Business

Press release:

MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES! This year, the Batavia Business Improvement District is excited to begin the planning for the Batavia Downtown Public Market that runs from June 21 to Sept 27. We are looking for farms, wineries, artists and craftsmen to participate.

Conveniently located in the downtown, visit our market before you do your regular shopping to be sure your food is the freshest and that your dollars remain local. Now entering its seventh year, the public market has grown and changed to become a staple of the downtown.

Although public markets have now become quite the trend, the goal is the same. People want the tradition of heading to the market to buy fresh, quality foods and wine and unique crafts from local farms and craftspersons. There is a desire to feel connected to their community.

Batavia has a unique geographic advantage because it bridges two major sales markets, Rochester and Buffalo. It also has four major routes that converge within the city – Routes 5, 33, 63 and 98.

Unlike some public markets which are tucked in a small lot or out of public view, the Batavia Downtown Public Market is located at the corner of Ellicott Street (Route 63) and Center Street, right in the center of the downtown. According to the Department of Transportation, over 15,000 cars drive past the market daily. Public parking is plentiful and easy to find.

The Business Improvement District, otherwise known as the BID, is a nonprofit organization made up of downtown property owners and tenants dedicated to economic and cultural revitalization that is above and beyond what the municipality can do.

A public market that is in the center of town creates a sense of place and belonging. Going back to our roots, farmer’s markets are one of the oldest forms of direct marketing for small farms, wineries and other businesses.

Farms, large or small, wineries, or artists/craftsmen that would like to sell their homemade crafts are welcome to participate.

If you would like to know more about the BID in general or how to participate in the Downtown Public Market or the autumn Wine Walk, please contact Laurie Oltramari at the BID at 585-344-0900 or email LOltramari@downtownbataviany.com.

Visit your downtown FARMACY for local food, fun and familiar faces!

Press release:

For the eighth consecutive year Site Selection Magazine has recognized Batavia/Genesee County as one of the top micropolitans in the United States, including the number-one ranking in the Northeast. The criteria for receiving the recognition includes capital investment and job creation. Through the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), approximately $51.3 million in new capital investments were made in the county creating approximately 172 new jobs in 2011.

“Through the collaboration of the Genesee County Legislature, the City and Town of Batavia, and many others in our community, we had another successful year in our economic development efforts,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. "With the recent announcement of Premiere Credit and Java Equipment projects, 2012 is off to a tremendous start.”

In 2011 the GCEDC was able to participate in 30 project “wins," including four major projects that have significant employment impacts for the region. Alpina Foods, one of the most recognized dairy companies in the world, and a leading dairy producing company in Colombia and South America, will open its first specialty yogurt manufacturing plant in the United States and will be the first occupant of the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. Alpina will create 50 jobs and invest more than $15 million in the construction and occupation of its new manufacturing plant.

The expansion at Graham Corporation will create 26 new jobs while a green technology firm, Vegetal I.D., which creates green roofs, will be adding 20 jobs over the next three years. In the Gateway I park, a new Holiday Inn Express is under construction that will create 19 jobs. The new hotel will be attached to an existing banquet hall.

“Congratulations are in order and Genesee County should be very proud of the achievements of our GCEDC,” said Mary Pat Hancock, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature. “The recent groundbreaking by Alpina in our newly opened agricultural park, and the recent activity at the park promises a substantial investment in the economic health of our area.

"There were additional achievements, new cooperative workforce-training programs, businesses expanding, jobs retained; do not think that all this would have happened without the inspired and dedicated work of the GCEDC and their team. Their success is our success."

The City of Batavia, in partnership with Mancuso Business Development Group, was able to complete the Masse Gateway Redevelopment Project which included the demolition of 40,000 square feet of vacant industrial space in the Batavia Industrial Center, and the renovation of approximately 120,000 square feet for commercial, residential and light industrial use. In December 2011, the first new business in the Masse Gateway Redevelopment project was secured and in January 2012 the second business was secured. Both expect to be open by Spring/Summer 2012.

“We appreciate the recognition and will continue to build upon our rich entrepreneurial history and facilitate collaborative partnerships that support and enhance opportunities for all community residents,” said Batavia City Manager Jason Molino.

Upstate New York’s City of Batavia, the hub of the Batavia Micropolitan region, continues to reinvent itself in the wake of the national Site Selection recognition. An empowered Batavia Development Corporation -- the city’s strategic alliance and economic development agency -- invested in personnel, small business development and infrastructure initiatives to support the continued growth and success of the area in 2011.

