West Fire Systems 2009 Small Business of the Year

ADVERTISE IN THIS NEWSLETTER!
C A L L 3 8 1 . 3 3 0 0 x 4 3 5 T O D AY !
RIBBON CUTTINGS...
THE
INFORMER
DECEMBER 9, 2009
MISSION STATEMENT
To Enhance the Business and Economic Vitality of the Greece Community
Inside this issue...
Gateway Funding Diversified Mortgage Services, L.P.
NYS Senator, Joseph Robach and Greece Town Supervisor,
John Auberger, along with the Greece Chamber of Commerce,
joined Chris and Dan Vella and staff for the Grand
Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Gateway Funding
Diversified Mortgage Services, L.P. on Thursday, November 5,
2009. The new office is located at 3180 Latta Road, Suite 600.
2
MONROE PHARMACY LLC
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on November 12th, 2009 for the
Grand Opening of Monroe Pharmacy LLC, the newest in-house addition
at Monroe Oxygen and Medical Equipment-AHRC, located at 2672 West
Ridge Road in the town of Greece. NYS Senator Joseph Robach and
Chief of Staff Kirk Morris along with Greece Chamber President/CEO
Jodie Perry were on hand to help John and Kathy Velekkakan cut the
Ribbon.
• Open Enrollment
• Calendar of Events
• Small Business
Success Series
• First Friday
Networking Breakfast
• Tech Tuesday
• See the World
with the
Greece Chamber
• Insurance Options
at the Greece Chamber
• Renewing Members
• New Members
5
• Member Spotlight:
Juan & Maria’s
Empanada Stop
PURCHASE ONE SERVICES
Pictured above, left to right: Kirk Morris, Chief of Staff for NYS
Senator Joseph Robach and 4th Ward Councilman, Glass &
Glaze owners, Carrie Greno and Elizabeth Tantalo and Greece
Chamber President/CEO, Jodie Perry cut the ribbon for the
Grand Opening of Glaze and Glass on November 23, 2009. The
pottery and fused glass studio is located at 1742 Long Pond
Road, in the town of Gates.
Cheryl Ann Bilski, owner of Purchase One Services in Greece, New York
cut the Ribbon for her new showroom within a showroom inside of
Monroe Oxygen and Medical Equipment-AHRC, located at 2672 West
Ridge Road. On hand to assist Cheryl at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
from left to right were: Kirk Morris, Chief of Staff for NYS Senator
Joseph Robach, Hank Franzone, Furniture Manufacturer Rep, Lynn
Bilski-Spurr, John Brandon, Furniture Designer, Cheryl Ann Bilski,
owner of Purchase One Services and owner of Functional Interiors,
John Velekkakan, President of Monroe Oxygen and Medical EquipmentAHRC, Babe Perno, Window treatments by Babe, NYS Senator Joseph
Robach and Greece Chamber President/CEO, Jodie Perry.
West Fire Systems
2009 Small Business of the Year
3
4
GLAZE and GLASS
2496 West Ridge Road • Suite 201 • Greece, NY 14626-3053
585.227.7272 • fax 585.227.7275 • www.GreeceChamber.org
6
• Alaskan Cruise
7
• Holiday Party
• 2009 Small Business
of the Year Finalists
8
• Ribbon Cuttings
O
n Thursday, November 19th,
2009, at a dedicated luncheon
at Ridgemont Country Club,
over 150 attendees came together to
witness the Greece Chamber of
Commerce proudly present its first
Small Business of the Year Award. The
eminent new award was established by
the Greece Chamber to recognize the
many accomplishments of small
businesses in our community.
Of 27 nominees, West Fire Systems,
Inc. was named this year’s Small
Business of the Year by the Greece
Chamber. The company has been in
business for the past 22 years, had $3.8
million dollars in revenue for 2008 and has 14 employees.
“As the speaker was announcing the winner, I heard the words “they
started the business in the unheated back porch of their home” and
I realized that we had won! I was stunned,” says Mike West of West
Fire Systems, Inc. “Debbie and I looked at each other and
simultaneously said “That’s us!” At that moment, I was
overwhelmed. With all of the other great finalists, I couldn’t believe
that our name was being called. To be the first recipient of the
Greece Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award is a great
honor. I felt immensely proud and grateful for our staff and all of the
hard work by everyone to put us in this position. It is a feeling that
I’ll never forget. This is definitely a highlight of my business
career!”
Advanced Hearing Centers, Mascot, Inc., Solutions Studio & Spa,
Deborah L. Fox, DDS, and Rockcastle Florist were other finalists.
Semi-finalists were as follows: Caring for Cats, Chatfield Engineers,
P.C., Crescent Beach Restaurant, Christie Carpets, Lytespeed
Computers, McDonald’s of Greece, NH Architecture, Ridgeway
Sunoco, and Services for Seniors. Brothers Collision & Mechanical,
Carleton North Service, Clear Choice
Hearing, Comtec Solutions of NY, Inc.,
Fright-rags.com, Heritage Jewelers,
Locker Room Sports, Inc., Midnight
Janitorial, Monroe Oxygen & Medical
Equipment - AHRC, SiteSteward, Inc.,
The Ultimate Caterers, and Van Putte
Gardens were all nominees for the
prestigious 2009 Small Business of the
Year Award.
West Fire Systems, Inc., the recipient
of this year’s award, as well as the
nominees, semi-finalists and finalists
were evaluated based on the following
criteria: Financial Performance and
Business History, Employee Practices,
Community Involvement, Customer Service, and Entrepreneurship.
A special video presentation, consisting of individual videos of all
six finalists, was viewed by luncheon attendees as each of the
finalists were announced. The Greece Chamber will now nominate
West Fire Systems, Inc. for the U.S Chamber’s Business of the Year
Award.
A special thanks to our 2009 Small Business of the Year Award
sponsors: GRB (Genesee Regional Bank), Presenting Sponsor;
Democrat & Chronicle, Media Sponsor; Monroe Oxygen & Medical
Equipment - AHRC and Solutions Studio & Spa (Regional Leaders
Sponsors); AT&T, McDonald’s - Long Pond, Services for Seniors,
and Vaughn Taylor Photography (Innovators Sponsors); and Brook
House Restaurant, Lakeshore Community Church, Mitchell-Nagel
& Associates, and NH Architecture (Entrepreneurs Sponsors). The
Greece Chamber would also like to thank Anne Pearlman of Pearl
Video & Omni Media for the award finalists’ video presentation.
