This month we are celebrating with some of our Chamber members that have met the challenges of growing and succeeding in their efforts. Each year the Chamber celebrates major anniversaries of our members that have been in business for 25 years or more. We do this in 5-year increments 25 years, 30 years, 35 years, etc.). In the ups and downs of our economy, we hear of businesses, large and small, that reorganize, downsize, or simply “go out of business.” As Chamber members are the best of the best, we want to recognize some of our members for their success and longevity – this year we are honoring 22 businesses that were able to attend. Congratulations to every one of them!
The businesses and organizations honored at the Webster Chamber of Commerce breakfast on June 28th, 2019 were:
Drabik Orthodontics – 25 Years
Pet$avers Healthy Pet Superstore – 25 years
Webster Eye Care Associates – 25 Years
William A. Koopman CPA – 25 Years
Goshorn Chiropractic and Wellness Center – 30 Years
Flower City Habitat for Humanity – 35 Years
Heritage Christian Services – 35 Years
Jerry Christopher – State Farm Agent – 35 years
Kuk Sool Won – 40 Years
Webster Pediatric Dentistry – 45 Years
Family First Credit Union – 50 Years
Precision Lawn & Garden Equipment – 50 Years
Scott Funeral Home – 55 Years
Webster Federal Credit Union – 55 Years
Xceed Financial Credit Union – 55 years
Lefrois Builders – 70 Years
Maier Farms – 75 Years
Whelpley & Paul Opticians – 95 Years
Sutter, Summers & Lydon PC – 100 Years
Empire State Weeklies Webster Herald – 120 Years
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP – 125 years
Webster Union Cemetery – 195 Years
Drabik Orthodontics – 25 Years
Dr. Stan Drabik has been helping people of all ages achieve straighter, healthier smiles for 25 years, and his passion for this transformative field is just as strong as it was on day one of his career. He prides himself on maintaining a very laid back and relationship-driven orthodontic office. After attending Wittenberg University for his undergraduate degree, Dr. Drabik received his Doctor of Dental Surgery at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and his orthodontic certificate at Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine. He is a proud member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and was the recipient of the Donald T. Kozlowski Memorial Award for Most Respected Senior Dental Student.
Dr. Drabik says he loves having his practice surrounded by the wonderful community of Webster. He supports his patients’ individual activities from football to dance to clown camp. He provides two scholarships to senior patients each year and sits on the Triangle Society for the YMCA. The Drabik team takes an active interest in the Webster outdoors and enjoyed cleaning up the trails at the Four Mile Creek Preserve for Day of Caring. In August the team is providing a summer bash for 300 patients at the new Webster Lakefront Lodge.
When he isn’t straightening teeth, Dr. Drabik enjoys spending time with his supportive, fun, and hardworking family. He and his wife, Kris, met in college and were married freshman year of dental school. They started Drabik Orthodontics together and have three adult children who also have worked at the office over the years.
They are honored to be part of the Webster Community. Congratulations to the Drabik Team for celebrating 25 years in business!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce(R) presents Tina Welk (L) and Kris Drabik (C) with Drabik Orthodontics Anniversary Award
Pet$avers Healthy Pet Superstore – 25 years
Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore was established in 1994 with the first store, 1000 square feet, Greece. Store owners Russ & Brenda Herman opened the store as an opportunity to provide superior quality pet foods and supplies to local pet lovers. The business expanded quickly requiring them to move 3 years later to a 3000 sq. ft. store and 3 years after that to an 8000 sq. ft. store. At that point, they added grooming and selling small pets and fish.
Through the years Pet$aver continued to grow allowing them to finally add a second store in Brighton in 2011. That store was an immediate success and gave more area pet lovers an option when it came to healthy pet food options. In 2016 the Webster store was added, 2017 Victor, and this year they are expanding to Buffalo with 2 new stores there. They also opened a warehouse and corporate office in 2018 to serve their stores.
