of an oddity “In the summertime, we
“There was a time when on social media. The Fentons website, www.fentonfarmwe- Paul said a tray of seeds to be a 60-acre farm today. It’s could go there with a dozen
kale was the big thing. People also do a lot of trialing for seed farmyoueat.com, the Fentons would take about 20 to 25 min-
kind of unique. I’m literally out items on the truck. That’s a huge
wanted kale smoothies ... so we companies, Paul Fenton said. say that over the years, they utes to plant by hand.
here,” he said, pointing to the customer for us,” he said.
started growing a lot of kale,” “We get a look at a lot of new have gradually updated how “Now, we do a tray in less
she said. “We’ve dabbled in things before a lot of growers do they farm. They have bought than a minute,” he said. “We’re
microgreens. People like micro- and that helps,” he said. “The equipment and machinery to trying all kinds of things with it.
greens on their salad. judge of that is the customers. make the job a little easier. Paul We’re trying sprouted parsnips
Gail Fenton said Fenton’s Do they accept it or not?” Fenton said they have a plant- because parsnips are so tough
Produce tries to make itself People will ask them whether ing system called a paper chain. to get going.”
unique, rather than selling just they’ve tried growing one kind “It eliminates a ton of hand Paul Fenton said he and Gail
the usual vegetables. of food or another, Gail Fenton labor. It’s a transplanting sys- found a conveyor system out of
“We grow all kinds of things, said. tem that reduces our labor by Pennsylvania that eliminates a
lots of varieties, like peppers “We do a lot of herbs. ‘Do you 90%,” he said. lot of carrying and lifting.
“We harvest squash and
cauliflower and cabbage with
it, with just a conveyor system
that eliminates people carrying
product from the field to the
wagons or to the bins before it
comes back to storage,” he said.
Gail Fenton said, “We bought
a machine a few years back that,
you take your Brussels sprouts
stalk. You put the sprouts stalk
in the machine. It takes all the
sprouts right off. Otherwise,
you’re plucking them by hand.”
“You can pluck them fast, the
first couple, but if you’re doing a
hundred of them, now you can’t
feel your thumb,” she said.
The Fentons have brought
in equipment from all over the
world — Japan, France, Hol-
land, Paul said.
“That’s where you have to
go to find this stuff,” he said.

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS

Gail and Paul Fenton have owned Fenton’s Produce, LLC, since 1990.

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A4 Saturday, March 4, 2023 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS

A selection of massage oils on dispaly at Empire Hemp Co.

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS Shelly Wolanske, left, and Chris VanDusen, right, are co-founders of Empire Hemp Co. Wolanske serves as the company’s vice
Empire Hemp Co. maintains a store at 204 East Main St., Batavia. president, while VanDusen is the chief executive officer.

Empire Hemp Co. rewarded for innovation

STARTING SMALL: Begun in a bike shop, company’s unique product lines are Genesee County’s first cannabis business
By BRIAN QUINN this week. Empire Hemp had eight Chris and I work together

‘
[email protected]
A lot of these products, we’re the only ones “We’re growing our ca- of employees as of late Feb- and we do a lot of the R and
BATAVIA — Empire pacities for all our THC and ruary, but expects to hire D (research and develop-
Hemp Co. had what the
Genesee County Chamber
of Commerce was looking
who make these in the country.

CHRIS VANDUSEN
’ CBD products,” VanDusen
said. CBD stands for canna-
bidiol, a compound found
more people.
At the store, Empire
Hemp started with a
ment),” Wolanske said. “We
created the Super Freeze
(lotion). The Balm was the
for in an Innovative Busi- CEO of Empire Hemp Co. in marijuana. minimal line of products. first one we created.”
ness of the Year recipient. VanDusen said they To fill the store, they quickly “That’s still our No. 1
The owners, CEO Chris formed Empire Hemp in learned how to work with product. We sell an insane
VanDusen and Chief Oper- 2017. The company was CBD products. amount of that,” VanDusen
ating Officer Shelly Wolan- awarded a cultivation “I did a lot of the skin care said. He and Wolanske said
ske, say the innovation Empire Hemp has a store extract cannabinoids out of license for hemp and a pro- and a lot of the self-care. The Balm is for pain relief.
comes out of necessity. at 204 East Main St. and a plant material,” he said. cessing license for hemp in
As to the Innovative Busi- facility at 34 Swan St. Wolanske said Empire 2018.
ness of the Year Award, Van- “With THC, we are ap- Hemp had to be creative Empire Hemp started off
Dusen said Empire Hemp is proaching it differently and take a boutique ap- small in VanDusen’s bike
the first cannabis business because you can’t do that proach to get people into shop in Hulberton, Orleans
in Genesee County. with THC. We would have to the store. County, before moving to
“We’re the first proces- distribute it.” Wolanske said the com- its facility at 34 Swan St. in
sor — the first one to extract The business sells its THC pany will be starting an 2019.
the cannabinoid from the brands under the Empire expansion this month. At first, the business had a
cannabis plant, whether it product line as opposed to Empire is expanding walk-up window at its Swan
be hemp or high-THC can- Empire Hemp. its facility at Swan Street, Street location. VanDusen
nabis,” he said. “We wanted to separate keeping the downstairs, but and Wolanske decided to
Cannabinoid is a type of the two ,,, letting people moving upstairs as well to open the store on Main
chemical in marijuana that know it’s still the same qual- go from about 4,000 square Street to survive the impact
causes drug-like effects all ity of the CBD products that feet to about 23,000 square of COVID on business and
through the body, including we make,” VanDusen said. feet. maintain cash flow. They
the central nervous system VanDusen said the in- VanDusen said they opened the store at 204 East
and the immune system, novation comes in the planned to start cleaning Main St. almost two years
according to the National products that Wolanske cre- and painting upstairs earlier ago.
Cancer institute. Canna- ated that didn’t exist on the
binoids may help treat the market.
symptoms of cancer or the “A lot of these products,
side effects of cancer treat- we’re the only ones who
ment. make these in the country,”
“I think the way that we he said.
went about it — being a pro- VanDusen said within
cessor and manufacturer Empire Hemp’s THC brand,
— and with hemp, we could it is doing innovative extrac-
make the products at the tion practices.
facility and then bring them “Solventless extraction
over to the store,” Wolanske is something we’re going to
said. be doing. It’s a new way to

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 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023 Saturday, March 4, 2023 A5

SPECIAL SERVICE RECOGNITION

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS

Gregroy Hallock has been executive director of the Genesee-
Orleans Regional Arts Council in Batavia since 2017. He joined the
organization in 2016 as assistant director.

MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS

The staff at the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council includes Jodi Fisher, program coordinator; Mary Jo Whitman, education and
MARK GUTMAN/ DAILY NEWS Statewide Community Regrant Program director; Gregroy Hallock, executive director; Karen Canning, GLOW Traditions director; and
An exterior view of the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, Angie Dickson-Griffin, human resources membership director. Missing from the photograph is Rudolph Valentino, artist education
201 East Main St., Batavia. coordinator.

For GO ART!, the secret is out

By MALLORY DIEFENBACH kids’ programs are known, but of the property. Hallock said he wants to

‘ We do a lot more than people know about,

[email protected] there is something happening Hallock said GO ART! is try- thank his staff and board. He
BATAVIA — What some every Thursday and Friday

’
ing to let people know that it is also wants to extend thanks so it’s cool getting that recognition.
may call the best kept secret of night at GO ART! Friday nights open to the public. Anybody to past board members and
Batavia and Genesee County feature comedy shows. Thurs- can come in. directors, and the community
is a secret no more. day nights have a crochet club GREGORY HALLOCK
“I think the biggest thing that made GO ART! possible.
The Genesee-Orleans meeting in the building. GO ART! executive director
Regional Arts Council, com- “There are so many things is we have some grandiose For more information on
monly known by the short- people don’t realize,” Hallock and plan to be expanding in GO ART! exhibitions and
hand GO ART!, received the said. “Every week there is an Orleans County and here as other events, visit its website
Special Service Recognition event. Every week.” well,” he said. at www.goart.org.
of the Year from the Genesee Hallock said GO ART!’s
County Chamber of Com- reach has been growing, and
merce. its membership is higher than
The Special Service Recog- it has ever been.
nition award does not have to He said the biggest mis-
be a business. It can be an or- conception is people see GO
ganization, club, government ART! as a private club because
agency,educational institute the space was a private men’s
or health care facility that is club for more than a century.
recognizing a major event or Built in 1831 by Rochester
activities. The recipient must architect Hezekiah Eldredge
have had a lasting benefit to for the Bank of the Genesee,
the community at large for the Federal-style building
that organization, accord- is the only locally surviving
ing to the Chamber’s award example of a business estab- We’re NOT Just A Refrigeration Company
guidelines. lishment from the period.
GO ART! Executive Director The two-story brick structure,
Gregory Hallock said it was tucked between the more
amazing for the non-profit contemporary YMCA and The
arts council to be selected for Senior Center, was occupied
the award. by the bank for more than 50
Hallock, who joined the years before becoming a pri-
organization in 2016 as as- vate club in 1886.
sistant director and became The longtime home of The
executive director the follow- Batavia Club was named 76th
ANNIVERSARY
1947-2023
ing year, said he likes the fact to the National Register of
that the arts council won the Historic Places in 1973. The
award because during the 192-year-old building was
pandemic GO ART! acted as a donated to GO ART! in 2002,
clothing and food distribution which later commissioned a
center. historic structure report that
“We do a lot more than peo- led to a multi-year restoration
ple know about, so it’s kind of
cool getting that recognition,”
he said. “I’ve heard people say
we’re the best kept secret, and Pellegrino Auto Sales delivers
I don’t want to be a secret.”
GO ART! maintains mul- excellence in customer service,
tiple galleries, an outdoor
musical playground and hosts attention to detail. Pellegrino Auto
special events and artistic
programs at its historic home Sales continues to advance in
at 201 East Main St.
The arts council also aids many aspects of the auto industry
in funding arts programs
and individual artist projects including personal achievements,
through the awarding of com-
munity arts grants. The grants
are funded by the New York
growth in sales, and accumulation
State Council on the Arts’ de-
centralization grant program,
of on-site inventory.
which was created to provide
more funding to local arts. A
local panel at each arts coun-
Stop by Pellegrino Auto Sales
cil decides how the money is
awarded in its communities.
4060 Pearl Street Rd. to browse
This year, GO ART! has your next car, visit their website at
$210,000 in grant funding to
award. Hallock said GO ART!’s
grant program has 60 appli- PellegrinoAutoSales.com
cants. for up-to-date inventory, or call
Hallock said when people
go to events funded by the
grant program, they often (585) 344-2658
don’t realize that GO ART! is
supporting the event. for more information.
Hallock said GO ART!’s
A6 Saturday, March 4, 2023 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023

Windy Brew to
embark on second
location in Batavia
By KORI SCIANDRA said.
[email protected] Michelle Snyder was born
Bill Snyder, who is retired and raised in Wyoming
from the Army National County, and she chose to
Guard, came home from his raise her own children in Wy-
second deployment overseas oming County. She worked as
and started making beer as a an occupational therapy as-
home brewer. sistant for more than 20 years
“It was delicious,” said his before opening Windy Brew.
wife, Michelle Snyder. When the Snyders started
That led the couple to start their venture, Michelle and
Windy Brew in Strykersville, Bill visited a place in Ohio
the first custom brew center that had a custom brew cen-
in Western New York. ter Impressed with what she
“I have no background as a saw, Michelle considered
business owner. I just wanted their next steps as brewers.
to make a little extra money “There was nothing like it
on the weekends sharing our here in New York and since
knowledge of making craft we were going to start brew-
beer, and here we are today.” ing in the ‘garage,’ I thought
Here, finds the couple about opening our own cus-
working to expand into a tom brew center and asked
second Windy Brew location my husband if this was some-
at The Harvester Center, 56 thing he wanted to do part-
Harvester Center, Batavia. time, and we started the ball
The goal is to open in May. rolling,” said Michelle. MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
The new location will offer Though excited to become Dannielle Lumpkin makes Carribean cobbler in February, before the move to Evans Street began.
Windy Brew beers and food a business owner, Michelle