—Terry Hogan, Greece Chamber of Commerce
Office & Communications Director
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
2009 Small Business of the Year!
FINALISTS
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Chairman: Al Meilutis
Vice Chair: Paul Chatfield
Treasurer: Del Smith
Secretary: Debra Walker
Immediate Past Chair: Kyle Van Putte
Steven Achramovitch
Chrissy Andrews
Cheryl Ann Bilski
Deb Case
James Cummings III
Donald Felter Jr.
Doug Hall
James Hofford
Jim Iovino Jr.
Michael Masiello
Jeffrey McCann
Kirk Morris
Todd Schirmer
ADVANCED HEARING
CENTERS
Dr. Andrew Marabito, President and
owner of Advanced Hearing Centers
accepting their finalist plaque from
Phil Pecora, GRB (Greece Chamber
2009 Small Business of the Year
Award Presenting Sponsor) and Tom
Claybaugh from the Democrat &
Chronicle (Greece Chamber 2009
Small Business of the Year Award
Media Sponsor).
WOULD YOU
LIKE TO
ADVERTISE
IN THIS
NEWSLETTER?
C A L L T O D AY !
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Annual Awards Banquet: Debra Walker
Erie Canal: Cheryl Ann Bilski
Ambassador: Chrissy Andrews/Phil Hurwitz
Public Relations: TBA
Race on the Ridge: Melanie Fazio
Dewey Avenue Roundtable: Paul Chatfield
Youth Hall of Fame: Ralph DeStephano
GREECE CHAMBER
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Dan Richardson
Vice President: Jodie Perry
Treasurer: P. Robert Fox
Secretary: Raymond DiRaddo
Gilbert Cooper
Joan Korsch
Anne Loria
William Selke
Kyle Van Putte
Eugene Welch
Al Meilutis
STAFF
President/CEO: Jodie A. Perry
Membership and Events Director: Sue Edgett
Finance and Benefits Director: Chris Sortino
Office and Communications
Director: Terry Hogan
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A
GREECE CHAMBER MEMBER?
CONTACT SUE EDGETT at 585.227.7272
page 2 DECEMBER 9, 2009
DEBORAH L. FOX
D.D.S., P.C.
381.3300 x435
12/9 Wednesday: Public Relations Committee
meeting, 8am
12/11 Friday: Friday Leadership Greece, 8:30am to
4pm
12/17 Thursday: Annual Greece Chamber Holiday
Party. 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Rochester Marriott
Hotel, 1890 West Ridge Road. Sponsored by the
Marriotts of Greece. Call the Chamber office for
more details
JANUARY
1/5 Tuesday: Small Business Success Series ~ Tech
Tuesday ~ “Easy IT Tools Every Business Owner
Should Know About,” presented by Greg Gartland,
The PCA Group. 7:30am to 9am, in the Greece
Chamber Conference Room, Suite 202, 2496 West
Ridge Road. Presenting Sponsor: AT&T
1/8 Friday: First Friday Networking, 7:30am to
8:30am, hosted by Edward Jones Investments –
Diane Hennekey, 3177 Latta Road
1/12 Tuesday: Canal Committee meeting, 8am
1/13 Wednesday: Public Relations Committee
meeting, 8am
1/19 Tuesday: Board of Directors meeting, 7:30am
1/21 Thursday: Monthly Networking Luncheon,
11:45am to 1:15pm, at Barnard Exempt Restaurant,
360 Maiden Lane
1/26 Tuesday: Canal Committee meeting, 8am
1/27 Wednesday: Ambassadors meeting, 8am
1/28 Thursday: Small Business Success Series ~
“Banking Built for Business,” presented by Anthony
Ricci, M&T Bank. 7:30am to 9am, in the Greece
Chamber Conference Room, Suite 202, 2496 West
Ridge Road. Presenting Sponsor: AT&T. Track
Sponsor: Bidders Guide Publications
Reservations are requested for all Chamber
luncheons and events; call 227-7272 to make
reservations. All committee meetings and training
sessions, unless otherwise noted, will take place in
the Greece Chamber’s Conference Room at 2496
West Ridge Road, Suite 202. If you are interested in
one of our many active committees or you would like
to gain more exposure for your business, please call
us at the Chamber.
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
HOLIDAY PARTY!
ROCKCASTLE FLORIST
Husband and wife team and
owners of Rockcastle Florist
were among the six finalists
forthe Greece Chamber 2009
Small Business of the Year
Award. Keith holds the finalist
award plaque as Wendy gives
acceptance remarks at the
awards luncheon held at
Ridgemont Country Club on
November 16th, 2009.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER
2009 Greece
Chamber of Commerce
Award finalist, Deborah Fox
of Deborah L. Fox, DDS, P.C.
after receiving her finalist
award plaque. Also in the
photo from left to right are:
Phil Pecora, GRB (Genesee
Regional Bank), Tom Claybaugh,
Democrat
&
Chronicle
and
Greece
Chamber President/ CEO,
Jodie Perry.
MASCOT INC.
Pictured are siblings and
owners of Mascot Inc.,
Lou Masi and Mary
Szefc, giving acceptance
remarks for Mascot, Inc
after receiving their
plaque for being nominated as one of six
finalists for the 1st
Greece Chamber 2009
Small Business of the
Year Award.
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
Join us on Thursday, December 17th, 2009
and celebrate the holidays with your friends
and fellow business members in the Greece Community.
Event: Greece Chamber Holiday Party
Date: Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Sponsor: Rochester Marriott Airport Hotel,
Courtyard by Marriott – Rochester West,
Residence Inn by Marriott – Rochester West
Location: The Rochester Marriott Airport Hotel,
1890 West Ridge Road, Greece, NY 14615
Admission: $10 per person or $5 per person
with the donation of a hat, scarf and/or gloves.
All cash proceeds will be donated to the
Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf. All hats, gloves and scarves
will be donated to the Greece Clothing Shelf.
SOLUTIONS
STUDIO & SPA
Left to right: Judy
Fridd
and
Jackie
LeTourneau
join
Jennifer Grim, all
owners of Solution
Studio and Spa, as
she
makes
their
acceptance remarks
for award finalist of
Greece Chamber 2009
Small Business of the
Year Award.
DECEMBER 9, 2009 page 7
Al
a
skan
VALUED
Local Newspapers are
Small Business
Success Series
CRUISE
CALL of AMERICA’S LAST FRONTIER
IN THE
SUBURBS
• 8 out of 10 read the advertising circulars
delivered with their paper.
