The businesses and organizations honored at the Webster Chamber of Commerce breakfast on September 29th were:
Clip N Cuddle Salon - 30 Years
Crossfield Heating & Cooling - 30 Years
Rich Marlin Edward Jones Investments– 30 Years
Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support – 35 Years
The Weekend Print Shop – 45 Years
Bene-Care - 50 Years
Ukrainian Federal Credit Union - 70 Years
United Church of Christ Congregational – 70 Years
Genesee Valley Pennysaver - 75 Years
Leo J. Roth Corporation – 75 Years
Webster Community Chest – 75 Years
NOCO Natural Gas & Electric – 90 Years
Kittelberger Florist – 95 Years
Bauman Farm Market – 115 Years
Clip N Cuddle Salon - Celebrates 30 Years
Clip N Cuddle Grooming Salon is a professional & certified grooming salon for your pets.
They have grooming packages for dogs and cats available at two locations – Webster & Ontario.
Don’t forget to ask about the 3 luxurious spa packages & the blueberry facial.
They also have a boutique that includes clothing, leashes, gifts and grooming supplies for your pet.
Visit their Webster location at 1995 Empire Blvd.
Congratulations to Barb Crawford on 30 Years.
Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Barbara Crawford of Clip N Cuddle Salon.
Crossfield Heating & Air Conditioning - Celebrates 30 Years
Since 1993, the Crossfield Team has been committed to 100% customer satisfaction while providing and maintaining comfortable, energy-efficient home environments for customers in Monroe, Wayne, and Ontario Counties.
"100% Customer Satisfaction" aren't just words - it is the result of a customer-focused approach backed by honesty, integrity, attention-to-detail and team member training. It has led to continuous growth, and allows Crossfield to provide a Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty, quality-driven and reliable products, that are backed by 24-hour customer service every day of the year.
They take the time to listen and communicate clearly so the customer is comfortable and informed about their decisions.
The Crossfield Team provides information and advice so you can determine the best energy and comfort solution for your home and budget.
When the "cry for help" goes out, you'll know Crossfield cares. They provide timely, professional, and helpful service 24 hours a day.
The highly skilled, trained technicians take great pride in their work and careers and the knowledgeable, empowered office team members will take care of you quickly - without red tape.
Congratulations to Crossfield – celebrating 30 years in business!
Bart DiProspero accepts longevity award from the Webster Chamber of Commerce.
Edward Jones - Rich Marlin - Celebrates 30 Years
Rich Marlin joined Edward Jones in June of 1993. He chose Jones for two primary reasons. Edward Jones only serves individual investors and Edward Jones is a Partnership. Rich is a Limited Partner/Service Partner. He owns a part of Edward Jones. It allows him to use his years of experience and expertise to customize the services to best serve his clients' needs.
Those of you that know him know he is a unique individual, very competitive about the service he provides and especially proud of investors portfolio performance.
He chose to put his office in Webster because his best clients were in
Webster. Best doesn't always mean the largest accounts. Best means good people to work with that are honest, sincere, and genuine. He is very fortunate to have great relationships with so many people and families.
He has clients all over the USA. People move, they retire, their kids and grandchildren are spread across America. Having several generations of clients is very gratifying and is good for business.
Most people don't realize is the term "Financial Advisor" covers a wide range of products, services, and specialties. Rich Marlin focuses primarily on accumulating wealth for retirement, using that wealth to provide an ever-increasing stream of retirement income, and passing that wealth on to what is important to the individual after they're gone.
Rich thanks the Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and he'll see you all in five years when he celebrates 35 years!
Rich Marlin accepts longevity award from the Webster Chamber of Commerce.
Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support - Celebrates 35 Years
In 1986 a group of individuals, representing the volunteers from Xerox’s Medic 90 and the 3 fire departments that served the Webster area formed a planning committee that sought to create a wholly independent organization to provide Advanced Life Support services to Webster. NEQALS was incorporated in 1987. After months of fund raising and equipment procurement, they went into service with their Medic 10 vehicle in June of 1988 with 7 active-duty members. In the first year NEQALS had over 700 calls for service. In 2022 NEQALS paramedics answered over 1,600 calls.
In 2016, working in collaboration with the Town of Webster, area fire departments and EMS agencies, NEQALS formed Webster Emergency Medical Service. Over the last 6 years, NEQALS has grown WEMS from one ambulance and under 500 calls a year to 6 ambulances responding to more than 4,700 calls last year. The vision of having a single Webster-based EMS agency is now in place.
During the pandemic, NEQALS offered free COVID testing for first responders and vaccinations for home-bound patients. NEQALS orchestrated one of the largest events in Town history, the “reverse parade of lights” that enabled thousands of residents from Webster and surrounding areas to have a bit of normalcy during the holidays, replacing the traditional parade of lights that year.