With many retail stores struggling to overcome the advances of online sales, Pet$aver has thrived by continuing to provide personal customer service, top quality pet foods, and supplies, dog self-wash stations, and partnering with many community pet rescues groups to help them provide for homeless and abused pets. Through Pet$aver’s Shelter Feeding Program, over 8000 pets at Lollypop Farm and Rochester Animal Services are fed free each year. With the help of industry partners and the generosity of their customers, Pet$aver is making sure that community comes first. They know that by helping to make a stronger community it helps to make a strong business. Congratulations to Pet$avers on 25 years of success and growth!
Barry Howard, President/CEO Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right) Tony Mineo, Laura Howard, Russ Herman of Pet$avers Healthy Pet Superstore
Webster Eye Care Associates – 25 Years
Hellen Keller once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
In 1964, Dr. Robert Brennan had the “vision” to come to Webster and open his own eye care practice. During his 30 years in business, he became a solid part of the community. Dr. Brennan used his compassion and love for his craft to build a prominent reputation for eye care. In 1994, Dr. Shari and Mike Gustin bought the practice with their own “vision” of what eye care should be and expanded on the exceptional foundation that Dr. Brennan had laid before them. Wanting to become even more connected to the community, the Gustins renamed the practice Webster Eyecare Associates.
They quickly realized the potential that Xerox brought to the table, and by the end of 1994, Mike had secured a dispensing contract for safety glasses for Xerox. Webster Eyecare Associates became the largest sports optics retailer in upstate New York by offering the combination of protection and special customized colors through shooting eyewear. Currently, Webster Eyecare’s optical shop offers an incredible selection of frames, from popular high-end designers to exclusive lines found in only a handful of shops around the country. They are the number one Maui Jim retailer on the east coast. The combination of Mike’s specialized optical shop, Dr. Shari’s comprehensive medical knowledge and the couple’s friendly and familiar rapport with patients has allowed the Gustins to expand their patient base immensely over the past 25 years.Dr. Shari says: “Everyone knows that it isn’t easy growing a business, but when you have a staff like ours, it sure makes it a lot easier. All businesses will stumble at some point, but it’s maintaining your “vision” that will get you through.”Congratulations to the Gustins and their staff for growing strong for 25 years!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce presents Anniversary Award to Debbie Zimmer of Webster Eyecare Associates
William A. Koopman CPA – 25 Years
Bill is a familiar face here at the Chamber. Bill was working in a firm for a few years that had a small Florida office and the practice in New York. He anticipated buying out the owner of the firm, but when that deal fell through, he opened his own practice in 1994. He joined the Chamber of Commerce that year and quickly got involved, ultimately serving as the Chamber’s Treasurer for 18 years. Bill worked out of his home the first year. But with a two-year-old and a four-year-old knocking on the door, it was hard to get any work done. He then rented an office on Winton Road and worked part-time for another firm while he built his own practice. Ten years later, Bill bought the building on West Main Street in Webster Village and moved the practice there. Bill says: “It’s been a very daunting 25 years ago, but looking back I would not change a thing. It has been a very fulfilling career so far.”Congratulations Bill on 25 years in practice!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right), Beth Koopman, Scott Koopman and Bill Koopman of William A. Koopman, CPA.
Goshorn Chiropractic and Wellness Center – 30 Years
Goshorn Chiropractic had its humble beginnings in a home office on Creek Street. Dr. Charles Goshorn and his wife Barbara raised three children there. In the beginning, there was no receptionist and a few times a diaper-clad child barged into a treatment room when he couldn't find mom. The office has moved twice since then and is currently outgrowing its present location. Goshorn Wellness Center currently employs three Chiropractors. Besides chiropractic, they offer nutritional counseling and weight loss with Barbara Goshorn, who is a nurse and a master’s degree in clinical nutritionist. Their daughter Allison, who joined the practice three years ago, offers acupuncture. Massage therapy is also offered and most recently they added hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Next year they will add a fourth doctor when son Kyle graduates from chiropractic school. The atmosphere in the practice is known for being friendly and welcoming and feels like one big family. That is evident in over fifty 5-star Google reviews! Having served the Webster community for 30 years, Dr. Goshorn says:” We enjoy what we do, and Webster is a great place to do it! One of the greatest compliments we get from our patients is they want to come and work here.”
Congratulations to Goshorn Wellness Center on their 30 years serving Webster!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right), Dr. Steven Hill, Sam Herrick, Allison Goshorn, Barb Goshorn, Dr. Charles Goshorn of Goshorn Chiropractic & Wellness Center.