Mama Dee’z is on the move

only. It will not operate as a found herself trying many dif-
second custom brew center. ferent avenues of applying for
No production of beer will grants as well as joining WOB.
take place at the Harvester She received no benefits as
location.
“People can expect an
a woman looking to open a EXPANSION: Batavia eatery to move from FreshLab to Evans Street
business.
industrial feel atmosphere
“It’s unfortunate because By BRIAN QUINN
with the same craft beer they
they make it sound like there [email protected]
love at our current location in
are so many things to help BATAVIA — It was a move
Strykersville,” said Michelle.
women owned small busi- that Mama Dee’z Kitchen
Windy Brew needs to ex-
pand, and the Harvester Cen- nesses and sadly there are has been planning for some
ter allows Michelle and Bill to not,” said Michelle. time now and the eatery
do that with increased space When asked, “What ad- will benefit from a larger
and parking. vice would you offer to other location, owner Dannielle
“The Harvester Center has women considering opening Lumpkin says.
a lot of plans for growth and their own business?”, Mi- Mama Dee’z will lease
revitalization of the building, chelle responded, “I say go for space at 107 Evans St., the
and it seems to be the perfect it! It is scary and a lot of work old home of Fishtales Hide-
fit for a small farm brewery but in the end, it is so reward- away, for two years after it
like ours,” said Michelle. ing!” serves its last meal March 4
“Windy Brew prides itself on According to Michelle, one in the FreshLab incubator
being a small local business of the pros of owning a cus-
space at Eli Fish Brewing
that supports the community tom brew center is - delicious
Company, 109 Main St.
and educating its custom- fresh beer!
“We’re transitioning out.
ers on craft beer. We carry a “...And who doesn’t love
We have some volunteers
combined license (micro- a good made beer? Also, the
amazing people we have met
and are looking for some
brewery/farm brewery) with volunteers to help us paint
the Farm Brewery license it along the way. The craft beer
community is amazing as and put up wallpaper, hang
allows us to open a second pictures,” Lumpkin said last
(up to five) location. We have are the customers,” said Mi-
chelle. month. “We’re cleaning,
a style that fits everyone’s
Some cons are that the we’re changing the color on
taste buds from Wheat beers,
IPA’s, Stouts, and Pilsners. business is time consuming, the inside. We’re setting up
the tables. We have quite MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
We also keep up with the lat- and you miss a lot with family Mama Dee’z plans to have an opening later this month at its new location at 107 Evans St.
est trends like sours and selt- and friends. a few things to do, figuring
zers. “You put social events on out how to make it Mamma few new things.” everything,” Lumpkin said.
She continued, “Our im- the back burner but then it Dee’z. We have to change When it reopens at 107 “We’ve known that we were
pact [on the community] is becomes easier when you it from Fishtales to Mama Evans St., Lumpkin said, moving for a few months.
educating people on craft have the right staff to man- Dee’z.” the plans are for the menu We just didn’t tell anyone
beer; we have something for age when you’re away,” said Lumpkin said there will to include full-fledged meat because we wanted to make
almost everyone’s pallet,” she Michelle. be a bigger kitchen in Mama options such as Buffalo sure we had all our ducks
Dee’z new location and chicken ragoons, smoked in a row. We signed all our
more storage space, Mama ribs, seafood boils, oxtails paperwork and stuff after
Dee’z will be able to host and smothered pork chops. the holidays. We’re leasing
private events without hav- “Some of them were part it for two years.”
ing to close its kitchen to of the original menu. The The customers Mama
the public, she said. rest are new items,” she Dee’z has had since it came
“Having our own space said. to the Eli Fish incubator in
allows us not to have to shut As to the new location, October are looking forward
down our kitchen to have Lumpkin said she heard to the move.
a private event,” she said. months ago that there was “They’re very excited for
“We did catering, but no MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS space available for rent. us — the expansion of the
private events here at Eli Danielle Lumpkin, owner of “We met with the owner menu, just having our own
Fish.” Mama Dee’z Kitchen, is seen of that location and came space in general,” she said.
Mamma Dee’z will con- working inside Eli Fish. Soon, to an agreement. This was “We don’t have any set date
tinue its catering service af- Lumpkin expects to have her back before Christmas. We for our reopening, but we’re
ter the move, Lumpkin said. own location. went and saw it and toured aiming for the second week
The business may still be the building and looked at in March.”
reached at (585) 993-1954. how many employees she’ll
“Right now it’s family-run be able to hire.
— just our family members, “We just have to see what
all volunteers. We’ll be hir- our projected sales are,
ing when we come to the the need for employees ...”
new building,” the Mama Lumpkin said. “We hope
Dee’z owner said. She said to go back to our original
she doesn’t know right now menu ... and just to add a

FOLLOW THE DAILY NEWS PERIODONTAL DENTAL EXAMS

Twitter: @Batavia_Daily and @BataviaDNSports Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease caused by bacterial
and fungal infections. It causes infection in the gums and connective
Facebook.com/BataviaDailyNews tissue due to inflamed pits and pockets in the gums. It can lead to
pain, difficulty chewing, infection, and tooth loss. A periodontal dental
exam is a full examination of the gums, teeth, and jawbone to check
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE SNYDER.
for diseases, including gum disease. The dentist also examines your
Windy Brew is slated to open a second location in Batavia’s teeth from different angles to see how well they are aligned and looks
Harvester Center in May. The venue will have an industrial feel
said co-owner Michelle Snyder. C.B. Beach & Son for changes in the jawbone structure, which can be signs of poor oral
health and gum disease. Your dentist might recommend a periodontal
exam if you have a history of gum disease or other dental problems.

TRI-COUNTY WELDING INC.

Mortuary, Inc. One serious threat to dental health is out-of-control gum disease.
And the best way to deal with gum disease is to prevent it, with daily
brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. At
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1903-2023
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649 East Main, Batavia, NY 14020 585-599-4520 extends around the root.
343-5647 (Call Anytime)
 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023 Saturday, March 4, 2023 A7