• 62% turn to their local paper FIRST
for community news.
• 51% turn to their local paper FIRST
for local shopping and advertising information.
• Local papers beat metro dailies, television, and
the internet and radio by a substantial margin
for all things considered local including entertainment,
shopping, business and youth sports.
Depart from Seattle,
Washington and set sail
aboard the Sapphire
Princess in conjunction
with
AAA.
Visit
Ketchikan,
Juneau,
Skagway, Victoria, and
Tracy Arm Fjord. Cruise
pricing begins at $865
per person. Call Lois
Converse at AAA, 2279600 x242 for details.
August 29 - September 5, 2010
variety of technology-related
topics. For more information or
to register for this seminar, visit
www.GreeceChamber.org or
contact the Greece Chamber
office at 227-7272.
Date: Tuesday, January 5
Time: 7:30-9am
Location: Greece Chamber
Conference Room, 2496 W.
Ridge Rd., Suite 202
Presenters: Gregory Gartland
The PCA Group
Presenting Sponsor: AT&T
Cost: $20 for Greece Chamber
Member Investors, $35 for NonMembers and Guests. Price
includes lunch,
“Banking Built for Business”
Thursday, January 28th • 7:30 to 9am
Greece Chamber of Commerce Conference Room 2496
W. Ridge Road, Suite 202
Presenter: Anthony Ricci, M & T Bank
Presenting Sponsor: AT&T
Track Sponsor: Bidders Guide Publications
Cost: $20 for Greece Chamber Member Investors
$35 for Non-Members and Guests
Price includes Continental Breakfast
This seminar will help small business owners utilize their relationship with their
bank by leveraging deposit and savings accounts to maximize cash flow based
on payment cycle of their individual business. The agenda will also move into
the credit markets again preparing business owners to give themselves the best
access to credit terms for whatever need they may have. A down economy and
contracting credit markets make understanding banking topics a necessity for
business owners!
The seminar is one of in a series being offered this year in the Owners &
Managers Track as part of this year’s Small Business Success Series.
For more information or to register for this seminar, visit our website at www.
GreeceChamber.org or contact the Greece Chamber office at 227-7272.
RACE on the RIDGE 5K
Friday, January 8, 2010 • 7:30 to 8:30am
Host: Edward Jones Investments, Diane Hennekey
3177 Latta Road (Wegmans Plaza
corner of Latta Road & Long Pond Road)
Free for all attendees
585.394.0770
advertising@messengerpostmedia
www.MPNnow.com
page 6 DECEMBER 9, 2009
A simple discussion and
demonstration of IT tools that
can save small businesses time
and money. From virus,
phishing and spam protection
to free office suites, there are
many low/no cost choices in the
marketplace.
Tech Tuesdays, a monthly
segment
of
the
Greece
Chamber’s Small Business
Success Series, is designed to
teach you the essentials of
today’s technology and how to
use it to help in your business’s
success. Tech Tuesdays are be
held the first Tuesday of every
month in the Greece Chamber
Conference Room, covering a
OWNERS & MANAGERS TRACK
NETWORKING
BREAKFAST
Call us for a free consultation on how you can
put together an affordable and effective advertising plan.
*Base: Suburban Adults in 21 Markets (11,730,000).
Source: 2006 SNA Suburban Market Study, conducted by Belden Associates.
“Easy IT Tools Every Business
Owner Should Know About!”
JANUARY 2010
FIRST FRIDAY
Let Messenger Post Media
help you build your business!
BRIGHTON-PITTSFORD POST GATES-CHILI POST GREECE POST
HENRIETTA POST IRONDEQUOIT POST PENFIELD POST FAIRPORT POST
WEBSTER POST DAILY MESSENGER COURIER-JOURNAL
TECH TUESDAY
Small Business
Success Series
advertising supplement
to the GREECE POST
A division of GateHouse Media Inc.
73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-394-0770 www.MPNnow.com
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
First Friday Networking is held monthly to give Greece Chamber
members and guests the opportunity to network with one another
and build new contacts to grow their businesses. The event is
hosted by Chamber members, giving you the opportunity to learn
more about other businesses in the Greece area.
The January First Friday Networking will be hosted by Edward
Jones Investments – Diane Hennekey, 3177 Latta Road, in the
Wegmans Plaza, on the corner of Latta Road & Long Pond Road.
For more information, visit our website at www.Greece
Chamber.org or call the Chamber offices at 227-7272.
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
Over 240 runners and walkers and many volunteers
participated in the 2nd Annual Greece Chamber Race on the Ridge 5K,
presented by Bryant & Stratton College. The event was held at
The Mall at Greece Ridge on Sunday, November 8th, 2009.
This year’s race was a benefit for The Michael W. Bliss Foundation
and the Greece Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation.
The Greece Chamber would like to thank all the sponsors and
volunteers that helped to make this year’s event a success.
A special thanks to the Town of Greece
and to Frontier for their assistance.
DECEMBER 9, 2009 page 3
Insurance Options
at the Greece Chamber
December is healthcare open enrollment month
at the Greece Chamber. The open enrollment
period runs from December 1st, 2009 to
December 31st, 2009, this year, and allows
businesses and their employees to change
healthcare plans and/or add employees that
chose not to take advantage of healthcare
benefits when they were first employed by the
company. New businesses joining the Greece
Chamber can begin healthcare coverage on the
1st of the month that following their new
Chamber membership or during any open
enrollment period.
The Greece Chamber of Commerce offers
insurance plans, at group rates, for healthcare,
dental, vision and long term care to its 750+
business members. A major medical plan is
available for those individuals that do not own a
business, are not employed or are not
employed by a company that offers healthcare.
Greece Chamber Business Members can choose
from a variety of healthcare plans from Excellus
Blue Cross / Blue Shield or through MVP
(formerly Preferred Care).
Greece Chamber Business and Associate
Members can take advantage of GHI, a major
medical healthcare plan, as well as dental and
vision insurance plans through The Guardian.
Long Term Care Associates, Inc. offers all Greece
Chamber members and their families discounted
rates for long-term care insurance, through John
Hancock.
For more information on insurance plans that are
offered through the Greece Chamber of
Commerce
visit
our
website
at
www.GreeceChamber.org or call Christine
Sortino at 227-7272 or email her at Chris@Greece
Chamber.org.
—Terry Hogan, GCC Office
& Communications Director
RENEWING MEMBERS
As of November 19, 2009
Accounting For Small
Businesses, Inc.