Flower City Habitat for Humanity – 35 Years
Habitat for Humanity’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Around the world, there are over 1200 Habitat affiliates all working towards this vision. Flower City Habitat for Humanity, a non-denominational Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard and poverty housing in Rochester, has been building homes and changing lives since 1984. Flower City has built or renovated over 240 homes across the City of Rochester, 92 of them within the JOSANA neighborhood. They partner with businesses and organizations across Monroe County, coming together to build homeownership, communities, and hope. Families or individuals are eligible for Habitat homes based on their ability to pay, their demonstration of need and their willingness to partner.
Every partner family purchases a home through Habitat by qualifying for an affordable, no-profit, 30-year mortgage, spends less than 30% of their gross monthly income on housing, including taxes and insurance, and contributes over 300+ hours of sweat equity in the program by helping to build their home or other homes in their community, volunteering at other community organizations, participating in a Financial Literacy Program, and taking classes in home safety & maintenance, insurance shopping and real estate closings. Funding for programs and construction comes from corporate sponsorships, faith-based communities, private donations, grants, and revenue generated by two retail ReStore locations. Donations of furniture, fixtures, appliances, construction materials and more are collected from across Monroe County and then sold to the public. The revenue helps Habitat build more homes and change more lives. They’ve even recently started offering free kitchen tear-outs utilizing skilled Habitat volunteers, selling the donated cabinets and appliances in the ReStore, raising additional funds. Flower City Habitat for Humanity would not exist without the generous donations of the time, talent and treasure by so many supportive businesses, individuals, and community groups across Monroe County.
Congratulations to Flower City Habitat for 30 years of changing lives!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right) Dan Pettronillo and Mark Mancuso of Flower City Habitat for Humanity
Heritage Christian Services – 35 Years
At Heritage Christian Services, people come first. It’s what the founding parents insisted on, and it’s still the backbone of the culture 35 years later. Because of that dedication, the agency maintains the highest standards of care.
Most of the agency’s 2,700 employees work to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can find the best place to live and work and build strong community connections. Other employees work with children – like Expressive Beginnings Child Care in Webster. The agency is also known for community impact programs like Heritage Christian Stables therapeutic riding on Salt Road, and more to the west, the Pieters Family Life Center and Springdale Farm.
Heritage has grown from its first neighborhood home in Webster to now partnering with thousands of people across 15 counties, from Rochester to Buffalo. Today they offer residential support, respite, day and community habilitation, brokering and Fiscal Intermediary services and employment support. For the last 16 years, the agency has received a Compass designation for being one of New York State’s top service providers. They also earned national accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership and won a prestigious local award for business ethics.
Most importantly, the people working at Heritage Christian Services are driven by a passion to ensure that everyone – including people with disabilities and children – feels valued and respected.
Congratulations and many thanks to Heritage Christian Services for 35 years of service to our community!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right), Laura Tumminelli, Sam Sam Schaubroeck, Kim Clark of Heritage Christian Services
Jerry Christopher – State Farm Agent – 35 years
Jerry is probably best known for being a State Farm Agent and for his singing. He is often the voice at Chamber Breakfast meetings leading us in the Star-Spangled Banner in addition to singing at church, at the Village Christmas Parade, Veterans’ Day Ceremonies, in the Webster Theater Guild and on and on. Jerry’s father, Carmen, was born in 1922; the same year State Farm was established. Carmen opened his State Farm office in 1956. His father’s respect for State Farm and his clients was passed on to son Jerry who then opened his own office in 1984. Jerry’s office staff now includes his wife Jeanne and 2 employees: Lisa Loiacono and Mark Bauer. Jerry’s son Tony just celebrated his 1-year anniversary as a State Farm agent in Wayne, NJ. Jerry’s State Farm office offers a full range of insurance, banking products and mutual funds serving families and businesses all over the area. Jerry’s commitment to the community may find him and team member Lisa presenting business insurance information to the Young Entrepreneur Academy in Webster high schools and attending the Junior Achievement Titan’s competition awards.