Downtown growth, walkable community are goals

ARCADE: Mayor seesSmart Growth and Strategic plans as ‘road maps’ to village’s future
By KORI SCIANDRA plan are both valuable tools to use
[email protected] when applying for future grants. It
Arcade Mayor Donna Schiener also creates a ‘road map’ of where Downtown building renovations in Arcade
began working for a dental practice
in Arcade when she was 19 years
we want to be in two, five or even 10
years from now,” said Schiener. “For
receive boost from NY Main Street grant
old. She worked there for the next 19 about five years I have worked with
years. Jim Pierce and the Wyoming County In the continued effort of re- Owners will have to submit
In 1984, she and her husband, Wal- IDA to bring a hotel into the village. vitalizing Main Street in the Vil- an application that includes
ly, purchased a home on Prospect With more than 31,000 visitors com- lage of Arcade, Mayor Donna two bids from two different
Street in Arcade. There, they raised ing to ride the Arcade and Attica train Shiener and village trustees are contractors. Current property
two daughters together. and having two large wedding ven- working toward implement-
Then, in 1994, Schiener pursued owners can still submit an ap-
ues nearby, we were in dire need of ing a more beautiful downtown
a career as a real estate appraiser in plication if they are interested
a place for our visitors to stay. I am area.
Arcade. as long as the changes they are
pleased to say there will be ground- With the help of In Site Ar-
“...We couldn’t have chosen a bet- breaking for such a facility this looking to create comply with
ter place to live,” Schiener, who grew
chitecture, in Perry, the village the renovations. The applica-
spring.” applied for a grant that will aid
up in Sardinia and later Freedom. “I Elected as the first woman to serve tion will be scored and the im-
became active within the community in the renovation of blighted
Donna Schiener is the first woman to as mayor of Arcade, Schiener is proud pact on the advancement of the
co-chairing a youth basketball league buildings.
be elected as Mayor of Arcade. of her accomplishments. The village was recently community will be considered
and acting as outreach director at “Of course, being the first woman during the application process.
church. In 2001, I became active in our business owners. I also wanted awarded $315,000 in grant
mayor does give me a sense of pride funding from New York State Commitment to the project and
the Arcade Winterfest. I directed the better communication between the and accomplishment. Years ago, I
pageant for several years and was co- Homes and Community Re- financial stability to carry out
village and the school district (Pio- spoke with Kathy Hochul, who was
chairman for six years. At the same newal as part of the revitaliza- their portion of the renovations
neer Central), as we partnered with a congresswoman at that time. She
time, I served on the Fabulous 50s tion of New York Main Streets. will also be considered.
them with shared services,” she said. told me some of the most fulfilling
festival held in August. I chaired the The village shares services with The money can be divided in The funding was allotted for
times in her political career were at the renovation of commer-
event for about four years. It was my Pioneer Central School District, in- many different ways to help ac-
the local level. And of course, the rest
volunteer work that caused me to fall cluding lawn mowing in the park, oc- commodate and meet the needs cial and mixed-use properties
in love with the Village and the peo- is history,” said Schiener.
casional plowing, and maintenance of current business owners with downtown. This could include
ple that live here,” said Schiener. During the remainder of her term
and use of baseball diamonds at the plans for renovations that will commercial properties that
Her career as a real estate apprais- as mayor, Schiener hopes to create
park. There is also a parking area for improve the downtown area. double as residential proper-
er led her toward a career in politics. an increase in housing supply, cre-
parents to park across the street from ate a family-friendly community by
Interested property owners ties.
“As part of my job, I evaluate the who currently own property in
the school. improving parks and playgrounds, The Main Street Grant Review
neighborhoods of the properties I ap- the target area on Main Street
As mayor of Arcade, Schiener has remove some of the blighted residen- Committee plans to meet to
praise. I saw many communities ex- between Church and Water
continued to work toward better- tial buildings and commercial prop- implement the next steps of the
periencing a resurgence of their Main Streets, as well as a few property
Street corridors and thought, ‘Arcade ing the community and aiding in erties, create a more walkable com- application process and is hop-
the vibrancy that continues to flow munity and develop a trail system owners on Liberty Street are eli-
could do this too!’” said Scheiner, ing to be further ahead in the
throughout downtown Arcade and within and outside the village. gible to participate in the revi-
who did not win her first election. project(s) in the spring.
surrounding areas. “My husband once asked me if I talization of their building(s).
She was encouraged by a friend to The committee has been
“Since I became mayor, the village wake up in the morning saying, ‘What Participating owners will
run again, and she won the seat of vil- working together for the past
has received several grants. We have can I do to better Arcade today?’ and have to commit to paying 40
lage trustee in 2010. She ran for the year to secure this funding and
mayoral seat 12 years later. received the T-Mobile Hometown I answered, ‘Yes!’” exclaimed Schie- percent of the cost while the vil-
Grant, Genesee Valley Trail Study lage could provide a 25 percent create an opportunity for busi-
“At that time, I felt like I was a horse ner. For now, she’s focused on the
Grant, a Smart Growth Comprehen- match specific to the owner’s ness owners to further grow
at the starting gate! I really wanted to tasks at hand, but serving another
sive Plan; and of course, the icing term as mayor is not out of the ques- needs. their businesses. In Site Archi-
make a difference within the com-
munity. Some of my goals were to in- on the cake was the Main Street Re- tion for her. Some owners have already tecture and LaBella Architec-
crease the tax base within the village, vitalization Grant in the amount of “It all depends on if my vision has expressed interest in the pre- ture are at the forefront of the
apply for grants that would enhance $315,000. We also completed a Stra- been successfully completed; and I liminary round of the applica- renovations.
the village, remedy the housing short- tegic Plan for Business Development. don’t think it will be two years from tion process. – Kori Sciandra
age, and develop a relationship with The Smart Growth and Strategic now!” said Schiener.

Federal funds to aid small business

LIVINGSTON COUNTY: $500,000 awarded for third Dream-O-Vate program
By BEN BEAGLE

‘Dream-O-Vate has had a significant eco-

[email protected]
Livingston County Eco-
nomic Development will nomic impact throughout our area by spurrng
receive $500,000 in federal the creation of new opportunities and attracting
funding to support a county-
led initiative focused on the
creation, growth and advo-
cacy for small business.
small business to our county.