“New staff was hired, more small business loans were distributed and a newly defined action plan for adaptive re-use was adopted,” said Ray Chaya, president of the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC). “The BDC has seen confidence return to the community."

The city's Business Improvement District completed six façade improvement projects totaling more than $17,000 in reinvestment in downtown properties, with another six projects that are expected to be completed by the end of this month. The BID is also pleased to announce that it paid off early the $250,000 bond for the Ellicott Street streetscape project, which was done in conjunction with the City of Batavia.

“The Batavia Business Improvement District is extremely proud of having four new downtown businesses, which includes a Save-A-Lot Food Store. This means approximately another 35 individuals being employed within the district,” said Don Burkle, executive director of the BID.

“I can only express my deepest appreciation for the all of the partners, municipalities, and employees who continue to collaborate and are dedicated to the strategic vision of growth for our community,” said Greg Post, supervisor of the Town of Batavia. “This success is because of the partnerships that have been fostered over the last 10 years and the willingness of everyone to work together as a team to achieve a common goal for economic success."

“The chamber congratulates all of the economic development partners in Genesee County on receiving this award. It is always gratifying to be recognized for a job well done — particularly when the hard work is often done ‘behind the scenes’,” said Lynn Freeman, director of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

“The investment being made in our community, as a result of our economic development groups and the chamber, is bringing more and better paying jobs to Genesee County that will in turn improve the quality of life for all of us."

The first regional home and business expo sponsored by the Batavia Area Jaycees kicked off this morning in Batavia City Centre.

The Genesee Region Expo replaces the home show run by the Jaycees for 60 years.

More than two dozen vendors are ready to explain to visitors this weekend how they can make their homes more attractive and more comfortable.

The event includes food and a kids zone for children to hang out while parents visit vendor booths.

The show runs today through 7 p.m. and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Workers were on Swan Street in Batavia today knocking away loose bricks from the facade of the old Wiard Plow factory office building. Property co-owner Todd Audsley said the goal was to remove loose bricks before high winds hit the area tonight.

Long-term, the owners are working on a restoration project for the building. The facade will eventually be restored to look as much like the original as possible.

There is a high-wind warning in place starting at midnight through 10 p.m., Saturday.

Winds of 35 to 40 mph are expected with gusts up to 70 mph.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center Board approved the following two projects for tax-abatement assistance:

University Eye/Lassiter Properties, 217 Summit St., Batavia. Planned 1,961-square-foot expansion, six new jobs, total capital investment of $755,000. Sales tax exemption on building materials and supplies of $26,000 and a PILOT tax exemption on the increased value of the property of $52,500 over 10 years.

R & D Electronics, 5272 Clinton St. Road, Stafford. Planned 10,800-square-foot expansion, six new jobs. The company will construct a warehouse facility and move its current electronics repair business into the new space. The company will use its existing space to expand its Ebay sales business selling refurbished and factory returned products. Total capital investment of $312,000. Sales tax exemption on building materials and supplies of $10,800, mortgage tax exemption of $2,500, PILOT tax exemption based on $76,700 of increased property value.

The Batavia Business Improvement District and Shop Batavia are now working together to help promote downtown businesses.

In a special arrangement for BID members, extra features and discounts are now available through Shop Batavia and participating BID members will be part of an association page, helping customers more easily find downtown businesses on the site.

BID members will be able to more effectively use Shop Batavia to promote their businesses and sell merchandise online with the enhanced features.

Details available in this PDF.

For years, Jim Vo would see residents from Genesee County go to Rochester and Buffalo to sell their gold and silver and knew that while many retailers in the big cities were reputable, some of them were clearly a little shady.

After looking around Batavia a bit, he decided it would be a good place to start a business, which became Batavia Gold Rush, at 4152 W. Main St.

With a family background in jewelry -- his parents started in the business while still in Vietnam -- and some experience buying and selling gold and silver, he said he saw an opportunity.

"I love it in Batavia," said Vo, who will soon marry and is looking for a place to live in Batavia. It’s clean. It’s quiet. The people are very friendly."

Vo wants to be known as a precious metals buyer people can trust. A customer in his store is just as likely to get a lesson on how to value items as they are to get cash.

"You gave me respect to come into my store, so I'm going to show you respect," Vo said.

