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Sometimes Good Samaritans ride bikes

By Howard B. Owens

A tourist from Holland who was injured and had his bike damaged by a hit-and-run driver Oct. 5 found out Sunday that despite the mishap there are good people in Genesee County who will lend a helping hand.

Rich Ohlson only knows the rider as Bert, but when Det. Todd Crossett, Batavia PD, called Olhson to tell him what he had learned about Bert, Ohlson was more than happy to help.

Bert was hospitalized with minor injuries, but his bicycle was damaged enough that he wouldn't be able to finish his journey through Upstate New York.

The trip began in Canada and would end in Toronto, where Bert would catch a flight back to Holland.

He was alone in a foreign country with no way of continuing as long as his bike was damaged.

"If I was in a jam like that on a Sunday with no bike shops open, I would hope somebody would help me," Ohlson said. "That's what our ministry is all about -- being a servant."

Ohlson heads up Ride to Recovery, an Oakfield-based ministry that uses bicycles as a way to lead people to Christ.

On Sunday, Ohlson went to the motel where Bert was staying after being released from UMMC and brought along his parts and tools trailer for bicycle repair -- Ohlson often tunes up bikes in Austin Park when Care-A-Van is there. It so happened, Ohlson had all the right spare parts, including a back wheel that fit and a luggage rack much like the one destroyed in the accident.

Bert wasn't too interested in Ohlson talking about salvation, so Ohlson said he just went about the business of repairing the bike, hoping that his deeds would speak louder than his words. He did give Bert a Bible to take with him.

"As a fellow bicyclist, he's doing what I would love to do," Ohlson said.

The car that hit Bert is believed to be a small red car with glass missing from the passenger-side mirror as a result of the accident. Anybody with information about the car or the driver can call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 345-5000.

YWCA's awards for Fabulous Females has new nomination deadline -- Oct. 18

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

This year's Fabulous Females Committee has decided that there are too many good women and young ladies in Genesee County to ignore. So the 2013 event will include an award each for females aged 12 to 17; 18 to 30; an overall 2013 recipient and someone chosen out of the pool of prior recipients for continuing her contributions to the community.

The awards lunch is set for noon Saturday, Nov. 16 at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road. Deadline for nominations is now Oct. 18. (It was moved up from Oct. 8).

All of the awards fit into this year's theme that is based on Chinese folklore about red thread. Invisible threads connect a newborn child's spirit to all of the people who will be important in the child's life. So it is with this community, and how each award recipient serves to pull all of the pieces together.

Hosted by YWCA of Genesee County, this event is to include a light-hearted afternoon of lunch, entertainment and awards. Based on the beauty of nature, awards range from the Seedling to Bouquet to capture each stage of development.

Recipients for all but one of the awards will be announced before the event. The Bouquet Award will be kept secret for a surprise unveiling that day.

"This event has evolved over the years, and we really hope to create a memorable day for not only the award recipients but those family, friends and colleagues in attendance," YW Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. "Much in the way a flower develops from a seedling into a full-blown blossom, these recipients have demonstrated their own unique beauty. And the legacy winner will be the celebration of a bouquet of accomplishments!"

Before any awards can be handed out, though, people need to submit their chosen candidates by Oct. 18. Here is the criteria for each category:

  • The 2013 Fabulous Female Seedling Award will go to a young lady between 12 and 17 who has demonstrated perseverance and gumption through adversity and a willingness to help out the community. Her growth is evident despite her age. The ideal candidate is not your typical all-star athlete or honor society member, but someone who shines behind the scenes.
  • The 2013 Fabulous Female Petal Award is for a woman from 18 to 30 who has shown her spirit through volunteer, professional and personal efforts to improve the community in some way.
  • The 2013 Fabulous Female Blossom Award is for that special woman who has become an integral member of society in the way she works, serves, speaks and behaves.
  • The 2013 Fabulous Female Bouquet Award is a nod to the legacy to be left by a former Fabulous Female for her continuing efforts and contributions to the community.