He supports Webster Association Baseball and many other Webster sports teams, sponsors local theater groups and has demonstrated the importance of 911 to children at the Fire Department’s Open House. Jerry has served on the board of the YMCA and on the Neighborhood Housing Services board. Jerry is now a proud member of Rotary International and participates in many service activities with them as well as being a financial sponsor of events. Jerry says his long affiliation with the Webster Chamber of Commerce has been a very worthwhile relationship – and mutually beneficial! Jerry credits his past and present employees, along with hard work, for the success and longevity of his State Farm office.
Congratulations to Jerry on 35 years in business!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to Jeanne and Jerry Christopher of Jerry Christopher State Farm Insurance
The Korean martial art of Kuk Sool Won, translated as national martial arts association, was introduced in New York in 1979 by master Gary Evarts. The first school was in Clyde, followed by Williamson, Wolcott, and Webster.
The most modern, and one of the largest martial arts facilities is just outside of Webster on Route 104 next to Bill Grays. As the head executive master in the New England area, Master Evarts oversees the functions of any Kuk Sool school in New England. He has promoted nearly 300 black belt students that are very generous supporting their communities and families. A focus of Kuk Sool students is to give back to their community in any way possible. Through the practice of martial arts, they are inspired to be better martial artists and better human beings. As Kuk Sool grew, so did Master Evarts. He has been recognized throughout the world including National and World Champion in self-defense, forms, and weapons in 1990, 1992 and 1993.
He has been featured on television here in Rochester, in Scotland and in South Korea and was featured in a 12-page cover story the Tae Kwon Do Times, a worldwide martial arts magazine. Master Evarts has trained Olympic bobsled and luge teams in coordination, agility, strengthening and focus and was inducted into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
A most rewarding result of being in business for 40 years is that Master Evarts daughter, now living in New York City, continues with the education of women in safety awareness and self-defense. His goal is to have his students own a school and continue the traditional training of Kuk Sool Won, a business that promotes a lifestyle that puts others before themselves.
Congratulations to Master Gary Evarts for 40 years in the business of teaching!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to Gary Evarts of Kuk Sool Won
Webster Pediatric Dentistry – 45 Years
Webster Pediatric Dentistry was founded in 1974 by Dr. William Salminen and his wife Carol in a 500 square foot suite in the basement of the former Webster Health Center right next door on Barrett Drive. In 1982 the office relocated to its present location of 39 West Main Street and over the years, Webster Pediatric Dentistry has renovated and expanded to the current nine chair office, with three dentists and 12 employees.Dr. Jay Skolnick joined Webster Pediatric Dentistry 28 year ago as a partner and became the practice owner when Dr. Salminen retired.The practice has two additional outstanding dentists, Dr. Lisa DeLucia, and Dr. James Gleason who continue to offer exceptional pediatric dental and orthodontic care. Every one of the twelve staff members has an important role and the team is excellent at making a “kid-friendly” environment and positive experience for their patients.“Always keep a smile on their beautiful faces” is a philosophy Webster Pediatric Dentistry strives to fulfill. Being in a “kid-friendly” environment makes the dental tasks more comfortable and the patients learn that going to the dentist can be fun.
Pediatric dentistry is a specialty requiring two additional years of training. Pediatric dentists mostly treat well children but also treat apprehensive young children, children with severe dental concerns and those with special needs. The focus on preventive dental care, educating patients and parents about proper dental care is the key to keeping children cavity-free.Dr. Skolnick says: “The Webster community has been wonderful for my wife Chris and our sons. It has provided us with opportunities, cultural arts, sports, and deep and lasting personal friendships.
Webster has been so precious to me, my family and my dental practice and we will endeavor to give back as much as we’ve received and continue contributing to the hundreds of meaningful community efforts that keep Webster special.”
Congratulations to Webster Pediatric Dentistry on 45 years in Webster!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to Kris Frank of Webster Pediatric Dentistry
Family First Credit Union – Celebrating 50 Years
Fifty years ago, Family First opened for business in the home of Penfield schoolteacher Dick Denison. The Penfield Central Federal Credit Union, as it was originally known, was chartered to serve those who worked at the Penfield Central School District. A lot has happened since 1969, but they are proud to still serve the community with that same spirit of the founders.