DAVID L. LEFEBER
’
U.S. Senators Charles E. Livingston County Board of Supervisors chairman
“Chuck” Schumer and Kirst-
en Gillibrand secured the insurance, accounting, pay- training, funding and the es-
funding which will be used
roll, branding, and market- sential resources and tools
for a new Dream-O-Vate pro-
ing, among others. needed to successfully open
gram, which is designed to
The Dream-O-Vate project businesses.
encourage the create of new
is part of more than $250 mil- The first Dream-O-Vate
opportunities and attract
lion in funding that Schumer program was announced in
small business to the county. late 2018, taking inspiration
“Dream-O-Vate has had and Gillibrand were able to
deliver to the Rochester-Fin- from the “Brew in Livingston”
a significant economic im- competition that helped cre-
pact throughout our area by ger Lakes Region in an effort
to support key infrastructure, ate a craft beer trail in Livings-
spurring the creation of new ton County. “Brew In Livings-
opportunities and attract- job training, educational op-
ton” saw four winners named
ing small businesses to our portunities and other mean- on St. Patrick’s Day 2017, and
county. Initiatives like this LIVINGSTON COUNTY PHOTOGRAPH
ingful projects.
are critical as we continue to The winners of the 2021 Dream-O-Vate winners are shown. The winners, representing a variety of Dream-O-Vate provides See DREAM A9
develop ways to bolster eco- business ventures, were named after completing a Microenterprise Assistance Program created by
nomic growth,” said Livings- Livingston County Economic Development. A new grant will allow for a similar program in 2023.
ton County Board of Supervi-
sors Chair David L. Lefeber, help turn their dream into a support and mentorship for to building our entrepre-
who thank Schumer and reality. small businesses and con- neurial economy has been
Gillibrand “for their tireless Dream-O-Vate aims to re- tinues to have a profound instrumental for the growth
efforts in support of our small cruit new businesses while impact on our towns and vil- and progress in Livingston
businesses.” also assisting existing busi- lages,” said William Bacon, County.”
The Dream-O-Vate pro- nesses that plan to signifi- director of Livingston Coun- Dream-O-Vate, officially QUALITY READY-MIXED CONCRETE
gram is a scalable and rep- cantly expand or branch into ty’s Economic Development. a Microenterprise Assis- • POURED WALLS • FLOORS • FOUNDATIONS • DRIVEWAYS
licable initiative developed an additional business con- “Senators Schumer and Gil- tance project, will see par- • INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS
by the Livingston County cept. As a result, the program librand understand that ru- ticipants go through a series 1-800-873-8826 638 East Main Street
Economic Development Of- has improved the economic ral economic development of entrepreneurship classes Phone: 343-6850 Batavia, NY 14020
fice that encourages entre- climate for all area businesses begins at the grassroots level where they will work with
preneurs to apply and com- through increased resident and their continued support professionals in areas such
pete for the chance to open a and tourist traffic.
of our innovative approach as business formation, legal,
storefront business and earn “The Dream-O-Vate pro-
a coveted business start-up gram has been highly suc-
benefits package designed to cessful in providing financial

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC • 113 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020

585-343-4551 • Toll Free: 800-847-2332 • [email protected]
A8 Saturday, March 4, 2023 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023

Who’s Who in Real Estate W

Industry
Insiders
Get faster, better results when you put
these experienced local agents to work
for your next real estate transaction.

Meet the Agents

Did you know?

HUNT Real Estate ERA
97 Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020 Outlook
Real Estate Services
It’s no secret that a good-looking lawn can entice Ask me about the 100% Money Back Guarantee!
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AR
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570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020

from even the smallest investments of time and Cell: 585.749.8951
money in their home exteriors. According to the Office: 585.343.6750
[email protected]
Top Agent Insights Q2 2019 Report from Home- HowardHanna.com

Light, low-cost outdoor home improvements to a

landscape provide sizable returns on investment.
For example, the report found that a $268 invest-
ment in a lawn care service can lead to a $1,211 Charter Partner Outlook
increase in home value at resale. Similarly, $340
Nancy M. Crocker Real Estate Services
worth of fresh mulch can increase home value Lic. Real Estate Salesperson Ask me about the 100% Money Back Guarantee!
at resale by $769. More than 85 percent of Cell: (585) 314-7982 D HA
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real estate professionals who participated in the

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7133 W. Main Road • LeRoy, NY 14482
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570 East Main Street • Batavia, NY 14020

HomeLight survey recommended other small and office • (585) 502-5250
Cell: 585.721.1639
Main Office: 2112 Empire Blvd • Webster, NY 14580
simple projects, including removing dirt, grime Office: 585.343.6750 • Fax: 585.343.8502
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Russ Romano has been helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals Office: 585.343.6750
in Western New York for 48 years. In 2015, he was awarded the professional [email protected]
designation of Realtor Emeritus. He also has obtained the professional desig- HowardHanna.com
nations from the National Association of Realtors as a CRS Certified Residential
Special, GRI Graduate of the Realtor Institute and ITI Instructor Training Institute.

Russ has served as President of the Genesee County Realtors Association, Re-
gional Vice President of the New York State Association of Realtors, Director of
the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors and a 35-year Senior Faculty member
of the New York State Association of Realtors Education Department. Over the
years, Russ has authored several education courses for the National Association Outlook
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Fax: 585.343.8502
[email protected]
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 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023 Saturday, March 4, 2023 A9

Albion business owners take advantage of MAP

and other strategies to boost business
‘
By SCOTT DESMIT Words cannot explain re-opening of 39 Problems restau-
[email protected] rant and bar.
ALBION - Dan Conrad planned on how much this has helped Tara Thom has stuck with Albion
closing his store in October. for more than five years, despite the

’ He had enough. Business was

struggling, he knew the closing of the
canal bridge would further hurt busi-
my business.

TIFFANY MONROE
ups-and-downs
She opened Town and Country
Quilt Shop at 10 East Bank St. in Oc-
ness and he just didn’t have enough owner of 365 Fitness, tallking tober 2017.
capital to continue. about Orleans County’s 10-week Thom did not participate in MAP
Conrad owns Toyz n Kandy on Microenterprise Assistance Program and instead has focuses on a strong
East Bank Street, a store he opened core of local customers and an even
in September 2021 from its former larger base of customers from out-
location at the Arnold Gregory com- side Albion.
plex. Tiffany Monroe, owner of 365 Fit- “We saw a big increase during
Conrad didn’t close, however. ness, also on East Bank, has taken the pandemic of people wanting to
Instead, he expanded, adding a MAP classes in 2019, 2020 and 2021. quilt,” she said. “We’re trying to con-
Slushy machine, a wildly-colored “It was a lifesaver,” she said. tinue to expand on that.”
build-your-own Pucker Powder ma- She will celebrate her fifth anni- She carries more than 1,000 bolts
chine and a new cooler, among other versary in March and with the grants of fabric in the store, offers long-arm
things. has expanded the fitness center, with quilting services, classes that begin
“And I got a permit to make my new equipment. in April and from March 9 to 12 she is
own candy,” Conrad said. “I plan on She was one of many business taking 30 to 40 people to the annual
making hard candy and suckers and owners featured on the MAP Face- Quilt Away in Geneseo.
I have my grandmother’s chocolate book page, showing off the new Downtown also has a few events
recipes.” treadmill machines the grant helped planned in further hopes of boosting
Business has doubled over last purchase. businesses. The annual Sip n Stroll is
year, Conrad said. “Words cannot explain how much slated for April 1 and the 35th annual
The savior? this has helped my business,” she Strawberry Festival is June 9 and 10.
A $20,000 grant from Orleans Eco- wrote on the page. “The class was In the meantime, the Orleans MAP
nomic Development Agency. educational and very beneficial, I program is accepting new members
Conrad was one of numerous recommend it to all businesses espe- for its next courses. The free program
merchants in the county to take ad- cially ones that have just started up.” accepts existing small business own-
vantage of the program. More than 600 people have par- ers or future small business owners
Business owners must complete ticipated in MAP since 1999. 18 years of age of older with five or
a 10-week Microenterprise Assis- The program has boosted down- fewer employees. Contact Diane
SCOTT DESMIT/DAILY NEWS tance Program training course to be town Albion, which has seen an Blanchard at dblanchard@orleans-
Dan Conrad used a $20,000 grant from Orleans Economic Development Agency eligible for the grant, which ranges influx of new businesses, including development.org or call (585) 589-
to expand his business, Toyz n Kandy. from $10,000 to $35,000. a coffee shop, outlet store and the 7060 for more information.