Nomination forms may be obtained online at www.ywcagenesee.org or at YWCA, 301 North St.

Tickets for the event are $25 each and may be purchased at YWCA or Bank of Castile. There are also opportunities to sponsor a table with special promotional perks.

For more information, call 343-5808.

Special Deal of the Day: 1/2 price Lunch at Larry's Steakhouse

By Howard B. Owens

Use the PayPal button below for your purchase. Limit one per household. Remember, the gift certificate must be redeemed during lunchtime -- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and redeemed within 30 days, and one per table. There are a total of 10 gift certificates available sold on a first-click, first-sold basis. We're calling this a half-price lunch deal, but it should be obvious that only applies if your lunch costs $20. If you spend more, there's no additional discount.

SOLD OUT!

 

Tom Turnbull introduced as chamber president after first official day on the job

By Howard B. Owens

For the first time in a long time, Tom Turnbull experienced a "first day on the job" today.

Thirty-eight years after a "first day" with the Batavia Daily News, Turnbull was the new guy trying to figure out where the supply of pens and paper clips were stored in the offices of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

Turnbull replaces Lynn Freeman, who retired, as chamber president.

"I've always had a deep love for the chamber and have always been involved," said Turnbull during his introduction mixer at Terry Hills.

The way Turnbull sees it, he's taking over a great organization that doesn't need an overhaul.

"Our chamber is one of the best run in the state and that one was of the things that excited me about taking this job," Turnbull said. "Lynn and the staff have done a great job. The way I look at it is I'm just going to take the baton and keep on running."

The chamber, he said, plays an important role in supporting the business community because a strong business community ensures a better quality of life for everybody.

The chamber's function includes training for small businesses, representing business to elected leaders and providing networking opportunities for business owners and employees.

"There's strength in numbers and I think that's what a group like the chamber does for the small guy," Turnbull said. "You have 600 members and there's strength in numbers for advocacy, working with government and getting your views out. Also we can bring a lot of seminars, a lot of training that small companies can't usually afford to do on their own."

Multiple reports of gunshots in the area of Jackson and Central

By Howard B. Owens

Dispatchers informed Batavia patrols that at least three callers reported hearing three or four gunshots in the area of Jackson and Central.

A minute later, a Batavia officer reported pulling over a vehicle that had just "blown through" a stop sign at Sumner and Swan. There were three individuals in the vehicle. Two took off heading south and were reportedly wearing red.

A minute later, a caller reported more gunshots on Jackson Street.

Multiple Batavia PD units are responding to Jackson and Central as well as Swan and Sumner.

UPDATE 9:52 p.m.: A caller on South Swan reports two black males running through a back yard. One wearing a red sweatshirt and the other wearing a tan sweatshirt.

UPDATE 10:16 p.m.: An officer reports a .45 casing has been found on Jackson. A possible suspect vehicle is a white Jeep.

UPDATE 10:53 p. m.: Jackson Street is currently closed to all through traffic. 

UPDATE 11:45 p.m.: Jackson Street is clear.

 

Police announce arrest of suspect in alleged robbery of 7-11 in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Not only was Michael C. Kraatz hauled off to jail today in handcuffs, his car was impounded as well as part of a Batavia PD investigation into a Sunday morning strong-arm robbery of the 7-11 store on East Main Street.

Kraatz is charged with robbery, 3rd, grand larceny, 4th, and resisting arrest. He was jailed without bail pending his next court appearance.

The 34-year-old Batavia resident is accused of entering the 7-11 at 4:04 a.m., Sunday, grabbing a clerk and demanding money.

The suspect fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

When asked about the robbery this morning, Chief Shawn Heubusch characterized the case as "a very active investigation."

Three hours after Heubusch made that statement, police were knocking on the door of a residence on North Spruce Street.

Officers reported over the radio that the suspect was fleeing -- Kraatz allegedly jumped out of a rear window -- and minutes later an officer reported that he was "15" (code for making an arrest) with the suspect in the parking lot behind the apartments at 20 N. Spruce St.