The first year’s transactions took place in the Presidents’ homes, most notably in the mid-1970s in former CEO Len Szumiloski’s den. A merger with BOCES Federal Credit Union changed the name to Penfield Federal Credit Union in 1984. By 1995 Penfield Federal Credit Union’s membership included 150 schools, social service agencies, small businesses, and community groups. To better serve these groups the credit union’s current headquarters at 2520 Browncroft Boulevard in Penfield was established. In 2002, the Credit Union made a major change in the field of membership when they converted to the current community charter. With a member base that extended far beyond Penfield, they decided to create a name that was descriptive of the credit union’s philosophy to put the “Family First.”Since then, they have opened branches in Webster, Henrietta, East Rochester, and most recently in Greece to serve members on the west side of Rochester.
After completing over 50 years of service to their members maintaining the same values of family, integrity, relationships, service, and trust, that the Credit Union was founded on. Today, Family First serves over 15,000 members and has $210 million in assets. They are excited about the future as membership continues to grow and thanks those who have helped get them this far, inviting others to join in and become a part of the family. Family First Credit Union’s motto is “Banking Simplified. Life Magnified.”
Please congratulate Family First on 50 years of continued success!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to Deborah Baker (L), Georgia Interlicchia (C) of Family First Credit Union
Precision Lawn & Garden Equipment – 50 Years
This company was started in 1969 with just one person, Charlie Conrose. He had a lot of ambition but a very limited amount of resources. Starting from there till today, the company has covered a long and evolutionary journey. Charlie says: “Years back, it started with millions of dreams, hope and immense enthusiasm and today when we are celebrating 50 years, nothing has changed - except the fact that we have made our dreams come true and even have a few new ones now”.The company strives to supply the community and surrounding areas with assistance keeping all their equipment, from small to large, running smoothly and efficiently. They are adding new product lines to the already stacked arsenal to provide many choices for the discerning customer for all their outdoor equipment needs. Precision Lawn & Garden continues to provide Webster with impeccable sales and service for all summer and winter needs and wishes to thank their customers for supporting this local business for 50 years!
Congratulations to the team at Precision Lawn and Garden Equipment!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right) Kimberly Bement-Price, Justin Massecar and Charlie Conrose of Precision Lawn and Garden Equipment
The roots of the Willard H. Scott Funeral Home in the Webster community began in 1941 when Ward and Carolyn Tinklepaugh started the Tinklepaugh Funeral Home on South Avenue. Along with the Funeral Home, they also operated a shoe store in the northwest corner of the building. In 1964, Willard and Florence Scott purchased the business and worked alongside Mr. Tinklepaugh for several years until the Tinklepaughs retired to Cohocton, NY. Eventually, the name of the business was changed to Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, Inc. and operates under that name today. In 1998, Jeff and Sharon Corretore Scott (Willard and Florence's older son and his wife) purchased a controlling interest in the funeral home. Robert Barton joined the staff of the funeral home in 2003. Grateful to be able to serve the community as funeral directors, Jeff, Bill and Bob are members of, and participate in, different local organizations including the Webster Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Webster Comfort Care, Webster Fire Department, and local churches. Willard served on the Chamber's Board of Directors and as President from 1982 to 1984. Over the years, the funeral home has maintained an attractive appearance and has helped keep its corner of the neighborhood welcoming.
Jeff Scott says: “Any success the funeral home has achieved has come from its bottom-line philosophy of "treating families the way we would want to be treated."Congratulations for 55 years of service to Webster!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right), Bob Barton, Bill Scott and Jeff Scott of Scott Funeral Home
Webster Federal Credit Union – 55 Years
The Webster Federal Credit Union was started by a group of Webster school teachers in June 1964. The original name of the credit union was Webster School District Federal Credit Union.
For twenty years, the credit union had its office at the manager’s house in the Village of Webster. The credit union grew and in 1984, the members approved the purchase of a small house on Ridge Road near the bowling alley. The physical move also brought about the new name – the Webster Federal Credit Union, a name that better indicated who could join the credit union. At that time, all Town of Webster employees, Hegedorn’s employees, and other small Webster business employees joined the credit union.