Angelo Planning
Group
Bernard's Grove
Burgess, DiRaddo,
Nier & Case
Century 21 Capital
Realty - Rich
Vogelzang
Crimson Ridge
Gardens
Darweesh, Callen,
Lewis & VonDohlen
Debra A. Walker
DJK Contractors, Inc.
Downey Holtz
Express Inc.
Educable
Communications /
Cable 12
Empanada Stop
Farash Corporation
Krikorian & Co.
Jewelers
M & T Bank
Monroe Painting
Moving Memories Senior Move
Managers, LLC
Sign Impressions, Inc.
Steven King
Sylvan Studios
Xceed Federal Credit
Union
ARE YOU INTERESTED
IN GETTING INVOLVED IN
THE GREECE CHAMBER?
page 4
DECEMBER 9, 2009
NEW
BUSINESS
MEMBERS
As of November 19, 2009
CLEANING SERVICES
Detail Commercial
Services, Inc.
Paul Davis, President
1597 West Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14615
(585) 232-1960
Fax: (585) 232-4521
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Storyline Public Relations
Kristine Thompson,
Owner
13 Brigham Circle
Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
(585) 624-7229
THANK
YOU
FOR
YOUR
SUPPORT!
Call Sue Edgett for more information
on our committees.
Call 227.7272 or email her
at Sue@GreeceChamber.org
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
MEMBER
JUAN & MARIA’S
EMPANADA STOP, INC.
SPOTLIGHT
Owner: Juan & Maria Contreras (Contact)
Business Category: Restaurants International Spanish
Number of Employees: Average 5 full time employees
Years in Business: 10 Years
Address: Rochester Public Market, 280 North Union St., Rochester,
NY 14609
Telephone: 585-303-1290
Email: empanadastop@yahoo.com Website: www.empnadastop.com
Visit them on facebook / Fans of Juan and Maria’s Empanada Stop
This couple is sharing their Chilean Spanish culture with thousands of
people in Upstate New York with a new and unique concept in fast food.
Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop brings homemade authentic Spanish
signature dishes to the world of “fast food.” If you are looking for
something delicious and out of the ordinary treat yourself to an Empanada
or one of the other specialty foods, with a Spanish origin, offered at Juan
and Maria’s Empanada Stop.
Entrepreneurship is not new to Juan Contreras. He had a partnership in a
Spanish newspaper and was a sole proprietor of a Spanish International
Marketing company. “I also worked for Xerox as a union employee but I
always had my heart on business,” comments Juan. “Maria and I were
always lovers of Toronto and found ourselves very intrigued by the Public
Market. Maria wanted to sell Empanadas. We were fortunate enough at the
time to have a spot open up at the Rochester Public Market and it was
successful from the first day.”
POINTER FROM A PRO—
Juan Contreras was named “Hispanic Business Person of the
“When starting a business, love what you do. Offer a product that is different from Year” in 2007, has received recognition awards from all levels
the competition and be well connected with other businesses and the media. Have of local government including Senator, Joseph Robach,
Monroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks, Mayor Duffy, and a
enough capital to survive on for 1-2 years without a profit!”
previous NYS Governor. He has organized three International
—– Juan Contreras, Owner of Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop, Inc. Spanish Festivals at the Rochester Public Market and two at Six
You can find Juan, Maria and their exceptional staff, every Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday, at the Rochester Public Market, located at 280
North Union Street, in the city of Rochester.
Juan and Maria Contreras opened Empanada Stop in the year 2000. In the
beginning they sold 10-20 Empanadas throughout the course of the day;
today they sell as many as 1000 or more in a day. “At first people did not
know what Empanadas were,” says Juan.
If you are not familiar with Spanish food an Empanada is a stuffed bread
or pastry with meat, vegetables or sweet fillings. Juan and Maria offer
several varieties of this very popular dish, all homemade, and all seasoned
with a unique blend of spices from several of the 20 Spanish speaking
countries. Customers of Juan and Maria can enjoy a variety of Empanadas
that include: beef or chicken and onions, breakfast, vegetable, cheese,
pizza, seafood, and sweet.
“All of our homemade products are unique to our business,” says Juan
Contreras. “We have a gourmet blend of coffee, regular and decaf, made
for us exclusively by a local roaster, a special pork sausage made by
Zweigles, solely for Empanada Stop, a line of spice mixes, as well as our
homemade hot sauces which include: Red Gold, a more traditional Spanish
hot sauce, Green Gold, made with green peppers and heavy on the garlic,
Spanish Ketchup, which is a tomato base and heavy on the garlic, and
Spanish Mayo, mayonnaise with our own seasoning added.” Full
homemade dinners of Rice and Beans, Pork Loin, and Chicken are also
available. Customers can purchase a “Fool Proof Rice Kit” that includes
everything you need for cooking rice to perfection, including the water. You
can even add a Spanish flair to your next party or event; the company also
offers catering services.
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
Flags, Darien Lake. “We actually did two Spanish International
shows at Frontier Field for the Rochester Rhinos,” comments Juan. During
a period of time when the Contreras’s daughter and son-inlaw were
stationed in Iraq, for a tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force, the company
was able to ship Empanadas to the troops in Iraq. Juan & Maria have
appeared on “Sabado Gigante”, hosted by Don Francisco, a worldwide TV
show with 150 million viewers. The show taped Juan & Maria’s Empanada
Stop in action as well their lifestyle at home.
Empanada Stop was choosen for an in-depth study from different
perspectives that included: financial, marketing and production by 21
MBA’s from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester.
“We had a Perdue University Senior MBA student last year who received a
Fulbright Scholarship. He could have easily gone to Brazil and worked for
one of the largest companies in the world but instead he chose to work with
us,” remarks Juan. “We have created an easy to duplicate business model
that could easily be franchised. Our little business has an unbelievable
potential.”
“We are the only restaurant in upstate NY, and possibly in the country, to
offer homemade authentic empanadas served in a fast food environment.
We have reached a new record with 1,260 empanadas sold in a seven hour
period,” says Juan. “We are open year round at the Rochester Public
Market. We simply want to thank all of our customers for their constant
support and we hope that you will visit us on Facebook at Fans of Juan and
Marias’s Empanada Stop. The high level of education in our area allows for
easy acceptance of our products.”
Be sure to tell Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop, Inc. that you saw their
spotlight in The Informer.