As part of the investigation, police identified a late model Mercedes Benz as a suspect vehicle, which may have helped lead them to Kraatz. The vehicle was impounded shortly after Kraatz was taken into custody.

The Sheriff's Office and State Police, along with Genesee County Jail personnel, assisted in the investigation and apprehension of Kraatz.

Investigating the case from Batavia PD were: officers Arick Perkins and Matt Lutey; detectives Paul Caffo, Kevin Czora and Charles Dudek; Det. Sgt. Pat Corona, Todd Crossett and Sgt. Dan Coffey.

In New York, a person is guilty of fourth-degree grand larceny when the value of the property stolen exceeds $1,000.

CLARIFICATION and UPDATE: While one subdivision of grand larceny 4th states a theft of property worth $1,000 or more, there's also a subdivision that covers the alleged use of extortion and the threat of physical harm during the course of the theft.  That is why Kraatz was charged with grand larceny 4th.  However, it turns out, that the same set of circumstances can also lead to a charge of grand larceny 2nd and the charge against Kraatz are scheduled to be upgraded today to grand larceny 2nd.

Previously: Police nab suspect in robbery of 7-11

Hawley objects to monument closures in D.C.

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Petty, party-line politics have halted business in Washington D.C., leaving many Americans with a distrust and disinterest in government at all levels. It is truly disheartening to see such issues casting a pall on the institution of public service, and it will take time to rebuild the trust that is eroding as we speak. There is an aspect of the federal government shutdown where no time can be wasted, however: the reopening of the monuments and memorials dedicated to the honorable men and women who have sacrificed for our country.

Over the last six years, I have had the honor of leading an annual Patriot Trip with local veterans to Washington, D.C., visiting the sites and venues dedicated to their service. Throughout the course of the trip, more than 650 veterans and family members have embarked on this emotional journey, which has featured many of the monuments and memorials currently shut down due to gridlock within the federal government. This year’s trip included veterans from the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War eras who put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom and way of life. I cannot imagine showing up with my bus full of veterans and having to tell them their government would not allow them to experience the structures specifically meant to recognize their personal sacrifice.

The mere fact that open-air venues would be closed off to the public illustrates just how far the government has gone astray. While departments, employees and entities have been deemed “non-essential” and had their operations put on hold, it’s actually taking effort to keep veterans away from these destinations. Conversely, the groups of veterans who have broken through the barricades at the World War II memorial show the indomitable spirit of our servicemen and women. As always, these veterans have shown that strength in one’s convictions and a willingness to let actions speak louder than words will always win the day. This is a lesson from which many of the people responsible for the government shutdown could stand to learn.

As Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, I understand that government must step up to the plate to recognize and honor the sacrifice made by our courageous heroes. If government can’t get that right, then I can’t blame the American public for being disheartened. I urge the National Park Service to right this wrong and reopen these monuments and memorials at once, not only to honor our veterans, but to show that government is capable of fulfilling its most basic and essential duties.

Law and Order: The weekend's arrests

By Howard B. Owens

Melissa A. Williams, 43, of Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Williams is accused of shoplifting at Tops in Le Roy.

Jerry Lee Eleczko, 25, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operator, failure to keep right and driving without insurance. Eleczko was stopped at 1:15 a.m. Sunday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Karl Edward Vattes, 39, of Habgood Road, Black Creek, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and promoting prison contraband. Vattes was allegedly found in possession of suboxone while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail.

Richard Blaine Nichols IV, 19, of Townline Road, North Tonawanda, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Nichols is accused of stealing scrap metal from Batavia Driving Academy property.

Donald Eugene Campbell, 55, of Church Street, Dansville, is charged with petit larceny. Campbell is accused of stealing $24.98 in merchandise from Kmart.