When he markets his business he doesn't advertise "the highest price paid." He said customers will figure that out after they get bids from other stores.

"Usually customers who don't sell to me come back later that same day because they found I did offer the highest bid," Vo said.

His personal motto is, "give me a chance to prove we pay the highest price and we will."

Vo said he's hoping to attract business that is currently being siphoned off from Genesee County and going to Buffalo and Rochester.

Some of his recent print advertising has even emphasized that fact.

"People should shop local," he said. "We want to keep the dollars in Batavia."

While some antique and coin dealers might buy items for resale, Vo said he doesn't want to hold inventory for resale. It just means he has to pay a lower price because the item will sit on a shelf for a while before he gets his investment back on it. By sending out all the gold and silver he buys to refineries, he can pay the best possible price, he said.

"My goal is to try and make money, and at the same time, get the customers the deal they deserve," Vo said.

Among the accomplishments of the Business Development Corp. in 2011 was hiring an economic development coordinator, Board President Ray Chaya told city council members Monday night.

Now the BDC is getting down to the business of growing business.

Chaya and Julie Pacette presented the BDC's action plan for 2012, which includes improving the real estate market, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and becoming a friendlier city.

The second half of 2011 was pretty good for the BDC, Chaya said -- six loans for small businesses in Batavia were approved in 2011.

"It was quiet for some time, but has picked up," Chaya said. "Julie being on the street, talking to people, is something we’ve never been able to do before, so I really think it’s going to help drive some new business."

BDC Board Member Gregg Torrey is the group's champion for improving the real estate environment, which will include pushing forward with applications for $400,000 in Main Street grants from the state.

To qualify, property owners must cover at least 60 percent of the project costs.

Pacette said the BDC has already received grant applications totaling $700,000 in project costs and is looking for more applications to consider forwarding to the state for approval.

Pacette said the BDC hopes to get the applications through the process pretty quickly.

"We don't want to miss this construction season," Pacette said. "We hope to get the money on the street working this summer."

Chaya will spearhead efforts to foster a greater entrepreneurial spirit, which could include workshops for businesses on a variety of topics.

Brenda Richardson, manager at Coffee Culture, and City Manager Jason Molino, are champions of the action plan for making Batavia a friendlier city, which covers everything from ramping up customer service training for small businesses to streamlining government processes for small businesses.

Council members seemed to react favorably to the presentation.

"It validates the point we've been saying all along," Councilwoman Patti Pacino said. "We have all of the things to make our city a place where, when you drive through you say, 'I want to live here.' It's very exciting. It's happening."

In a manner of speaking, Rob Credi is back.

Credi was one of the owners of Main Street Coffee from 2004 to 2009, and by mid-March he'll be running Kashmir Cafe at the corner of Main and Jackson streets.

That's the location owned by Ken Mistler and currently known as Espresso Salads and Subs.

Mistler remains the owner of the shop but Credi said he'll get full control of the operations, overseeing every aspect of the business.

Credi plans to revamp the interior -- he hopes to give it a more casual feel, to revive some of the "hang out" atmosphere of Main Street Coffee.

The drink menu will remain the same, and Next Level Fitness customers won't see any change in what they can purchase from that side of the counter, but Credi is planning a new sandwich menu, which he said will be "new American."

While Credi will manage the cafe, he won't be behind the counter every day. He has a full-time job in Rochester now, but will open the cafe in the mornings and serve coffee on weekends.

The governor's office is announcing today that PepsiCo along with a German dairy company, is building a Greek yogurt plant at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

The announcement confirms reports first published exclusively by The Batavian in November on the name of the company behind the once-secretive Project Wave.

The facility will employ 186 people in the first three years, according to Steve Hyde, CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

"This validates our strategy of building shovel-ready sites and validates that our community and our region are well positioned for companies to locate here," Hyde said. "For a Fortune 50 company to validate our strategy -- I'm tickled pink to have a company like that commit to come here."

The plant is a joint venture between PepsiCo and the Theo Muller Group.

GCEDC helped spearhead negotiations that involved Empire State Development  providing PepsiCo with a $5.7 million PILOT tax abatement over 10 years and relief from $5.4 million in sales tax on construction materials and office equipment.

Hyde said Project Wave is the biggest new manufacturing operation to come to Batavia since Sylvania opened its plant here in 1953.

