At only 61, Steve Hyde isn't planning a second career after his final days with the Genesee County Economic Development Center; he's planning to try out an actual retirement -- for awhile, at least.

"My kind of core values in retirement, I think are, I want to spend more time with my family, do a little traveling," Hyde said in an exclusive interview with The Batavian on Monday. "I'll try to be around to help out, but it's time to step away from the limelight and the leadership role a little bit."

Hyde has led the EDC for 21 years, overseeing the construction of eight shovel-ready industrial parks, including WNY STAMP, the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park, Apple Tree Acres, Buffalo East Tech Park, and Gateway I & II corporate parks, among them. During that time, GCEDC has assisted more than 500 projects, from building expansions to whole new factories, worth a combined $2 billion-plus of investments leading to the creation of thousands of new jobs and increased tax revenue for municipalities and school districts.

John and Debbie Konieczny have been frequent fliers in the downtown medical community, getting their dental, podiatry and chiropractic needs met there for the last 20 years. 

With physical challenges — he has ulcers on the bottom of his 68-year-old feet, and she has had two knee replacements, and both use canes to walk — they are now biding their time that adjacent handicap parking will be restored next to their doctors’ offices.

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Press release:

At its annual meeting, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) celebrated another successful year of economic development activity, including 11 projects that will generate up to $700 million in economic impact in Genesee County.

The gathering of over 230 stakeholders and partners was thanked for their role in growing Genesee County’s economy, including Friday’s announcement that Edwards Vacuum has started construction of a $319 million semiconductor dry pump manufacturing campus at the STAMP mega-site. 

The meeting also was a celebration of the service and leadership of Steve Hyde as President and CEO of the GCEDC, who announced Friday that would be retiring in July from the GCEDC after over 21 years as the organization’s professional leader.

“It’s always difficult to put into few words all of Steve’s achievements,” said GCEDC Board Chair Pete Zeliff. “Over 20 years as President and CEO, Steve and Genesee County have accomplished significant economic growth and prosperity of the community with all of these projects, investments and new jobs. It’s appropriate that the announcement of Steve’s retirement comes on top of the start of construction at STAMP of the Edwards Vacuum project as STAMP is the cornerstone of Steve’s vision for Genesee County as an advanced manufacturing hub.”

Following a video featuring well wishes from past board members, community leaders, and economic development partners, Hyde reflected on the support given in pursuing economic growth, led by the Genesee County Legislature, GCEDC board members, municipal and community leaders.

“That has been our ‘True North’ for over 20 years now - to build back manufacturing and create more and better jobs for our residents and children,” Hyde said. “Because of your support, we’ve developed and activated 8 shovel-ready industrial park sites. Existing businesses have expanded, and new businesses have chosen Genesee County. Thousands of youths have been guided through career-focused workforce programs.”

During Hyde’s tenure, the GCEDC has completed over 500 projects generating over $2.5 billion in investment, supporting thousands of careers both created and retained by businesses.

Empire State Development (ESD) was among the partners recognized at the annual meeting. It was named the GCEDC’s Economic Development Partner of Year. ESD Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development/Global NY Jeff Janiszewski accepted the award and provided the event’s keynote address.

Mark Masse, GCEDC Senior Vice President, led the proceedings with remarks highlighting the successful projects underway in Genesee County. In addition to Edwards Vacuum’s construction, Genesee County in 2023 welcomed the announcement of a $120 million expansion by HP Hood at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, and completion of major distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, and equipment operations.

Masse also noted that National Grid completed a significant milestone to support STAMP’s current and future tenants by completing a powerline re-route that supports the first distribution line from the 600-MW substation being constructed at STAMP.

“It may sound like a broken record, but 2023 was another hugely successful year for our county and 2024 is already off to a strong start,” said Masse.

Hyde said the projects underway after years of development, planning, and implementation reminded him of a sentiment he has shared frequently during his time at the GCEDC, “economic development is a marathon, not a sprint.”

“I can see the finish line for me getting closer, but this is not the end of the race,” Hyde said. “It’s really the beginning. The assets for continued economic growth and success have been built. I hope that in years to come, we can look back at this moment as the humble start of something even greater.”

Press release:

Advanced Podiatry Associates PLLC  is making every effort to accommodate our patients during the construction of the city police station.  We Sincerely appreciate your loyalty and patience during this time.  Dr. Canzoneri is currently attempting to secure a new temporary location for his practice with plenty of handicap accessibility and ample parking for the next two years. We are doing everything we can to facilitate your continued trust and confidence in the care we provide.

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The Elba Lancers won their match against the Holley Hawks on Friday afternoon by a score of 4-1.  Cavin Bennage won the 1st singles match for the Hawks at 6-2, 6-1 against Jason Rowe, but the Lancers took the remaining matches.  Alexa Ocampo beat Kai Kennedy 6-2, 6-0 at 2nd singles.  Clara Torrey beat Josmar Hernandez 6-0, 6-0 at 3rd singles.  Abraham Izucar Hernandez and Alex Mendoza beat Carissa Klossner and Brooke Waldron 6-2, 6-0 at 1st doubles.  At 2nd doubles, Amy Garcia-Vasquez and Lucy Torrey took the fourth match for the Lancers with a score of 6-3, 6-3 against Nico VanLoyten and Sheelsy Gonzalez.

Crossroads has served more than 600 patients over the years, Director Tracy Ford said, and Panepento will be spending some well-deserved time off with her husband Frank. 

“At Crossroads House, we lead with compassion. And no one embodies compassion more than our beloved founder, Kathy Panepento. For the past 26 years, she has challenged us all to find new and meaningful ways to support families with dying loved ones. Under her guidance, the community has rallied around and lifted up the families of Crossroads House,” Ford said. “We are incredibly thankful for Kathy's contributions, and it is with warm hearts that we share the news of her decision to embark on a journey of travel and quality time with her husband and grandchildren this summer. Don’t call it a retirement, but rather a new way to share her compassion with her own family. 

“I hope I will be able to continue her legacy,” Ford said. “She will be available as a consultant and as a trainer for the end-of-life doula program. Kathy’s an amazing lady, and we’re going to miss her.”

During her retirement party, Panepento hopes to see many of the families they have taken care of these past years, discharge planners, hospice workers, and all of the faces that have created a memory of some sort. 

Some people have surmised there’s a negative situation that has prompted Panepento’s departure, but that’s not it at all, she said. In fact, “if it was in disarray, I wouldn’t be leaving.”

“Our new director, Tracy Ford, is incredible. When you leave, you want to hand the baton to competent people,” she said. “It’s in the best place it’s been in a long time.”

If interested in the end-of-life doula training program, contact Panepento at 585-201-0048. 

Guests are asked to register for the retirement party by June 14. Email your RSVP to tracyford@crossroadshouse.com or call 585-297-8937. 

Talk about dedication — as Kathy Panepento worked toward getting a comfort care home on its feet, one of its volunteer board members, Cindy Lowder, began alongside her before one was even established. 

Lowder recalled how, when she was an Avon representative selling her cosmetics line, Panepento would fill