Patrick John Coffey, 48, of Beck Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings in no passing zone, uninspected motor vehicle and insufficient tail lights. Coffey was stopped at 1:38 a.m. Saturday on Chick Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Justin Virgil Easterbrook, 31, of Gray Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Easterbrook was stopped at 4:23 a.m. Saturday on Fisher Road, Oakfield, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Douglas G. Goodwin Jr., 22, of 130 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment, 2nd. Goodwin is accused of pushing a woman out of a moving vehicle during an argument over property. The woman suffered an injury.

Patricia A. Dulmage, 19, of 20 1/2 Dellinger Ave., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dulmage is accused of shoplifting at Dollar Tree.

Gerald E. Nicholson, 46, of 128 1/2 State St., Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation. Nicholson was arrested following an alleged domestic incident. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Joseph G. Sumeriski, 21, of Warsaw, and Justin M. Johnson, 23, no permenant address, are charged with petit larceny. Sumeriski and Johnson were arrested by State Police for an alleged crime reported at 7:07 p.m. Aug. 22 in the Town of Pavilion. No further details released.

City announces leaf pick up schedule

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

As the leaves begin to fall and gardens/ yards are cleaned, city residents are provided the opportunity to bring yard waste – “green” matter (i.e. grass, leaves, branches) to the yard waste station on Law Street. The yard waste station is open from April 15th till the beginning of December. This year the yard waste station is scheduled to close Saturday, Dec. 7 for the season. The normal hours of operation are Monday – Saturday, noon till 6 p.m. (April 15 – Oct. 19) and when the days get shorter we are open Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. (Oct. 21 – Dec. 7).

Unfortunately we cannot accept other refuse such as garbage, fill or building materials.

In addition to the yard waste station, the City will begin citywide leaf collection on Oct. 28. Residents of most city streets can rake their leaves to the curbline on this date.

Residents of the following streets can rake to the parkway but do not place in the street; these streets are: Clinton Street, Oak Street, Main Street (including East and West Main Street), Pearl Street, South Main Street (between Oak and Walnut),Walnut Street Richmond Avenue (between Oak St and Prospect Avenue. If your street has a route number (i.e. Route 5, Route 33, Route 63 and Route 98), then please keep leaves out of the roadway.

Leaf operations typically start with one crew on River Street moving east in areas south of Main Street and a second crew will begin on Grandview Terrace moving west north of Main Street. It takes about a week and half to go through the entire city. Leaf collection operations will end Nov. 27. Any resident with leaves after this date can bring them to the yard waste station until it closes for the season.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAF COLLECTION

  • Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris. 
  • Leaves should not block traffic.
  • Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorists/ bicyclists/ pedestrians.
  • Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding.  
  • Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles.  
  • Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire.
  • Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection.
  • If it is snowing, we plow first.
  • There is no leaf pickup in the spring.

Steve Hawley named to Farm Bureau's 'Circle of Friends'

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was recently named to the Farm Bureau’s 2013 Circle of Friends list, which recognizes members of the state legislature for their support of New York’s farming industry. The honor is based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance, sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau supports, and opposition to policies that the organization has deemed harmful to farming.

“Farming is both the engine that drives our economy and an integral part of our way of life in Western New York,” Hawley said. “Providing our family farms with the support they need to stay competitive and prosperous in our global economy has been a top priority of mine throughout my time in the Assembly, and I remain committed to strengthening our proud, agricultural heritage. I have worked with the Farm Bureau on many critical issues over the years and I look forward to partnering with them in the future.”

Hawley is a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. He is a past president of the Farm Bureau and former owner and operator of Hawley Farms.

UMMC honors employees for years of service

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center honored the years of service of more than 100 employees at its annual recognition dinner on Oct. 2 at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia. Employees were recognized for their years of employment at five-year milestones.

Aida Nogueira and Laurentina Rosa, both Environmental Services technicians, achieved the 45-year milestone. Pamela Boshart-Lynch RN BSN, director of Education, Healthy Living and Cardiac Rehab Services was honored for 40 years of dedicated service along with Elizabeth Brian of the Emergency Department and Judy Yager, RN of the Ambulatory Surgery Unit. Celebrating 35 years were Ann Arent and Julie Kelsey from Medical Records, Mary Bibler and Marie Lawrence of the Laboratory Department, and Pamela Kader of Environmental Services.