Downtown Batavia has a new liquor store -- one that will cater to the wine aficionado while still providing a large selection of lower-priced wine and spirits.

The site is the former shop of 3D Wine and Spirits and the new owner is Christine Crocker, who developed quite a following among wine connoisseurs in the county during her 14 years at her father's place in Le Roy, which he recently sold.

"This (store) was the right time and the right fit," Crocker said. "I didn't want to work for anybody else. I wanted to be my own boss again."

To open, Crocker is stocking 200 different wines, but the Le Roy story had a thousand and Crocker plans to expand the selection at YNGodess Shop.

She will also offer tastings on Friday and Saturday nights from 4-7pm.

"Part of it is educating people, moving them on to something different than they'd been drinking," Crocker said. "That’s the fun part. That’s why there’s so many different wines. Everybody’s got a different palate."

New York wines will figure prominently in the shop, including wine from Three Brothers, a Finger Lakes vintner which is a difficult label for retail shops to stock.

"Because we did well with Three Brothers in Le Roy, they were extremely excited that I was opening my own shop," Crocker said.

Crocker will also carry finer spirits, such as 15-year-old single barrel scotch and top-end bourbons, but there's still room on the shelf for Jack Daniel's.

The location at 73 Main St. is also perfect, said Crocker.

"We're right in the middle of this beautiful city," Crocker said. "I think it's going to be busy. People can pull right up and pull right out. There are a lot of people who work downtown. There are 70 people in the Tompkins (Insurance) Building alone. There's foot traffic. People are out walking at night all summer. I think we'll be busy."

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino Raceway added over $18 million to the Genesee County economy and generated over $24.5 million annually in revenues for the region and the state, according to a new economic impact analysis conducted by an independent firm.

This analysis also estimates that nearly 460 local, full- and part-time jobs are supported by Batavia Downs Casino. The New York Gaming Association (NYGA) released part one of the two-part report today to outline the positive economic impact gaming has had on the local economy.

A second report, which will be released next week, will show projections for future regional job growth and revenues that will be generated if enhanced gaming is authorized in New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature will consider passing a constitutional amendment to authorize enhanced gaming.

“As a facility we are excited at the possibility of having enhanced gaming at Batavia Downs Casino,” said Mike Kane, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, which owns Batavia Downs Casino. “Not only does it mean more jobs for our area, but it means more monies can be generated for the New York State Lottery and for the 15 counties and two cities that our public benefit corporation serves.”

According to estimates from the analysis, in 2011 Batavia Downs Casino provided 457 local full- and part-time jobs, with 313 of those jobs representing direct employment by the casino. Batavia Downs supported 90 jobs for racing and breeding. Wages and salaries for employees totaled more than $5 million.

Additional findings from the report show that in 2011, Batavia Downs Casino:

• Accounted for over $18 million in economic output for the region;
• Reinvested nearly $3 million into the local economy with the purchase of goods and services (including construction) from businesses in Genesee County;
• Accounted directly and indirectly for over $3 million in revenues for Genesee County municipalities, and;
• Generated nearly $20.5 million in state revenues, of which $16 million went toward education in New York State, which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 231 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State.

Since 2005, Batavia Downs Casino provided $3.65 million in aid to municipalities and contributed $94.5 million to New York State education and has never missed a payment.

The nine racetrack casinos comprising the New York Gaming Association include:

• Batavia Downs Casino
• Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
• Empire Resorts at Monticello Casino & Raceway
• Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack
• Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds
• Resorts World Casino New York at Aqueduct Racetrack
• Saratoga Casino & Raceway
• Tioga Downs Casino
• Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel

The New York Gaming Association members have contributed $1.96 billion to the state in 2011. Over $830.5 million has gone to fund education in New York State which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 11,900 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State. The nine Racetrack Casinos employ nearly 5,500 New Yorkers directly and have created a total of 17,400 jobs both directly and indirectly across the state.

The economic impact analysis study was conducted by Appleseed, Inc., a New York City firm that specializes in providing economic and social research analysis.

Download: Appleseed report (PDF)

Photographer Ameka Cooper has decided it's time or her to focus on her family, rather than the daily responsibilities of running a studio, so Wyoming-based Carlson's Studio is closing its Jackson Street location.

Owner Kevin Carlson said Carlson's will continue to provide photography services to its Genesee County clientele at its expanded "Photo Park" in Wyoming County.