—Terry Hogan, Office & Communications Director
DECEMBER 9, 2009 page 5
Insurance Options
at the Greece Chamber
December is healthcare open enrollment month
at the Greece Chamber. The open enrollment
period runs from December 1st, 2009 to
December 31st, 2009, this year, and allows
businesses and their employees to change
healthcare plans and/or add employees that
chose not to take advantage of healthcare
benefits when they were first employed by the
company. New businesses joining the Greece
Chamber can begin healthcare coverage on the
1st of the month that following their new
Chamber membership or during any open
enrollment period.
The Greece Chamber of Commerce offers
insurance plans, at group rates, for healthcare,
dental, vision and long term care to its 750+
business members. A major medical plan is
available for those individuals that do not own a
business, are not employed or are not
employed by a company that offers healthcare.
Greece Chamber Business Members can choose
from a variety of healthcare plans from Excellus
Blue Cross / Blue Shield or through MVP
(formerly Preferred Care).
Greece Chamber Business and Associate
Members can take advantage of GHI, a major
medical healthcare plan, as well as dental and
vision insurance plans through The Guardian.
Long Term Care Associates, Inc. offers all Greece
Chamber members and their families discounted
rates for long-term care insurance, through John
Hancock.
For more information on insurance plans that are
offered through the Greece Chamber of
Commerce
visit
our
website
at
www.GreeceChamber.org or call Christine
Sortino at 227-7272 or email her at Chris@Greece
Chamber.org.
—Terry Hogan, GCC Office
& Communications Director
RENEWING MEMBERS
As of November 19, 2009
Accounting For Small
Businesses, Inc.
Angelo Planning
Group
Bernard's Grove
Burgess, DiRaddo,
Nier & Case
Century 21 Capital
Realty - Rich
Vogelzang
Crimson Ridge
Gardens
Darweesh, Callen,
Lewis & VonDohlen
Debra A. Walker
DJK Contractors, Inc.
Downey Holtz
Express Inc.
Educable
Communications /
Cable 12
Empanada Stop
Farash Corporation
Krikorian & Co.
Jewelers
M & T Bank
Monroe Painting
Moving Memories Senior Move
Managers, LLC
Sign Impressions, Inc.
Steven King
Sylvan Studios
Xceed Federal Credit
Union
ARE YOU INTERESTED
IN GETTING INVOLVED IN
THE GREECE CHAMBER?
page 4
DECEMBER 9, 2009
NEW
BUSINESS
MEMBERS
As of November 19, 2009
CLEANING SERVICES
Detail Commercial
Services, Inc.
Paul Davis, President
1597 West Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14615
(585) 232-1960
Fax: (585) 232-4521
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Storyline Public Relations
Kristine Thompson,
Owner
13 Brigham Circle
Honeoye Falls, NY 14472
(585) 624-7229
THANK
YOU
FOR
YOUR
SUPPORT!
Call Sue Edgett for more information
on our committees.
Call 227.7272 or email her
at Sue@GreeceChamber.org
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
MEMBER
JUAN & MARIA’S
EMPANADA STOP, INC.
SPOTLIGHT
Owner: Juan & Maria Contreras (Contact)
Business Category: Restaurants International Spanish
Number of Employees: Average 5 full time employees
Years in Business: 10 Years
Address: Rochester Public Market, 280 North Union St., Rochester,
NY 14609
Telephone: 585-303-1290
Email: empanadastop@yahoo.com Website: www.empnadastop.com
Visit them on facebook / Fans of Juan and Maria’s Empanada Stop
This couple is sharing their Chilean Spanish culture with thousands of
people in Upstate New York with a new and unique concept in fast food.
Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop brings homemade authentic Spanish
signature dishes to the world of “fast food.” If you are looking for
something delicious and out of the ordinary treat yourself to an Empanada
or one of the other specialty foods, with a Spanish origin, offered at Juan
and Maria’s Empanada Stop.
Entrepreneurship is not new to Juan Contreras. He had a partnership in a
Spanish newspaper and was a sole proprietor of a Spanish International
Marketing company. “I also worked for Xerox as a union employee but I
always had my heart on business,” comments Juan. “Maria and I were
always lovers of Toronto and found ourselves very intrigued by the Public
Market. Maria wanted to sell Empanadas. We were fortunate enough at the
time to have a spot open up at the Rochester Public Market and it was
successful from the first day.”
POINTER FROM A PRO—
Juan Contreras was named “Hispanic Business Person of the
“When starting a business, love what you do. Offer a product that is different from Year” in 2007, has received recognition awards from all levels
the competition and be well connected with other businesses and the media. Have of local government including Senator, Joseph Robach,
Monroe County Executive, Maggie Brooks, Mayor Duffy, and a
enough capital to survive on for 1-2 years without a profit!”
previous NYS Governor. He has organized three International
—– Juan Contreras, Owner of Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop, Inc. Spanish Festivals at the Rochester Public Market and two at Six
You can find Juan, Maria and their exceptional staff, every Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday, at the Rochester Public Market, located at 280
North Union Street, in the city of Rochester.
Juan and Maria Contreras opened Empanada Stop in the year 2000. In the
beginning they sold 10-20 Empanadas throughout the course of the day;
today they sell as many as 1000 or more in a day. “At first people did not
know what Empanadas were,” says Juan.
If you are not familiar with Spanish food an Empanada is a stuffed bread
or pastry with meat, vegetables or sweet fillings. Juan and Maria offer
several varieties of this very popular dish, all homemade, and all seasoned
with a unique blend of spices from several of the 20 Spanish speaking
countries. Customers of Juan and Maria can enjoy a variety of Empanadas
that include: beef or chicken and onions, breakfast, vegetable, cheese,
pizza, seafood, and sweet.
“All of our homemade products are unique to our business,” says Juan
Contreras. “We have a gourmet blend of coffee, regular and decaf, made
for us exclusively by a local roaster, a special pork sausage made by
Zweigles, solely for Empanada Stop, a line of spice mixes, as well as our
homemade hot sauces which include: Red Gold, a more traditional Spanish
hot sauce, Green Gold, made with green peppers and heavy on the garlic,
Spanish Ketchup, which is a tomato base and heavy on the garlic, and
Spanish Mayo, mayonnaise with our own seasoning added.” Full
homemade dinners of Rice and Beans, Pork Loin, and Chicken are also
available. Customers can purchase a “Fool Proof Rice Kit” that includes
everything you need for cooking rice to perfection, including the water. You
can even add a Spanish flair to your next party or event; the company also
offers catering services.