Honored for 30 years of service included Linda Buckel RN and Nancy Johnson RN, Emergency Department; Mary Gerych RN, Intensive Care Unit; Kathleen Green RN and Lori Hebdon RN, Obstetrics; Cheryl LoVerdi, Finance manager; Ed Nogueira, Facilities Management; and Susan Reed, Radiology.

Achieving 25 years were Donna Clark, Central Supply; Alanna Dailey RN and Debra Langford, Nursery; Lori Donley, 2nd Floor Medical/Telemetry Unit; Vicki Downs and Deborah Johnson, Supply Chain Management; Donna Keough RN, Ambulatory Surgery Unit; Hope Knapp and Todd Wilkes RN, Surgery; Mary Lama RN BSN, 3rd Floor Medical/ Surgical Unit Clinical Care Coordinator; Rebecca Schrader, Intensive Care Unit; Joann Shaffer, Medical Records; Peggy Stevens, Environmental Services; Anna Sunderland, Food Services; and Donna Weibel, Risk Management.


Those celebrating 20 years of service include Bonnie Bezon RN, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department; Sandra Boryczka, Laboratory; Chad Caccamise, Information Services; Louis Schrauger, Environmental Services; Susan Wlazlak, Human Resources; and Cindy Zarcone RN; 2nd Floor Medical/Telemetry Unit.

There were 32 employees who received recognition for five, 10 and 15 years of service. Each employee received dinner for themselves and a guest, flowers and a gift certificate. Employees with 25 years or more of service were honored individually by their manager and senior leader with a presentation highlighting their contributions.

Law and Order: DWI and shoplifting arrests

By Howard B. Owens

John Corey Wolcott, 27, of Day Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, refusal to take pre-screen breath test, failure to change address on license. Wolcott was stopped at 8:14 a.m., Tuesday, on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Shaina Denise Heeks, 22, Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Heeks is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Victoria Ann Sumlin, 26, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sumlin is accused of shoplifting at Walmart. Sumlin was also arrested on a warrant out of City Court related to an unreasonable noise charge.

Brandon L. Doward, 28, of 12 Gray Birch Court, East Amherst, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Doward was arrested on a warrant out of City Court.

Michael F. Geer, 22, of 11 Willow St., Batavia, was arrested on a warrant out of Drug Court and jailed on $100,000 bail.

Robert D. Griffin Sr., 35, of 319 E. Main St., lower, Batavia, is charged with felony DWI and failure to take breath test. Griffin was arrested following a motor vehicle accident at 5:37 p.m., Wednesday, in the area of 38 Vine St., Batavia.

City hosts first-ever developers forum

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia hosted its first-ever Real Estate Developers' Forum on Tuesday Oct. 1, showcasing redevelopment opportunities in the Batavia’s Opportunity Area (BOA). The Forum was well attended, with more than 60 guests from across Western New York interested in learning more about the City of Batavia and surrounding areas. Potential investors and developers were invited to look at infill and redevelopment sites that have proven to be lucrative development projects statewide.

“The response we received from this Forum has been very encouraging” said Jason Molino, city manager. “Not only was there excitement and interest from what the City has been working on in recent years, but there was an overwhelming reception to the positive activity within Genesee County overall. Investors throughout Western New York are realizing Batavia has a vibrant future ahead.”

Included in the Forum were stats and figures related to the continued growth projected for the area along with presentations demonstrating successful redevelopment projects in Batavia, Genesee County and Buffalo suburbs. The speakers highlighted numerous incentive programs and creative financing measures to demonstrate how underutilized properties can be transformed or restored into high-value real estate for the community. The half-day Forum concluded with a bus tour of the City of Batavia’s Downtown, BOA priority redevelopment sites and the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

“This event was intended to put Batavia on the radar for investment, we believe it worked,” said Julie Pacatte, Batavia Development Corporation. “Everyone left knowing we are getting ready for growth in the next 10 years.”