Who’s Who in Real Estate

Industry Insiders
Dream
From A7

the county’s economic devel-

opment office worked with
three other breweries to fur-
ther their plans.
Dream-O-Vate takes its
name by combining the
words “dream” and “inno-
vate.” The program debuted
in 2019 and feature more
winners than the Brew In Liv-
ingston competition as the
start-up are less for a retail
business than a craft brewery.
The 2019 program, with
$200,000 in grants and tech-
nical assistance had nine win-
ners and assisted businesses
across five communities. The
winners, representing both
new and expanding busi-
nesses, were Borken Restau-
rant in Mount Morris, Sweet
Arts Bakery in Geneseo, Trai-
lOtter in Leicester, Jonny B’s
in Lima, Dublin Corners Tap
Room in Geneseo, Wendy’s
Pantry + Country Mouse
Tea House in Mount Morris,
Honey Girl Gourmet in Gen-
eseo, Livonia Inn in Livonia,
and Sunrise Bouldering in
Geneseo.
The program returned in
2021. Fifteen winners were
named in 2021. They were
Angie’s Ice Cream in Dan-
sville, A.N. Wine + Liquor
House in Geneseo, Avon Park
Theatre in Avon, Creekside
Creamery in Mount Mor-
ris, Easton’s Food + Drink in
Lima, Florence’s Perpetual
Estate Sale in Geneseo, Little
Lake Brewing, LLC, in Lakev-
ille, Milk + Honey Cafe in
Lima, Seasonal Pantry in
Geneseo, Six Sprouts Farm
Market in Avon, The Barn at
Fire Creek Farms in Livonia,
Dansville Granola Company
in Dansville, The Local Roost,
The VAULT (Vintage and
Upcycled Lasting Treasures)
in Dansville, and Woodlawn
Distillery in Linwood.
–––
Learn more about Livingston
County’s small business advocacy
and the Dream-O-Vate initiative
by visiting Grow LivCo’s official
website at https://www.growlivco.
com/resources.
A10 Saturday, March 4, 2023 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023

For GCEDC, the future is now

STAMP SITE: Edwards Vacuum eyes March construction date for $209 million manufacturing facility
By BRIAN QUINN
[email protected]
The Genesee County Eco-
nomic Development Center
looks at the $209 million
Edwards Vacuum semicon-
ductor dry pump manufac-
turing facility, planned for
the Science Technology and
Advanced Manufacturing
Park (STAMP) in the town of
Alabama, as a factory of the
future.
GCEDC President and CEO
Steve Hyde said a factory of
the future is especially mean-
ingful, because the future is
now — a season of growth in
the semiconductor industry.
“The industry’s almost a
trillion dollars now. Their
demand is so great from their
semiconductor customers
that they made the decision
that they have to build a
major, modern, high-tech
factory at STAMP that really
is going to service their North
American customer base
from now into the future,” he
said.
Edwards Vacuum, part of
Atlas Copco Group, said the
facility will be named Prod-
uct Company Genesee.
“Really, this (‘Factory of
the Future’) means that this
factory that we will name
Product Company Genesee
will manufacture our most
advanced, state-of-the-art PHOTO COURTESY OF SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER’S OFFICE
dry pumps for the semicon- U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, shown speaking at STAMP in 2021, announced, in November 2022, Edwards Vacuum’s plan to come to the manufacturing facility in the town
ductor industry,” said Vice of Alabama.
President, Global Business
Development - Semiconduc- those won’t be the people

‘
tor Division Scott Balaguer. working there,” he said. “It This (‘Factor of the Future’) will manufacture
“It will be designed for really is in line with a lot of
high-volume manufactur- the high-value and high- our most advanced, state-of-the-art dry pumps