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
Flags, Darien Lake. “We actually did two Spanish International
shows at Frontier Field for the Rochester Rhinos,” comments Juan. During
a period of time when the Contreras’s daughter and son-inlaw were
stationed in Iraq, for a tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force, the company
was able to ship Empanadas to the troops in Iraq. Juan & Maria have
appeared on “Sabado Gigante”, hosted by Don Francisco, a worldwide TV
show with 150 million viewers. The show taped Juan & Maria’s Empanada
Stop in action as well their lifestyle at home.
Empanada Stop was choosen for an in-depth study from different
perspectives that included: financial, marketing and production by 21
MBA’s from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester.
“We had a Perdue University Senior MBA student last year who received a
Fulbright Scholarship. He could have easily gone to Brazil and worked for
one of the largest companies in the world but instead he chose to work with
us,” remarks Juan. “We have created an easy to duplicate business model
that could easily be franchised. Our little business has an unbelievable
potential.”
“We are the only restaurant in upstate NY, and possibly in the country, to
offer homemade authentic empanadas served in a fast food environment.
We have reached a new record with 1,260 empanadas sold in a seven hour
period,” says Juan. “We are open year round at the Rochester Public
Market. We simply want to thank all of our customers for their constant
support and we hope that you will visit us on Facebook at Fans of Juan and
Marias’s Empanada Stop. The high level of education in our area allows for
easy acceptance of our products.”
Be sure to tell Juan & Maria’s Empanada Stop, Inc. that you saw their
spotlight in The Informer.
—Terry Hogan, Office & Communications Director
DECEMBER 9, 2009 page 5
Al
a
skan
VALUED
Local Newspapers are
Small Business
Success Series
CRUISE
CALL of AMERICA’S LAST FRONTIER
IN THE
SUBURBS
• 8 out of 10 read the advertising circulars
delivered with their paper.
• 62% turn to their local paper FIRST
for community news.
• 51% turn to their local paper FIRST
for local shopping and advertising information.
• Local papers beat metro dailies, television, and
the internet and radio by a substantial margin
for all things considered local including entertainment,
shopping, business and youth sports.
Depart from Seattle,
Washington and set sail
aboard the Sapphire
Princess in conjunction
with
AAA.
Visit
Ketchikan,
Juneau,
Skagway, Victoria, and
Tracy Arm Fjord. Cruise
pricing begins at $865
per person. Call Lois
Converse at AAA, 2279600 x242 for details.
August 29 - September 5, 2010
variety of technology-related
topics. For more information or
to register for this seminar, visit
www.GreeceChamber.org or
contact the Greece Chamber
office at 227-7272.
Date: Tuesday, January 5
Time: 7:30-9am
Location: Greece Chamber
Conference Room, 2496 W.
Ridge Rd., Suite 202
Presenters: Gregory Gartland
The PCA Group
Presenting Sponsor: AT&T
Cost: $20 for Greece Chamber
Member Investors, $35 for NonMembers and Guests. Price
includes lunch,
“Banking Built for Business”
Thursday, January 28th • 7:30 to 9am
Greece Chamber of Commerce Conference Room 2496
W. Ridge Road, Suite 202
Presenter: Anthony Ricci, M & T Bank
Presenting Sponsor: AT&T
Track Sponsor: Bidders Guide Publications
Cost: $20 for Greece Chamber Member Investors
$35 for Non-Members and Guests
Price includes Continental Breakfast
This seminar will help small business owners utilize their relationship with their
bank by leveraging deposit and savings accounts to maximize cash flow based
on payment cycle of their individual business. The agenda will also move into
the credit markets again preparing business owners to give themselves the best
access to credit terms for whatever need they may have. A down economy and
contracting credit markets make understanding banking topics a necessity for
business owners!
The seminar is one of in a series being offered this year in the Owners &
Managers Track as part of this year’s Small Business Success Series.
For more information or to register for this seminar, visit our website at www.
GreeceChamber.org or contact the Greece Chamber office at 227-7272.
RACE on the RIDGE 5K
Friday, January 8, 2010 • 7:30 to 8:30am
Host: Edward Jones Investments, Diane Hennekey
3177 Latta Road (Wegmans Plaza
corner of Latta Road & Long Pond Road)
Free for all attendees
585.394.0770
advertising@messengerpostmedia
www.MPNnow.com
page 6 DECEMBER 9, 2009
A simple discussion and
demonstration of IT tools that
can save small businesses time
and money. From virus,
phishing and spam protection
to free office suites, there are
many low/no cost choices in the
marketplace.
Tech Tuesdays, a monthly
segment
of
the
Greece
Chamber’s Small Business
Success Series, is designed to
teach you the essentials of
today’s technology and how to
use it to help in your business’s
success. Tech Tuesdays are be
held the first Tuesday of every
month in the Greece Chamber
Conference Room, covering a
OWNERS & MANAGERS TRACK
NETWORKING
BREAKFAST
Call us for a free consultation on how you can
put together an affordable and effective advertising plan.
*Base: Suburban Adults in 21 Markets (11,730,000).
Source: 2006 SNA Suburban Market Study, conducted by Belden Associates.
“Easy IT Tools Every Business
Owner Should Know About!”
JANUARY 2010
FIRST FRIDAY
Let Messenger Post Media
help you build your business!
BRIGHTON-PITTSFORD POST GATES-CHILI POST GREECE POST
HENRIETTA POST IRONDEQUOIT POST PENFIELD POST FAIRPORT POST
WEBSTER POST DAILY MESSENGER COURIER-JOURNAL
TECH TUESDAY
Small Business
Success Series
advertising supplement
to the GREECE POST
A division of GateHouse Media Inc.
73 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-394-0770 www.MPNnow.com
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
First Friday Networking is held monthly to give Greece Chamber
members and guests the opportunity to network with one another
and build new contacts to grow their businesses. The event is
hosted by Chamber members, giving you the opportunity to learn
more about other businesses in the Greece area.
The January First Friday Networking will be hosted by Edward
Jones Investments – Diane Hennekey, 3177 Latta Road, in the
Wegmans Plaza, on the corner of Latta Road & Long Pond Road.
For more information, visit our website at www.Greece
Chamber.org or call the Chamber offices at 227-7272.
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
Over 240 runners and walkers and many volunteers
participated in the 2nd Annual Greece Chamber Race on the Ridge 5K,
presented by Bryant & Stratton College. The event was held at
The Mall at Greece Ridge on Sunday, November 8th, 2009.
This year’s race was a benefit for The Michael W. Bliss Foundation
and the Greece Chamber of Commerce Charitable Foundation.