After another twenty years, the Board of Directors decided it was time for a larger building to serve the growing number of members. The new building reflects the credit union’s history: The lobby looks like a one-room schoolhouse classroom and you can’t miss the “new” old school house at Ridge Road and Five Mile Line Road. Today, anyone living, worshipping, working, volunteering and going to school in the Towns of Webster or Penfield can join. The credit union is a full-service credit union owned by its members providing all types of loans and savings accounts along with many free services.
Please congratulate the Webster Federal Credit Union on 55 years in business!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to Brian Natale (L) and William Lochner (C) from Webster Federal Credit Union
Xceed Financial Credit Union – 55 years
Xceed Financial Credit Union was originally formed as a small credit union in 1964 for employees of a company called Scientific Data Systems. In 1970, Scientific Data Systems was acquired by Xerox Corporation, and the credit union was renamed Xerox Federal Credit Union. Since then the credit union’s financial services have expanded along with their membership base. Today, Xceed is national and is proud to be a federally chartered workplace credit union for businesses and their employees across the country. The new name, Xceed Financial Credit Union, was launched in 2008 to reflect the expanded membership and new business model – a name that included a nod to the credit union’s history with Xerox. The focus today is on delivering personal banking and financial literacy directly to our “select employer groups,” or SEGs, as they are often called.
Xceed Financial now has more than 59,000 members and the original purpose, passion and desire to help people realize their dreams through a member-owned credit union hasn’t changed, and they pledge it never will. Congratulations to Xceed Financial Credit Union on 55 years of growth and ongoing success!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right) Andrew Myers, Marisa Howard and Rita Bernard of Xerox Federal Credit Union
Russell P. LeFrois laid the foundation for the present-day company 70 years ago. Upon being discharged from the United States Coast Guard in the 1940′s Russell founded Russell P. LeFrois Builder on the principles of constructing quality built and affordable custom home. The company, which incorporated in 1963, built over 100 custom homes in the Webster area.
As the company continued to grow, Russell expanded into commercial construction. Some of the company’s first notable commercial projects were remodeling Hedges Nine Mile Point Restaurant on Lake Road and building the clubhouse at Webster Golf Club on Salt Road. From the start, Russell LeFrois committed all his energy to maintain the highest standards of craftsmanship and business ethics while providing superior value for every construction dollar. Despite all that has changed in the 70 ensuing years, this vision still governs everything the company does.
In 1972, after graduating from Alfred State College, son Richard LeFrois took over leadership of Russell P. LeFrois Builder, Inc. becoming active in all phases of development and construction within the company. Rich now has the roles of President and CEO of the corporation. Also in 1972, Janine LeFrois became the Secretary & Treasurer of the corporation
Daily, Rich & Janine embrace the challenging demands and close working relationships that are required to be successful in the commercial contracting industry. With their management style and vision, they moved the company’s focus from residential construction to all aspects of commercial and industrial general contracting. Through many years of sustained growth, the company has expanded to employ over 100 people and has developed more than 30 million square feet of commercial property in Upstate New York and Central Florida.
Congratulations to Lefrois Builders on 70 years in business!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to Janine LeFrois of LeFrois Builders
In 1944 a young man named Joe Maier traveled north from the rocky limestone of Penfield and walked over a nice sandy loam farm in Webster and thought “This is the place to grow vegetables”. He built a successful farm business and raised four sons with his wife Eleanor. Over the years the crops changed to meet the changing market demands, but large crops of tomatoes, carrots, strawberries, cabbage, wheat, oats, squash, and pumpkins have been grown. They still grow many of these crops, plus others, on a smaller scale, for farm market sales. Greenhouses were added to the mix when Mike graduated from Cornell in 1973. Eleven years later Joe graduated from SUNY Utica and came home to work the farm. In 1987 Mike and Joe formed a partnership and took over the farm from their dad. Dad never stopped working alongside them until pancreatic cancer finally took its toll and he couldn’t be “out with the boys” anymore. Thankfully, they had a big 50th year farm celebration party in July 1994, one year before he passed away.
