Annual Meeting

Press Release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) celebrated the work of its economic development partners and the impact generated by the Apple Tree Acres business park with over 240 stakeholders gathered Friday.

The work of the town and village of Bergen, the commitments by homegrown businesses, and the support of New York State were recognized at the GCEDC’s annual meeting for generating a hub for economic development at Apple Tree Acres.

The 185-acre site is the latest, and largest, Genesee County shovel-ready site to be fully developed and sold to private companies. Current companies at Apple Tree Acres employ over 400 professionals with a cumulative payroll estimated at $30 million and contribute over $343,000 in annual property taxes and PILOT revenue.

“I’m pleased today to offer Apple Tree Acres as a case study for how economic development is making a positive impact in Genesee County,” GCEDC President & CEO Mark Masse told guests at the GCEDC’s annual meeting. “The economic impacts of Apple Tree Acres to the town, village and county cannot be underestimated. Not only have companies invested over $100 million in Bergen, they have also generated a significant value to municipal services.”

In recognition of the success of Apple Tree Acres, the town and village of Bergen were both recognized as the GCEDC’s Economic Development Partners of the Year. Town of Bergen Supervisor Ernest Haywood and Village Mayor Joseph Chimino accepted the awards.

During the annual meeting, the GCEDC also presented a video featuring testimonials from businesses at the Apple Tree Acres. Tenants reflected on the support provided by the GCEDC and their success in Bergen.

“We were pleased to showcase the businesses that have contributed to our goal of rebuilding the manufacturing and skilled trades sectors that have created more and better jobs for our residents,” said Masse.

In 2024, projects supported by the GCEDC pledged the creation and retention of over 600 careers. These projects spread across Genesee County’s business parks and other sites are estimated to produce an economic impact of $202 million. These include new municipal revenues and salaries for careers generated by over $1 billion of investment.

“When a community can work together to develop solutions, the rewards can be transformational and have generational impacts,” Masse said.

Press Release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, October 29, at 5 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Rd., Batavia.

CCE of Genesee County cordially invites you to join us for dinner and help us recognize our Volunteer of the Year recipients.

Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers, and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Please register by October 21st by visiting our website or contacting Yvonne Peck at dp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 Ext. 123.

Press Release:

Arc GLOW will be holding its second Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. Rebecca Leclair, the President of Rebecca Leclair Communications, LLC and former anchor and reporter from WHEC-TV (Channel 10), will be the emcee.

Individuals will also be providing entertainment. For a month, Arc GLOW nominated staff, individuals and community members for a variety of different awards.

The award winners are the following:

Self-Advocate of the Year

To honor a person served by Arc GLOW who has grown and is meeting their personal outcomes. They also have positively influenced the lives of others.

Nathan Johnidas, Albion

Supported Employment Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, dedication to their job, ability to learn new community employment skills and maintain successful employment.

Elizabeth Padilla, Walnut Street, Batavia 

Pre-Vocational Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW with a dedication to learning about the world of work including new job skills, striving to complete quality work and showing attention to the task of learning.

Tammy Reimels, Hilltop

Residential Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who resides in residential services, grew in their independence and learned life skills.

Monica Mineo, Garfield IRA in Batavia

Day Habilitation Person of the Year

To honor a person supported by Arc GLOW who participates in day habilitation activities, strives to learn, and demonstrates effort and commitment to be included in their own communities.

James Gibbs, WOW Day Hab in Batavia

Community Services and Self Direction Person of the Year

To honor a person served by Arc GLOW who shows outstanding participation and contribution to their community. Shows the initiative in trying new activities and gain leadership potential through community involvement.

Brittany Murphy, Genesee County

KidStart Employee of the Year

To honor an employee who demonstrates exceptional support to children and families, and is committed to assist in all areas of their growth and education.

Maggie Putman

Direct Support Professional Person of the Year (DSP)

To honor a DSP who provides a variety of activities to adults with developmental disabilities within a home setting, day programs or recreational activities in the community. Provides excellence in support in living skills, personalized goals, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and facilitates our individuals to take their active role in the community.

Heather Taft, residential manager at Avon IRA in Avon

Employee of the Year

To recognize an employee of Arc GLOW who is committed to the mission and vision. They demonstrate the values of diversity, respect, integrity, visionary, equality, empowerment and excellence.

Heidi Wyant, transportation manager

Friend of the Year

Community friend and supporter of Arc GLOW’s mission and vision.

Hoffman Hanafin & Associates, LLC

Business Partner of the Year

A partner who supports our mission and vision through excellent customer service or providing work opportunities for employment.

Aunt Cookies in Geneseo

Volunteers of the Year

To honor a person who is committed to Arc GLOW, volunteering their time by serving the local community and supporting the Arc GLOWs mission and vision.

Kevin and Dawn Fisher

Reservations are open until Sept. 30. at ArcGLOW.org/event/awards-banquet-and-annual-meeting. For any questions, contact Tracey Jones at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1735 or TJones@ArcGLOW.org.

Press Release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, October 24 at 5 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Rd., Batavia.

CCE of Genesee County cordially invites you to join us for dinner and help us recognize employees and volunteers. Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers, and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Please register by October 16 by visiting our website or contacting Laura Guiste: leg224@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 Ext. 101.