’
ing. We will utilize the most number careers that we see for the semiconductor industry.
advanced CNC machine tool as the projects come into the
technology and utilize In- business parks.
dustry 4.0 practice as well as “A lot of the positions that SCOTT BALAGUER
smart manufacturing.” they (Edwards) would have ... vice president, global business development-semiconductor
Balaguer said the facil- they’re based on a lot of the division, Edwards Vacuum
ity will increase Edwards training that young people
Vacuum’s capacity and bring in our community at our GV
more than 600 jobs when it’s BOCES (would get). We’re
fully operational.
“We hope to begin con-
struction in early March and
very proud to say that the
megatronics lab there is, in
our mind, the best in any BRIAN QUINN/DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO
CONGRATULATIONS
plan to be up and running in high school program in New Edwards Vacuum Progect Manager Andy Marsh speaks about
early 2025,” he said.
Hyde said Edwards Vac-
York, probably a broader
region. It’s at the level of the
the $209 million proposal during a Genesee County Economic
Development Center (GCEDC) meeting.
2022 Genesee
uum had been supplying its
product to North American
community college training,”
Krencik said. “We also have Edwards has been meeting Hyde said the Edwards
Chamber of Commerce
customers from its factory in
South Korea and China.
those high-level community
college training centers in
with many colleges and uni-
versities as well as vocational
project creates great oppor-
tunities for students.
Awards
Hyde noted the CHIPS and suburban Rochester as well schools and representatives “They’re (Edwards) very, BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Science Act, a $52.7 billion in- as on Buffalo’s east side at of STAMP, Balaguer said. very interested in diversity Max Pies Furniture Company, Inc.
vestment in domestic semi- the Northlands Workforce Hyde said financially, and equity, and inclusion,”
conductor manufacturing. Training Center. They have a Edwards will average almost AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
he said. “Populations that Fenton’s Produce LLC
“This (the Edwards proj- lot of those meetings because $640,000 a year in property
tax-type payments, between have been underrepresented
ect) is exactly part of it,” he they’re looking to hire stu- INNOVATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
said. payment in lieu of taxes (PI- and have been, some, in
dents that are coming out of Empire Hemp Co. LLC
Hyde said how Edwards LOT) agreements and host poverty — they have an op-
CNC manufacturing courses
wants to lay out the facility is as well as the megatronics community agreements. portunity to go to BOCES, SPECIAL SERVICE RECOGNITION OF THE YEAR
up to the company. courses. That’s really a great “That’s going to be a huge come out of Batavia High or Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!)
“There are established boost as we’re talking to benefit for the town and the another high school in our
design standards for STAMP county and the Oakfield- community, get trained up GENESEEAN OF THE YEAR
young people about these
that are supposed to be Alabama School District. You Norm Argulsky
careers, about getting into in megatronics or CNC and
thoughtful and fit nicely into these programs — things like look at the economic impact all of a sudden start out in an
the landscape as it is. That’s the boot camps, things like of a company like this that’s entry-level position and can
where it’s kind of naturalistic. BOCES and GLOW With Your talking about 600 workers.
It just looks very modern and find their path to six figures in
Hands. We talk about a path- They’re ultimately talking
fresh, and high tech — well- a few short years.
way. This is really shortening about becoming tied with
placed at the STAMP site. our largest manufacturers. “That’s the benefit of tech
the pathway even more,
I think that’s the essence,” They’re high-tech, in an manufacturing companies in 8276 Park Road, Batavia | 585-343-7440 | www.geneseeny.com
where they could be training
Hyde said. in a program right now.” industry that pays incredibly growth industries.”
“They’re (Edwards) going Krencik said some taking well. They’re going to be one
to basically stop air-freight- of the top employers in Gen-
those programs could be Thank you Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for naming us the Innovative Business of the Year!
ing major products from Asia esee County once they get
working at Edwards when
to North America because
Edwards is starting produc- through Phase 2. Their wages We are very happy to be part of this community and we thank you all for your support!
they land here. It’s meet-
tion at STAMP in a couple of are 25-30% higher than the
ing this incredible growth
of semiconductor industry
years. average wage in our county.” Our wide range of full-spectrum CBD
and it’s being designed to be products are produced in small batches
futuristic and fun and excit- with NY-grown, pesticide-free hemp!
ing, and very tech-oriented,”
he said. “That’s the nature Our mission is to provide happiness,
of production jobs in tech health, and wellness through natural,
manufacturing. The days proactive approaches.
of smokestacks are gone. Congratulates Geneseean of the Year
They’re pulling the stuff that
comes out of smokestacks
... out of the environment by
NORM ARGULSKI Tinctures & Gummies Lotions & Body Butters
landing here at STAMP ver- “In every community there is that one
sus flying their products back person that everyone knows, not because
and forth on planes.” of the large and daring things that some
GCEDC Director of Mar- people can do, but because of their simple
keting and Communications caring and kindness towards their fellow
Jim Krencik noted Edwards citizens. All of us at The Batavia Players and
committed to 343 jobs in the the Main St. 56 Theater are so fortunate to
first phase of this project and experience that kindness and caring every Massage Oils & More Balms & Salves
laid out some longer-term
single day with our friend and colleague Norm
plans, in an announcement
Argulski. He is our mentor, our very talented
with the state, of having more
than 600 jobs. actor and most importantly, our friend.” Shop in-store:
“I hope people don’t hear —Patrick D. Burk 204 East Main Street, Batavia
the futuristic part of it and Batavia City Centre, Downtown Batavia
think that they or your son or bataviaplayers.org Or, online: EmpireHempCo.com
daughter or neighbor, that
 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023 Saturday, March 4, 2023 A11

Warsaw man named region’s top Realtor

BUFFALO NIAGARA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS: Honors Joe Rivellino as he celebrates 20 years in real estate
By KORI SCIANDRA SPCA serving Wyoming
[email protected] County, Mercy Flight, Meals
In the early 1970s, Joseph on Wheels and was director
Rivellino moved from Roch- for the Wyoming County
ester to Warsaw with his fam- Chamber of Commerce and
ily. He went on to graduate Tourism Board from 2006
from Warsaw High School to 2016. He also organized a
in 1986 and then obtained
personal donation drive in
hands on experience in sales.
He worked in furniture and 2018 for the victims of Hurri-
computer sales until 2000 in cane Harvey by filling a trailer
the Rochester area. He then full of essentials and driving
moved back to the Warsaw them to a drop site in Texas
area and purchased an exist- for distribution
ing real estate brokerage in “I was shocked and hum-
Warsaw in 2003. bled. It was totally unexpect-
“I always loved the idea of ed honestly. When you enjoy
owning a business, found this what you do, no day seems
to be a great option for me,” like work. I am honored to
said Rivellino. be celebrating these career
As Rivellino celebrates 20 accomplishments,” he said in
years of real estate brokerage
reference to his award. “I am
in Warsaw this year, he also
reaches new heights in his blessed to be 2023 president
career. elect for the New York State
Rivellino was recently Association of Realtors, mak-
named Realtor of the Year ing me the 2024 president for
by the Buffalo Niagara As- the state! I will continue to
sociation of Realtors, and he build and grow Rivellino Re-
is 2023 president-elect of the alty and implement systems
New York State Association of that give the highest level of
Realtors. He will assume the professionalism to our com-
president’s role for NYSAR in BUFFALO NIAGARA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS PHOTOGRAPH munities. Our team has a vast
2024. Joe Rivellino was named Realtor of the Year by the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors. He Is also the 2023 president-elect for the array of knowledge, experi-
Rivellino embarked on a New York State Association of Realtors, making him the 2024 president for the state. This year marks his 23rd year as a Realtor. ence and experts in the field. “
career in real estate after an As the owner and president
existing real estate brokerage, in the capacity of vice presi- recognize and honor this ac-
dent, secretary/treasurer, complished individual in our of the Club at Silver Lake
Donanto-Layman Realty,
connected him with what he president elect and BNAR’s Association,” said John Leon- and broker-owner of Rivel-
thought was a great oppor- president in 2015. He was ardi, chief executive officer of lino Realty, Rivellino offers
tunity. a National Association of the BNAR. “He is an excellent the following advice for new
“I learned the business Realtors director in 2015 and role model for fellow Real- Realtors:
hands on,” said Rivellino. is involved the New York tors.” “Be the expert in your field.
“I have always appreciated State Association of Realtors Rivellino, outside of his re- Education, volunteering in
being in sales of some sort serving as regional director al estate business, is involved the Realtor Associations,
and recognized a unique and for two terms, serving on nu- in many activities, fundrais- talking and learning from
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE RIVELLINO.
promising opportunity.” merous committees as well ers and initiatives, including seasoned practitioners, con-
Joe Rivellino began his career in real estate 20 years ago.
The BNAR award acknowl- as currently serving as their Alzheimer’s Walk, Kiwanis necting with your community
edges the outstanding contri- president elect. Club for Parks and Play- and giving back. You get out
butions of a Realtor who has to another. Being an expert aspect. Studying and under-
resource is very rewarding,” standing trends. Showing “We are pleased to grounds, YMCA activities, what you pit in.”
contributed to the real estate
industry, the community and said Rivellino. and listing properties as well
the BNAR, one of more than The industry will always as training and educating