Adding on over the years, now there is a total of 35 greenhouses covering 80,000 square feet. What started out as mainly bedding plants for the first 30 years has now changed to mostly vegetable transplants grown specifically for other farmers. Farmers bring the seed and tell the Maiers when they want to plant them in the ground.
Since weather is always a factor in farming and something that can’t be controlled, starting the seeds in greenhouses helps the farmers work around those issues.
Congratulations to Maier Farms on 75 years of feeding our community!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to Chris Maier (L) and Sally Maier (C) of Maier Farms
Whelpley & Paul Opticians – 95 Years
Whelpley & Paul Opticians has served the Rochester Community for 95 years. A company started in 1924 and has survived the Great Depression, World War II as well as many other events in American history. Whelpley & Paul, whose mission to deliver excellent prescription eyewear and phenomenal customer service, has never wavered over their 95-year existence. Although the optical industry and the world has greatly changed, they have been able to adapt and evolve. This is a testament to their longevity.
In their many years, they have trained many Opticians and have partnered with a multitude of Ophthalmologists in Rochester. For years, Ophthalmology offices did not sell eyewear and would send their patients to get their glasses or contacts at one of our Whelpley & Paul offices. Their office at the Seneca Arcade, in downtown Rochester, was always packed with patients with prescriptions in hand. These patients were often eager to get new glasses or to get their glasses adjusted. As part of their evolution, Whelpley & Paul is now under new ownership. Dr. Jillian Beyer and Mr. Jack Stewart, who have additional offices in the Buffalo area, purchased Whelpley & Paul in 2017. With two new offices recently opening in Rochester, it shows that with a good business model, coupled with a great mix of new and long-tenured employees, a company can continue to grow and thrive for ANOTHER 95 years! Congratulations to Whelpley & Paul on 95 years in business!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right), Jack Stewart, Kerry Halldow and Dan Jacob of Whelpley & Paul Opticians
Sutter, Summers & Lydon PC – 100 Years
Carroll Sutter opened a law office in Webster on January 1, 1919, located on the second floor above Hart’s grocery store at 7 West Main Street – what is now Good Smoke BBQ restaurant. Carroll was a graduate of Webster High School and Syracuse Law School.
Before opening his office in Webster, Carroll had practiced in various offices in Rochester. In 1923, Carroll started a general insurance agency and operated both businesses until his death in 1960. Carroll served as Webster Chamber president in 1939 and 1940 and was treasurer of the Webster School District for many years. Jim Sutter graduated from Webster High School, University of Michigan and Yale Law School in 1955. In 1959 he joined his father in a firm known as Sutter & Sutter.
In 1963 Jim moved the office to its present location at 20 West Main Street, formerly the location of the Wolf Sisters Millinery Store – one of the oldest buildings in the Village. Jim was President of the Webster Chamber of Commerce in 1980-82 and was a member of the Board of Directors for 12 years. Carroll and Jim are the only father and son to have served as President of the Webster Chamber of Commerce. Don Summers and Jim Sutter were Town of Webster attorneys in the 1960s and in 1967 they formed of Sutter & Summers.In August 1973, Pat Lydon, joined the firm as an Associate and in 1978 became a Partner and the firm became Sutter, Summers & Lydon. Gradually the firm took over the entire building at 20 West Main Street.
Don retired in 1997 and Jim retired in 2012. Don’s nephew, Reed Summers, had moved from his office in Rochester to share space and become of counsel to the firm in 2007. Reed’s practice is primarily litigation of business and personal disputes, domestic relations and related areas. Pat has changed the focus of the firm to primarily estate planning, Medicaid asset protection planning, trust and estate administration, elder law and related areas. Pat has attended extensive continuing legal education programs for attorneys by several national organizations such as the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, WealthCounsel, the Medicaid Practice Network and Lawyers with Purpose. He conducts monthly workshops on estate planning and Medicaid planning, usually at the Chamber’s Conference Room.
Pat believes the longevity of the firm is due to the firm’s ability to evolve and change with the times just as has been required of the legal profession. Today the firm consists of Attorneys Pat Lydon and Reed Summers, legal assistant Jude Lancy, and part-time paralegal Michele Bell.