The Greece Chamber would like to thank all the sponsors and
volunteers that helped to make this year’s event a success.
A special thanks to the Town of Greece
and to Frontier for their assistance.
DECEMBER 9, 2009 page 3
2009 Small Business of the Year!
FINALISTS
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Chairman: Al Meilutis
Vice Chair: Paul Chatfield
Treasurer: Del Smith
Secretary: Debra Walker
Immediate Past Chair: Kyle Van Putte
Steven Achramovitch
Chrissy Andrews
Cheryl Ann Bilski
Deb Case
James Cummings III
Donald Felter Jr.
Doug Hall
James Hofford
Jim Iovino Jr.
Michael Masiello
Jeffrey McCann
Kirk Morris
Todd Schirmer
ADVANCED HEARING
CENTERS
Dr. Andrew Marabito, President and
owner of Advanced Hearing Centers
accepting their finalist plaque from
Phil Pecora, GRB (Greece Chamber
2009 Small Business of the Year
Award Presenting Sponsor) and Tom
Claybaugh from the Democrat &
Chronicle (Greece Chamber 2009
Small Business of the Year Award
Media Sponsor).
WOULD YOU
LIKE TO
ADVERTISE
IN THIS
NEWSLETTER?
C A L L T O D AY !
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Annual Awards Banquet: Debra Walker
Erie Canal: Cheryl Ann Bilski
Ambassador: Chrissy Andrews/Phil Hurwitz
Public Relations: TBA
Race on the Ridge: Melanie Fazio
Dewey Avenue Roundtable: Paul Chatfield
Youth Hall of Fame: Ralph DeStephano
GREECE CHAMBER
CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Dan Richardson
Vice President: Jodie Perry
Treasurer: P. Robert Fox
Secretary: Raymond DiRaddo
Gilbert Cooper
Joan Korsch
Anne Loria
William Selke
Kyle Van Putte
Eugene Welch
Al Meilutis
STAFF
President/CEO: Jodie A. Perry
Membership and Events Director: Sue Edgett
Finance and Benefits Director: Chris Sortino
Office and Communications
Director: Terry Hogan
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A
GREECE CHAMBER MEMBER?
CONTACT SUE EDGETT at 585.227.7272
page 2 DECEMBER 9, 2009
DEBORAH L. FOX
D.D.S., P.C.
381.3300 x435
12/9 Wednesday: Public Relations Committee
meeting, 8am
12/11 Friday: Friday Leadership Greece, 8:30am to
4pm
12/17 Thursday: Annual Greece Chamber Holiday
Party. 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Rochester Marriott
Hotel, 1890 West Ridge Road. Sponsored by the
Marriotts of Greece. Call the Chamber office for
more details
JANUARY
1/5 Tuesday: Small Business Success Series ~ Tech
Tuesday ~ “Easy IT Tools Every Business Owner
Should Know About,” presented by Greg Gartland,
The PCA Group. 7:30am to 9am, in the Greece
Chamber Conference Room, Suite 202, 2496 West
Ridge Road. Presenting Sponsor: AT&T
1/8 Friday: First Friday Networking, 7:30am to
8:30am, hosted by Edward Jones Investments –
Diane Hennekey, 3177 Latta Road
1/12 Tuesday: Canal Committee meeting, 8am
1/13 Wednesday: Public Relations Committee
meeting, 8am
1/19 Tuesday: Board of Directors meeting, 7:30am
1/21 Thursday: Monthly Networking Luncheon,
11:45am to 1:15pm, at Barnard Exempt Restaurant,
360 Maiden Lane
1/26 Tuesday: Canal Committee meeting, 8am
1/27 Wednesday: Ambassadors meeting, 8am
1/28 Thursday: Small Business Success Series ~
“Banking Built for Business,” presented by Anthony
Ricci, M&T Bank. 7:30am to 9am, in the Greece
Chamber Conference Room, Suite 202, 2496 West
Ridge Road. Presenting Sponsor: AT&T. Track
Sponsor: Bidders Guide Publications
Reservations are requested for all Chamber
luncheons and events; call 227-7272 to make
reservations. All committee meetings and training
sessions, unless otherwise noted, will take place in
the Greece Chamber’s Conference Room at 2496
West Ridge Road, Suite 202. If you are interested in
one of our many active committees or you would like
to gain more exposure for your business, please call
us at the Chamber.
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
HOLIDAY PARTY!
ROCKCASTLE FLORIST
Husband and wife team and
owners of Rockcastle Florist
were among the six finalists
forthe Greece Chamber 2009
Small Business of the Year
Award. Keith holds the finalist
award plaque as Wendy gives
acceptance remarks at the
awards luncheon held at
Ridgemont Country Club on
November 16th, 2009.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER
2009 Greece
Chamber of Commerce
Award finalist, Deborah Fox
of Deborah L. Fox, DDS, P.C.
after receiving her finalist
award plaque. Also in the
photo from left to right are:
Phil Pecora, GRB (Genesee
Regional Bank), Tom Claybaugh,
Democrat
&
Chronicle
and
Greece
Chamber President/ CEO,
Jodie Perry.
MASCOT INC.
Pictured are siblings and
owners of Mascot Inc.,
Lou Masi and Mary
Szefc, giving acceptance
remarks for Mascot, Inc
after receiving their
plaque for being nominated as one of six
finalists for the 1st
Greece Chamber 2009
Small Business of the
Year Award.
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org
Join us on Thursday, December 17th, 2009
and celebrate the holidays with your friends
and fellow business members in the Greece Community.
Event: Greece Chamber Holiday Party
Date: Thursday, December 17th, 2009
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Sponsor: Rochester Marriott Airport Hotel,
Courtyard by Marriott – Rochester West,
Residence Inn by Marriott – Rochester West
Location: The Rochester Marriott Airport Hotel,
1890 West Ridge Road, Greece, NY 14615
Admission: $10 per person or $5 per person
with the donation of a hat, scarf and/or gloves.
All cash proceeds will be donated to the
Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf. All hats, gloves and scarves
will be donated to the Greece Clothing Shelf.
SOLUTIONS
STUDIO & SPA
Left to right: Judy
Fridd
and
Jackie
LeTourneau
join
Jennifer Grim, all
owners of Solution
Studio and Spa, as
she
makes
their
acceptance remarks
for award finalist of
Greece Chamber 2009
Small Business of the
Year Award.
DECEMBER 9, 2009 page 7
ADVERTISE IN THIS NEWSLETTER!