Cooper took maternity leave several months ago and during her time off decided to dedicate her time to her baby girl, Autumn, and husband, Ron.

"Ameka’s unique style, passion for the art of photography, and involvement in the community, have made her clientele loyal and eager for her work," Carlson said. "It is with admiration, deep appreciation and pride that we say farewell to Ameka Cooper after 12 years of devoting her life to the Carlson family."

Meanwhile, Carlson is expanding the company's studio -- founded by his father in 1950 -- in Wyoming County. The studio is more than just a room in a building. It is a 23-acre park-like setting.

The expansion in Wyoming will triple the number of sets available to clients, Carlson said.

"I talked with photographers from across the country and brought back some amazing background ideas for our seniors this year, combined with techniques and inventive approaches to photography," Carson said "Innovative indoor sets will come to life as you step in them. Traditional backgrounds will be transformed into edgy sets with dramatic lighting, unique flourishes and imaginative props. It will all be unveiled this Spring."

The full press release after the jump (click on the headline to read):

It is true in photography, as it is in life..…the one constant is change. Carlson's Studios is evolving with the changing times, as it celebrates over 60 years of dedicated photography service in Western New York.  "We remain devoted to providing our customers with the most creative images. We utilize the newest technological advances, and maintain the highest quality standards in the industry." say Kevin Carlson, second-generation owner of Carlson's.

Kevin returned from the National Professional Photographers Association's National Convention, Imaging USA in New Orleans, brimming with enthusiasm. We are bursting at the seams, with so many new ideas to integrate into our already burgeoning variety of offerings. The energetic staff at Carlson’s is hard at work, preparing for an exciting summer!

Change comes to our Batavia location, where we celebrate our evolution, while embracing our roots. In 2004, Ameka Cooper enthusiastically accepted the challenge of running, managing and assuming the role as the main photographer of the Jackson Street studio. Her passion, talent, and personal connection to her clients invoked a bond of trust that inspired works that become a part of a person’s history in images.  Ameka’s unique style, passion for the art of photography, and involvement in the community, have made her clientele loyal and eager for her work.

It is with admiration, deep appreciation and pride that we say farewell to Ameka Cooper after 12 years of devoting her life to the Carlson family.  These days, you can find Ameka happily focusing on her family. Autumn, her precious daughter born in August, and her husband, Ron, are the main subjects of her devotion now. She is looking forward to living and experiencing all the moments that she has captured for other families. There is no replacing Ameka and all she brought to the studio to make it a success and so we have decided to close the doors.

However, I’m excited about expanding our original location in Wyoming and bringing all that made that studio special to the Wyoming location. Be assured Carlson’s will still provide service to the Batavia area, and are hopeful that clients will make the small trip south to experience all that Carlson's Wyoming studio has to offer. Kevin and Ameka would both like to take this opportunity to thank everyone’s loyalty and patronage in Batavia over the last eight years. While we won't have a physical presence in Batavia, if you need us, we are just a phone call away."

Carlson's Wyoming Studio is where it all started back in 1950. Located just 17 miles south of Batavia on 23 acres, it offers an abundance of outdoor backdrops. The "Photo Park" as it is often called, includes a white sand beach, a pond and dock, wildflower field and a winding country road among client favorites. Constantly evolving, new and novel elements are added every year and this year will be no exception.

Our biggest news however is the expansion of our indoor sets/backgrounds, tripling the offerings we now have.

"I talked with photographers from across the country and brought back some amazing background ideas for our seniors this year combined with techniques and inventive approaches to photography. Innovative indoor sets will come to life as you step in them. Traditional backgrounds will be transformed into edgy sets with dramatic lighting, unique flourishes and imaginative props. It will all be unveiled this Spring.

"Look for the "Steam Punk" set coming soon and keep checking out Carlson's Studio facebook pages over the next few months to see all the progress. This consolidation and transition will further cement Carlson’s commitment to the art of photography. As a 'thank you' for past and future business ALL new and existing Batavia clients will be given a $50 gift certificate on their first visit to the Wyoming studio.

Adapting to change seems to be a theme over my last 30 years. Carlson's creativity, quality and service will continue to insure that the Carlson’s vision lives on for years to come.

Leaders of Western Regional Off-track Betting Corp. are lining up support to turn Batavia Downs into a full-service casino and they took their case to the Genesee County Legislature on Wednesday.