Congratulations on an amazing journey of 100 years!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right) Patrick Lydon, Esq., James Sutter, Esq., and Jude Lancy of Sutter Summers & Lydon PC
Empire State Weeklies Webster Herald – 120 Years
Empire State Weeklies, Inc was established in 1945 as a parent company for numerous weekly newspapers in Western New York and the Finger Lakes region. When David Young, the current owner, started working with the company in 1967, Empire produced a total of nine weekly newspapers. As the years unfolded, the company evolved into printing and publishing and narrowed down to producing one news publication, the Webster Herald.
Since it was established in 1899, the Webster Herald has provided weekly, local news coverage to the Webster community. A total of 6,240 editions of the Webster Herald have been published every week without a miss since 1899. As the official newspaper of the Town and Village of Webster and Webster Central School District, this endearing publication covers the latest goings on within Webster's local government, student and faculty achievements, wedding announcements, local business successes, community events, and much more. All the content is local. Webster news, Webster schools, Webster businesses, Webster life.
Dave says he merely oversees, rather than “owns," the Webster Herald publication, as it is a community-driven newspaper.
On the printing side, Empire produces products through one of two divisions. One division is the Coldset Web Press, which is used to print newspapers and books for outside clients. The other division is commercial offset printing, which is where the Empire specializes in publication-oriented materials and direct mail. Empire offers customers full service, from concept and design to printing, bindery services, and mailing. In the last few years, they’ve added digital capabilities. Whatever the product or the need, they do their best to find cost-efficient ways to achieve the results the customers want.
Everything Empire does is customized for the individual customer. Many of their customers have been with Empire for 30 or 40 years; becoming part of the Empire family. The personalized and quality experience you get at Empire State Weeklies simply can't be found anywhere else.
Congratulations on 120 years of keeping Webster informed!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to (Left to Right) Laura Zahn-Herman, Dave Young and Anna Hubbel of Empire State Weeklies Webster Herald
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP – 125 years
Harter Secrest & Emery is a full-service law firm founded in 1894 by two attorneys, Nathaniel Foot, and James Havens. One hundred and twenty-five years later, the Foote and Havens Firm, now Harter Secrest & Emery, has grown into one of the region’s largest firms.
With offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, the firm has nearly 130 lawyers and more than 250 people. They have expanded their reach to serve regional, national and international clients, helping them to fulfill their missions and achieve their goals. Today, the firm represents a wide range of clients from entrepreneurs and start-ups to private and public companies with more than 50,000 employees in numerous industries. The firm’s practice areas include Corporate, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Environmental, Land Use, and Zoning, Government Affairs, Health Care, Immigration, Labor and Employment, Litigation, Mergers and Acquisitions, Not-for-Profit Law, Real Estate, Tax, and Trusts and Estates to name a few. A full-service law firm with a rich Rochester connection, please congratulate Harter Secrest & Emery on 125 years of longevity!
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to Ed Steve of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Webster Union Cemetery – 195 Years
What is known today as Webster Union Cemetery, is the burial ground of the first Webster settler, Abram Foster who was laid to rest in 1859, at the age of 90. The first burial on the grounds was that of Benjamin Woodhull on August 23, 1820. Four years later, in 1824, the cemetery was established as a burial ground. On September 6, 1851, a meeting was held to organize a society called the Union Cemetery of Webster, New York. A certificate of incorporation was issued to the society on March 4, 1898, designating the Cemetery as a non-profit organization.
Since this name caused frequent confusion between the Union Hill Cemetery, an official name change took place in April of 1954, to become the present "Webster Union Cemetery." In May of 1999, a columbarium was erected for the purpose of entombing cremated remains. The marble structure is built to accommodate up to 96 burials and is the first of its kind in the region.
Many prominent Webster family members are laid to rest in the Webster Union Cemetery, including the Burnetts, the Curtices', the Fosters, the Pelletts, the Woodhulls, the Whitings, and the Wrights. Veterans from the war of 1812, through the Vietnam War, are interred on the premises, including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, both World War I and World War II and the Korean War.
Consequently, Webster Union Cemetery is one of the richest historical sites in Webster.
Barry Howard, President/CEO of Webster Chamber of Commerce (R) presents Anniversary Award to George Baker of Webster Union Cemetery