Pacatte made reference to Moody’s analytics economy.com projections that Genesee County will outpace the employment growth projected for the Finger Lakes Region in the next 10 years. Using Moody’s growth rates by industry and New York State’s 2012 employment by industry data, this translates into approximately 2,600 new jobs by 2022.

“We need to be sure the City is ready to capitalize on this anticipated growth,” she emphasized.

"The Developers' Forum related to inner-connectivity about redevelopment, re-utilization and infill projects in the City of Batavia. It was another example of the collaboration between the City, Genesee County, various economic development entities and the private sector needed to grow our economy," said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

We are excited to see the continuation of adaptive reuse and redevelopment projects in the City and we are confident that this will compel developers to explore additional opportunities for investment now and in the future."

Vincent Esposito, Empire State Development, regional director for the Finger Lakes Region and presenter at the program commented, “Today’s Developer Forum was a terrific chance to learn about the Batavia Opportunity Area. The strategic and coordinated efforts of the BOA will greatly enhance the continued redevelopment prospects of Batavia’s historical and economic assets.”

About the Batavia Opportunity Area (BOA) Program: In 2011, the City of Batavia was awarded $266,508 from the NYS Department of State to determine the best opportunities for redevelopment within a 350-acre area downtown. The objectives of the program include redevelopment of underutilized, vacant and Brownfield properties, clean-up of select contaminated sites, continue revitalization of downtown and advance neighborhood stabilization.

Over the past 12 months the steering committee has developed priority reinvestment opportunities with conceptual renderings, preliminary engineering, solid market data and outlined incentive packages for motivating owners and developers to begin new projects within the City. This information was shared with the public at a July 29th meeting.

The Developers' Forum was intended to connect with developers interested in future investment within the City. For more information see HYPERLINK "http://www.bataviaopportunity.com" www.bataviaopportunity.com.

Collins votes to fund national parks and NIH

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

“Tonight (last night - ed.), the House continued to work and offer reasonable and commonsense solutions to the partial government shutdown by passing bills to fully fund the National Institute of Health for critical research and open all national parks and museums.

The American people should not be shortchanged because Washington can’t get its act together.

Unfortunately, Senate Democrats continue to slam the door on our efforts to reopen the government by refusing to talk to House Republicans and negotiate a responsible budget solution.

Congress must stop putting itself ahead of the American people. I continue to encourage my colleagues to voluntarily suspend or donate their pay, as I have, during a shutdown and refuse the special Obamacare exemptions for Congress, its staff and the White House.”

GCEDC board to vote on two food processing company expansion projects

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider at its Oct. 3 board meeting final resolutions for tax exemptions related to Yancey’s Fancy’s new processing facility and an expansion project proposed by Alpina Foods.

Yancey’s Fancy is seeking sales tax and mortgage tax exemptions and a property tax abatement to build a new facility within the Buffalo East Technology Park (BETP) located in Pembroke. Yancey’s Fancy plans to purchase approximately 12 acres within the BETP and build a 112,000-square-foot facility. The company plans to keep its artisan cheese operation and retail store in the current location on 857 Main Road in Corfu, while operating the new processing facility for its other product lines.

Yancey’s Fancy currently has 108 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees and expects to add 50 more over three years after the certificate of occupancy is obtained for the new facility.

Alpina Foods is seeking approval of a final resolution for sales tax exemption valued at $40,000 related to its proposed expansion plan. Alpina is planning a $2.5 million investment in new production equipment and $500,000 in interior construction (furniture, fixtures, and non-manufacturing equipment). Associated with this expansion plan, Alpina has committed to adding an additional 15 full-time equivalent employees to its workforce over the next three years after completion of the expansion project.  

A leading South American dairy products company, Alpina Foods constructed its first U.S. manufacturing facility in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in 2011. The facility employs 50 full-time workers on site and has met initial job creation commitments ahead of schedule.

The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Meetings are held at the Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate Med & Tech Park -- 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia, second floor, across from Genesee Community College.

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