In a meeting with the Ways and Means Committee, three representatives of Batavia Downs told the committee that getting Genesee County's support for the plan is crucial to lining up support from the other 15 counties that co-own Western Regional OTB.

"You're the key," said Mike Nolan, VP of administration for Western Regional OTB and Batavia Downs. "You're the host county and the place where we live. You gain the most to benefit from what happens at Batavia Downs. We're hoping you can be the leader so we can go to the other municipalities and say we have your support."

The committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting Batavia Downs becoming one of the nine racing facilities in New York to offer table games along with slot machines.

Legislator Mary Pat Hancock said she isn't fully supportive of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's push to legalize casino gambling across the board in New York, but she could support this resolution because it limits gaming to just the existing racing and video-terminal facilities (often called "racinos").

The earliest Batavia Downs could offer table games -- such as blackjack and poker -- would be January 2014.

For that to happen, the current State Legislature and the next one seated must approve a constitutional amendment to legalize casinos, and then the amendment would be voted on in a statewide referendum.

During the process, state lawmakers would need to also pass enabling legislation that would government how the casinos are run.

If all of that could happen by November 2013, then Batavia Downs could start offering new games and begin construction expanding the existing facilities -- creating 1,000 construction jobs and leading to more than 400 new full-time jobs at the casino.

Nolan (top photo), who met with the committee along with Mike Kane, president and CEO, and OTB Board Member Richard Siebert, said there is still opposition from Senecas, but that is an issue for the governor's office to deal with. In the meantime, Batavia Downs needs to line up its own support and make its own plans in the hope that casino gambling is approved in New York.

There are now 118 businesses signed on as sponsors of The Batavian. That's the highest total ever.

In the past two months, we've been please to have the following businesses sign on as sponsors:

• Awakenings Holistic Center
• Bill Fox Construction & Remodeling, LLC
• Exhale Yoga
• Greased Lightning
• Hot Heads of Le Roy
• Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant
• Louis Andolora, Tax Preparer Extraordinaire
• Palm Island Indoor Waterpark
• Pembroke Family Medicine
• R&D Factory Outlet
• Scooter's Family Restaurant
• Sweet Ecstasy Bakery
• Terri Starowitz, CPA
• Turnbull Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
• YWCA

I've written before about how supporting local businesses keeps more local dollars in our home community. Communities with vibrant local businesses demonstrate all kinds of benefits for local residents.

Along those lines, a recent study found that counties with thriving small businesses also have healthier residents.

The study of 3,060 counties and parishes in the contiguous United States -- published online in the "Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society" and forthcoming in its March print issue -- brings new evidence to a body of research literature and a debate among sociologists, who traditionally have advanced two competing hypotheses about how small business impacts public health.

Some sociologists argue that small businesses — unlike chain retail "big box" stores and large manufacturing plants — have a greater investment in the community and thus have more at stake when it comes to the well-being of employees, customers and other local citizens. The LSU and Baylor University researchers, who analyzed national population, health, business and housing data, found that the greater the proportion of small businesses, the healthier the population.

"Some communities appear to have thriving small-business sectors that feature entrepreneurial cultures that promote public health. A place like this has a can-do climate, a practical problem-solving approach in which a community takes control of its own destiny," said co-author Charles M. Tolbert, Ph.D., chair of the Sociology department at Baylor. "The alternative is the attitude that 'Things are out of our control.' "

It's critical we all do all we can to support locally owned businesses.

On The Batavian, you can find information, now, about 118 local businesses. On Shop Batavia, there are now close to 157 local businesses posting information about who they are and what they do.

In other words, it's now easier than ever to support your local business community.

Here's a complete list of sponsors of The Batavian:

• Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
• Alabama Hotel
• Alberty Drug Store
• Alex's Place
• Alli's Cones and Dogs
• Awakenings Holistic Center
• Baker's Frontier Kitchens
• Barrett's Batavia Marine and Sporting Supplies
• Batavia Downs
• Bill Fox Construction & Remodeling, LLC
• Beds 'n' Bones Pet Lodge
• Belhaven Kennels
• Bohn's Restaurant
• Bontrager's Auction
• Bontrager's Real Estate
• Bourbon & Burger Co.
• Bruggie's
• Carlson's Studio
• CB Beach Mortuary
• Cedar St. Sales and Rentals
• Center Street Smoke House
• CPR (Computer & Phone Repair)
• Crazy Cheap Cars
• D&R Depot Restaurant
• Dan's Tire
• Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern
• The Detail Shop
• Dupont TV
• Empire Tractor
• Espresso Salads and Subs
• Exhale Yoga
• EZ Budget Insurance
• Fastec Automotive
• Ficarella's Pizzeria
• Foxprowl Collectibles
• Genesee Community College
• Genesee County Emergency Services
• Genesee Dental Group
• Genesee Graphics
• Gilmartin
• Godfrey's Pond
• Grammy's Laundry
• Greased Lightning
• Greens of Le Roy
• Greg'ry's Bakery
• H.E. Turner & Co.
• Hardcor Audio
• Haul-4-Less
• High Voltage Tattoo
• Holy Family School
• Hot Heads
• I.R. Systems
• Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant
• The Insurance Center
• J. Leonard McAndrew
• Jagged Edges Salon
• John's Service Station
• Ken Barrett
• KleenAll
• Kravings Kafe
• Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath
• L.C. Mosman

• Lamb Family Medicine
• Lambert's Design Jewelers
• Larry's Steakhouse
• Le Roy Hearth and Home
• Louis Andolora
• LPL Financial
• Main St. Pizza Company
• Making Memories of Travel
• The Mane Attraction
• The Manor House
• Mark Lewis Agency
• Matteo & Mullen, CPA
• Max Pies
• Michael Tomaszewski
• Millennium Computer
• Mr. Wine & Liquor
• Next Level Fitness
• Nothnagle - Danielle Torcello
• Nothnagle - Frank Minuto
• O'Lacy's Irish Pub
• Oliver's Candies
• Optique
• Palm Island Indoor Water Park
• Pauly's Pizza
• Pellegrino Auto Sales
• Pembroke Family Medicine
• Planned Parenthood
• Present Tense Books
• Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center
• R&D Outlet
• Rancho Viejo
• Rebecca's Salon
• Reeb Family Moving
• Roxy's Music
• Salon VIP
• Salsa & Curry
• Scooter's Family Restaurant
• Scratch Bakery
• Select Collision
• Settler's Restaurant
• Sloat's Tire
• South Beach
• South Main Country Store
• Southside Deli
• Spirits
• Sweet Ecstasy Bakery
• Ten Cent Millionaire Tavern
• Terri Starowitz, CPA
• Terry Hills
• T.F. Brown's
• The Finishing Line
• TIm Kabel Builders
• Tri-County Glass
• Turnbull Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
• Valle Jewelers
• Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl
• West Main Wine & Spirits
• WNY Fireplace Outlet
• Yasses Trucking & Construction
• YWCA
• Zoom & Groom Dog Grooming

(Pictured are the Smiths, from left, Michelle, Alex, Tom and Matt.)

Tom Smith has a simple goal: To be known as -- "The Sub King of Batavia."

Smith, with help of his brother, Matt, and wife, Michelle, opened New York Subs and Deli at 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, on Friday.

It's a shop that Smith has been planning for 20 years.

He said he always felt he couldn't get a good sub outside of Rochester, and he thought, "I can do that, too."

"There's an art form to a good sandwich and I've mastered the art form," Smith said.

There's at least one convert in Batavia -- a local resident stopped into the shop this afternoon to report back that he and his wife were duly impressed with the subs they had just eaten for lunch.

"I'll definitely be back," the customer said.

Smith said he spent a lot of time traveling to Rochester, buying subs, bringing them home and deconstructing them -- measuring out every ingredient.

Besides getting the amount of ingredients right, the other secret to a great sub is fresh bread, meat, cheese and vegetables.

"I figured out what they were doing and how to make some improvements," Smith said.

There's been some great activity taking place on Shop Batavia recently:

• Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning has signed on as a premium business.
• Making Memories of Travel WNY provides nearly daily updates about specials and events.
• About Morgs Sawz & Stoves is offering a free ton of pellets with purchase (a $244 value).
• Dumbleton Used Auto Parts Inc.'s Online Store is offering 5 percent off any purchase of $25 or more.
• Bill Fox & Son Construction & Remodeling has a new listing, as does Foxprowl Collectables.
• McAuley's Bargain Bin is offering a FREE gift with a purchase of $5 or more.

And the list could go on.

If you check the home page of Shop Batavia daily, you'll find new specials and new information about great local businesses.

Remember, when you shop locally, more of your dollars stay in the local community to help our community grow and thrive.