In 2021, after years of fundraising and a year of construction, NEQALS opened the town’s first dedicated EMS base, a facility that has been commented by many who visit and use it as one of the best EMS-specific bases in the region, if not the state. The training room is used regularly by community organizations to hold meetings, provide EMS and other training courses, often at no cost to the organization.
The Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support, Inc. is a not for profit and a 501(C)3 charitable organization whose purpose is to provide Emergency Medical Care to the citizens of Webster and surrounding communities. The 50+ EMTs and Paramedics play an integral role in ensuring the well-being of the more than 45,000 residents and visitors to Webster.
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support Team for saving lives in Webster for 35 years.
Matt Lloyd accepts longevity award from the Webster Chamber of Commerce with Betty Montgomery, George Glessner, Ray Camp and Phyllis Lochner of Northeast Quadrant Advanced Life Support.
The Weekend Print Shop - Celebrates 45 Years
The Weekend Print Shop started as a hobby business in the late 1960's and didn’t become a formal operation until 1978.
It was first located in owner Dave Eckler's grandmother’s garage on Holt Road.
The business name was officially filed in 1983 and became a full-time shop in 1987. The shop continued to operate on Holt Road until 2009 when it moved to the Lawyers Co-Op Building on Publishers Parkway. In 2012 the shop moved to 607 Phillips Road.
Weekend Print Shop offers all types of printing but specializes in Letterpress.
Dave Eckler's collection of antique printing equipment dates back over 100 years.
This "museum" part of the shop is now located in downtown Rochester in the Hungerford Building on East Main Street. It is used as a classroom for teaching about printing at the turn of the century, as well as actual printing jobs for the artistic community.
Congratulations to The Weekend Print on 45 years as a Webster business!
Dave Eckler (R) from Weekend Print Shop receives longevity award from Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro.
Bene-Care - Celebrates 50 Years
In 1973, William Bach founded Bene-Care with a simple vision - to provide claims processing and customer service resources to support employers in augmenting their existing health plans. Over the years, they have worked hard to live up to that vision, and today, they celebrate their 50th anniversary with pride and gratitude.
From humble beginnings, Bene-Care has grown and expanded, becoming a trusted partner for businesses. As the HMO market emerged and clients transitioned to managed care plans, they adapted and enhanced services to meet evolving needs. They added consolidated billing services, COBRA fulfillment, and additional lines of coverage, providing comprehensive and tailored solutions.
Embracing change and growth they eliminated the monthly service fee and introduced in-house cafeteria plan administration, offering employers a one-stop shop for their benefits needs. Significant investments in software and an expanded team provided a seamless and end-to-end service for every client.
Recognizing the changing landscape, they expanded offerings to include compliance services, such as preparing plan documents and non-discrimination testing, showcasing their dedication to being a central point of contact for health insurance-related services, giving clients peace of mind.
In 2011, responding to significant changes brought by the Affordable Care Act, Bene-Care launched a full-service payroll and HR platform. This comprehensive Human Capital Management solution supports businesses of all sizes in managing the entire employee life cycle. This suite of services has since expanded to include Payroll, Employee Benefits, Property and Casualty Commercial and Personal Lines, and a complete HR consulting division for outsourced services.
Today, with gratitude to clients and community, Bene-Care, still guided by the vision and leadership of William Bach, has flourished into a team of over 70 dedicated individuals across the Webster and Buffalo locations. Being a local, family-run organization, they take pride in serving the community without corporate red tape. Their unique approach to client service allows them to cultivate genuine and enduring relationships built on trust and reliability, adapting, innovating, and providing exceptional service. Looking to the future, they remain dedicated to supporting employers and providing comprehensive solutions that meet the ever evolving needs. Congratulations on 50 years of collaboration and success!
Jeff Bach (Center) accepts longevity award from the Webster Chamber of Commerce with Ron Stade (Far Right)
Ukrainian Federal Credit Union - Celebrates 70 Years
Ukrainian FCU (UFCU) was founded in 1953 by Ukrainian-Americans in Rochester, New York, and strives to meet the needs of over 27,000 members from coast to coast. The credit union, with assets exceeding $380 million, has 14 full-service branch offices and employs more than 80 individuals. Branches are in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, North Carolina, California, Oregon, South Carolina and Washington. Earlier in 2023 UFCU was recognized as a Top Workplace by the Democrat & Chronicle, an award based on independent and confidential voting by current employees. UFCU is insured by National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. federal agency.