C A L L 3 8 1 . 3 3 0 0 x 4 3 5 T O D AY !
RIBBON CUTTINGS...
THE
INFORMER
DECEMBER 9, 2009
MISSION STATEMENT
To Enhance the Business and Economic Vitality of the Greece Community
Inside this issue...
Gateway Funding Diversified Mortgage Services, L.P.
NYS Senator, Joseph Robach and Greece Town Supervisor,
John Auberger, along with the Greece Chamber of Commerce,
joined Chris and Dan Vella and staff for the Grand
Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Gateway Funding
Diversified Mortgage Services, L.P. on Thursday, November 5,
2009. The new office is located at 3180 Latta Road, Suite 600.
2
MONROE PHARMACY LLC
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on November 12th, 2009 for the
Grand Opening of Monroe Pharmacy LLC, the newest in-house addition
at Monroe Oxygen and Medical Equipment-AHRC, located at 2672 West
Ridge Road in the town of Greece. NYS Senator Joseph Robach and
Chief of Staff Kirk Morris along with Greece Chamber President/CEO
Jodie Perry were on hand to help John and Kathy Velekkakan cut the
Ribbon.
• Open Enrollment
• Calendar of Events
• Small Business
Success Series
• First Friday
Networking Breakfast
• Tech Tuesday
• See the World
with the
Greece Chamber
• Insurance Options
at the Greece Chamber
• Renewing Members
• New Members
5
• Member Spotlight:
Juan & Maria’s
Empanada Stop
PURCHASE ONE SERVICES
Pictured above, left to right: Kirk Morris, Chief of Staff for NYS
Senator Joseph Robach and 4th Ward Councilman, Glass &
Glaze owners, Carrie Greno and Elizabeth Tantalo and Greece
Chamber President/CEO, Jodie Perry cut the ribbon for the
Grand Opening of Glaze and Glass on November 23, 2009. The
pottery and fused glass studio is located at 1742 Long Pond
Road, in the town of Gates.
Cheryl Ann Bilski, owner of Purchase One Services in Greece, New York
cut the Ribbon for her new showroom within a showroom inside of
Monroe Oxygen and Medical Equipment-AHRC, located at 2672 West
Ridge Road. On hand to assist Cheryl at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
from left to right were: Kirk Morris, Chief of Staff for NYS Senator
Joseph Robach, Hank Franzone, Furniture Manufacturer Rep, Lynn
Bilski-Spurr, John Brandon, Furniture Designer, Cheryl Ann Bilski,
owner of Purchase One Services and owner of Functional Interiors,
John Velekkakan, President of Monroe Oxygen and Medical EquipmentAHRC, Babe Perno, Window treatments by Babe, NYS Senator Joseph
Robach and Greece Chamber President/CEO, Jodie Perry.
West Fire Systems
2009 Small Business of the Year
3
4
GLAZE and GLASS
2496 West Ridge Road • Suite 201 • Greece, NY 14626-3053
585.227.7272 • fax 585.227.7275 • www.GreeceChamber.org
6
• Alaskan Cruise
7
• Holiday Party
• 2009 Small Business
of the Year Finalists
8
• Ribbon Cuttings
O
n Thursday, November 19th,
2009, at a dedicated luncheon
at Ridgemont Country Club,
over 150 attendees came together to
witness the Greece Chamber of
Commerce proudly present its first
Small Business of the Year Award. The
eminent new award was established by
the Greece Chamber to recognize the
many accomplishments of small
businesses in our community.
Of 27 nominees, West Fire Systems,
Inc. was named this year’s Small
Business of the Year by the Greece
Chamber. The company has been in
business for the past 22 years, had $3.8
million dollars in revenue for 2008 and has 14 employees.
“As the speaker was announcing the winner, I heard the words “they
started the business in the unheated back porch of their home” and
I realized that we had won! I was stunned,” says Mike West of West
Fire Systems, Inc. “Debbie and I looked at each other and
simultaneously said “That’s us!” At that moment, I was
overwhelmed. With all of the other great finalists, I couldn’t believe
that our name was being called. To be the first recipient of the
Greece Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award is a great
honor. I felt immensely proud and grateful for our staff and all of the
hard work by everyone to put us in this position. It is a feeling that
I’ll never forget. This is definitely a highlight of my business
career!”
Advanced Hearing Centers, Mascot, Inc., Solutions Studio & Spa,
Deborah L. Fox, DDS, and Rockcastle Florist were other finalists.
Semi-finalists were as follows: Caring for Cats, Chatfield Engineers,
P.C., Crescent Beach Restaurant, Christie Carpets, Lytespeed
Computers, McDonald’s of Greece, NH Architecture, Ridgeway
Sunoco, and Services for Seniors. Brothers Collision & Mechanical,
Carleton North Service, Clear Choice
Hearing, Comtec Solutions of NY, Inc.,
Fright-rags.com, Heritage Jewelers,
Locker Room Sports, Inc., Midnight
Janitorial, Monroe Oxygen & Medical
Equipment - AHRC, SiteSteward, Inc.,
The Ultimate Caterers, and Van Putte
Gardens were all nominees for the
prestigious 2009 Small Business of the
Year Award.
West Fire Systems, Inc., the recipient
of this year’s award, as well as the
nominees, semi-finalists and finalists
were evaluated based on the following
criteria: Financial Performance and
Business History, Employee Practices,
Community Involvement, Customer Service, and Entrepreneurship.
A special video presentation, consisting of individual videos of all
six finalists, was viewed by luncheon attendees as each of the
finalists were announced. The Greece Chamber will now nominate
West Fire Systems, Inc. for the U.S Chamber’s Business of the Year
Award.
A special thanks to our 2009 Small Business of the Year Award
sponsors: GRB (Genesee Regional Bank), Presenting Sponsor;
Democrat & Chronicle, Media Sponsor; Monroe Oxygen & Medical
Equipment - AHRC and Solutions Studio & Spa (Regional Leaders
Sponsors); AT&T, McDonald’s - Long Pond, Services for Seniors,
and Vaughn Taylor Photography (Innovators Sponsors); and Brook
House Restaurant, Lakeshore Community Church, Mitchell-Nagel
& Associates, and NH Architecture (Entrepreneurs Sponsors). The
Greece Chamber would also like to thank Anne Pearlman of Pearl
Video & Omni Media for the award finalists’ video presentation.
—Terry Hogan, Greece Chamber of Commerce
Office & Communications Director
visit our website at www.GreeceChamber.org