Taste of Spring
1,800 local boards and associ- face setbacks, volatility of agents. Also volunteering
ations of Realtors nationwide prices and fluctuation in sup- in our Realtor associations
that comprise the National ply and demand, but Rivel- and being the positive voice
Association of Realtors. lino is resilient in his quest protecting home ownership,”
Rivellino specializes in to pursue real estate. When said Rivellino.
residential, commercial, farm
and land brokerage cover-
ing significant territory from
county to county. According
to the BNAR, he was instru-
mental in the merger of the
faced with those challenges
he immerses himself even
further in the industry.
“Being involved in every
Rivellino serves on many
BNAR committees. He served
on the board of directors
from 2011 to 2017 and served
Open House
Genesee Valley Association
of Realtors (GVAR) and the
Celebrating 30 Years 1993-2023
Buffalo Niagara Association
of Realtors in 2011.
During his time at the
Genesee Valley Association
of Realtors, he served on
to Friday, March 3rd — 9AM-3PM
Saturday, March 4th — 8AM-2PM
Norm Argulski
numerous committees, was
president for three terms,
was a member of the Genesee
Valley Chapter Advisory
Committee and was GVAR’s on receiving Geneseean of the Year.
Realtor of the Year in 2009.
His commitment to the
growth and betterment of the
Thank you for your many years Lunch On Us
industry stems from his pas- of service and dedication to St. Joe’s. Friday • Pizza • 11AM-1PM
sion for the job and for those
in the community,he said.
“The thought of assisting
We are so very Saturday • Grilled Burgers • 11AM-1PM
the public with what might
end up being the most impor-
grateful for you!
tant purchase of their lives
was intriguing to me. Home 2 Summit Street, Batavia NY
ownership goals differ drasti- (585) 343-6154 • www.sjsbatavia.org
cally from one individual

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A12 Saturday, March 4, 2023 BUSINESS OUTLOOK 2023

GENESEEAN OF THE YEAR

Frequent volunteer finds rewards in work

NORM ARGULSKI: Encourages others to look at their interests to find volunteer opportunities
By MALLORY DIEFENBACH performed in several Rotary Club
[email protected] productions. But as his teaching
BATAVIA — Many people in the role became more involved he gave
community know Norm Argulski. up on performing.
Whether he is participating in A simple phone call changed
a Batavia Players production, the that.
Resurrection Parish, St. Joseph’s “I was teaching at Jackson
School, Richmond Memorial Li- School at the time, and I got a
brary, Genesee County Park and telephone call from Linda Beaver
Forest, or Crossroads House, a (now Linda Hodgins). They were
comfort home for those nearing
doing a Batavia Player’s play at the
end of life, Argulski is filling his
Red Osier. The lead character who
days helping others.
It is for this many years of vol- played the part of the detective had
unteer work the Genesee County to drop out of the show,” Argulski
Chamber of Commerce named recalled in an interview last year
Argulski the Geneseean of the Year. with The Daily News.
“It was just a wonderful feeling. Upon being asked if he wanted
I love doing volunteer work, and to play the lead part of the detec-
to be rewarded for doing some- tive, Argulski believed he was going
thing you love is just a wonderful to be playing Sherlock Holmes.
experience,” Argulski said. “I really However, when he got there and
wanted to thank the Chamber very began reading the play, the de-
MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO
much for selecting me.” Norm Argulski is seen during a tective was no Sherlock Holmes
For 40 years, Argulski taught at rehearsal for a Batavia Players - in fact, Argulski called him the
Jackson School in Batavia. It was production when the theater troupe “dumbest detective that was ever
actually teaching at Batavia and was located on Harverster Avenue in on Earth.”
winning teacher of the year in 1990 Batavia.. Yet Argulski enjoyed working so
when he won Geneseean of the much on that production - it was
Year for the first time with three didn’t want to sit at home all day “Murder at Rutherford House”
other people. long. - that in 1994 joined the Batavia
“Rather than it being a volunteer “So I picked up with several
Players. The next year, he became
kind of thing, it was people who other organizations,” he said. “I
a member of the board of directors.
were instrumental in Batavia,” he got very much involved in St. Jo-
He has continued appearing in
said. seph’s School, with the Richmond
Library, which are two wonderful shows and serving on the board.
More recently, the Geneseean of
things which I very much enjoy For those who would be interest-
the Year award is present to a per- MARK GUTMAN/DAILY NEWS
working with.” ed in volunteering but aren’t sure
son who has made an outstanding Norm Argulski said volunteering “gets you to me a lot of wonderful people, and
Additionally, Argulski started what to volunteer for, Argulski said
contribution to the community, to see what is going on as far as Batavia is concerned.”
contributed or volunteered “be- volunteering at the county park the first thing to choose is some-
yond the call of duty; a true unsung and Crossroads House. place to volunteer at, Argulski said the number one thing is support- thing you know something about.
hero of today,” according to the de- Argulski said sometimes he right now a lot of the high schools ing an organization which needs This way you don’t get yourself in-
scription on the Chamber’s nomi- thinks the organizations choose are coming in to the Batavia Play- help. volved in something you might not
nation form. The recipient must be you for volunteer work. For ex- ers to get costumes for their spring “But also the fact that it gets be happy with. Also, know some
a resident of Genesee County. ample, he said through working shows. Running the costume shop, you out of your home. It gets you people who work with the organi-
Before he retired from teaching, with St. Joseph’s School he got he said he gets to meet a lot of won- to meet a lot of wonderful people, zation you are interested in.
Argulski participated in Batavia involved with the Mammoth Sale derful people and help them find and to see what is going on as far as “I think that is really important,”
Players and was active at Resurrec- and now he’s co-chair of the Mam- them costumes for their shows. Batavia is concerned,” he said. he said.” Find something you’re
tion Parish. moth Sale. When asked what he enjoys most Argulski first began acting in going to like, and something you
When he retired, he decided he When asked what his favorite about volunteer work, Argulski said community theater when he think you can do.”