What is a credit union? Credit unions are cooperative financial institutions that typically have a field of membership outlining the legal definition of who is eligible to join. Federal credit unions operate under one of three kinds of charters: single common bond, multiple common bond, or community. UFCU operates under a multiple common bond (MCB) charter with a foundation built on a faith-based field of membership. Currently, members of over 70 common bond organizations nationwide may join UFCU. While our core is rooted in religious organizations, UFCU’s field of membership has expanded to include non-profit organizations, cultural centers, language schools, and is open to other types of organizations that may share something in common with our existing membership. Members of approved common bond organizations are eligible to become members of UFCU and can take advantage of high deposit rates, low loan rates, low fees, and personalized service in English and Ukrainian languages as well as other eastern European languages. Proof of Ukrainian heritage or knowledge of Ukrainian language is not a requirement for membership. Organizations with 2,999 members or less and are located within 25 miles of a UFCU branch or a CO-OP Shared Branch may be eligible to become a UFCU common bond organization.
Congratulation to the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union on 70 years of success!
Carolyn Montanaro, Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair presents longevity award to Galyna Dyakiv of the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union.
United Church of Christ - Celebrates 70 Years
In November of 1953, 90 people came together as founding members of the Congregational Christian Church of Webster. This was the culmination of a process under the advisement of the Rochester Federation of Churches, the Colgate-Rochester Divinity School, and the ministers of several Webster churches. It came in response to the rapid post-war growth in West Webster, which mirrored the explosion of suburban life across the United States.
The original vision was for a “Community Church,” without heavy emphasis on dogma. Rev. Ralph Winn was called as the first pastor in the fall of 1953. Construction of a new building commenced within the next couple of years on a newly acquired parcel on Klem Road. There would be several major additions over the next 35 years.
In 1957, the Congregational and Christian Churches merged with the General Synod of the Evangelical and Reformed Church to form a new denomination called the United Church of Christ. The local name was changed to the “United Church of Christ, Congregational, of Webster.” During the last seventy years, the church has been served by five senior ministers, several interim ministers, associate pastors, education, music, and office staff to facilitate an evolving community presence.
Mostly referred to the church as “Webster UCC”. Today this is a congregation of about 250 active members. The building is a community gathering place for all kinds of family programming and community outreach, both religious and non-religious. It is the home of Woodside Nursery School, the annual Caring Community Concerts, and a new non-religious non-profit called “Gathering Place” which provides opportunities for connection, community service, and outreach for everyone, regardless of affiliation—or non-affiliation.
Webster UCC looks forward to many more opportunities to serve the community in the years to come!
Carolyn Montanaro, Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair presents longevity award to Pastor David Gregory of United Church of Christ.
Genesee Valley Pennysaver - Celebrates 75 Years
It’s a common misconception that publications with the name “penny saver” are all part of a large national corporation. In fact, the term “penny saver” is commonly used in the free publications industry and there are many locally owned and operated versions throughout the country. The Genesee Valley Penny Saver is no different and has been locally owned and operated by the same family since 1948.
Founded in Avon, New York by Roger and Jane Harrison, the Genesee Valley Penny Saver began in a garage on Temple Street and circulated in the Avon community. Circulation expanded in 1954 to include Caledonia and Geneseo, despite competing publications throughout the region at the time.
In the 1950’s the Harrisons welcomed their children Kim and Steve, who grew up steeped in the business's rhythms and later took over the business. Snowstorms, power outages, and other crises were no match for the dedication of employees, relatives, and neighbors who rallied to ensure an issue was never missed- and still hasn’t to this day.
Continued growth led to several new locations but 1982 marked a pivotal year with the investment in a large web press that specialized in the magazine format we have come to know and love. Continued growth in circulation, eventually added another web press and covering more towns in Livingston, Monroe, Genesee, and Ontario counties. The company produces 85,000 Genesee Valley Penny Savers every week along with printing tens of thousands of copies of other local publications.
Besides the Penny Saver, the company offers several other services including commercial printing, direct mail services, promotional products, web design, digital advertising, and photo and video services. This expansion gave rise to a new umbrella company, known as Featured Media. With the ability to serve customers with almost any marketing need, Featured Media is poised to serve the community with both traditional and cutting-edge strategies for years to come.
Throughout 75 years and three generations of owner-operators, the commitment to delivering top-notch publications connecting advertisers and readers has been unwavering. Now with around 100 employees, the company continues to excel and recently took first place in the National Association of Community Publishers’ Best of the Best design awards competition. Roger and Jane's humble garage start has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, a testament to their vision, family dedication, and the support of a close-knit community. Congratulations on 75 years!
Manuel Karem of accepts longevity award from the Webster Chamber of Commerce with Daria Reitknecht & Colleen Mann.
Leo J. Roth - Celebrates 75 Years
Leo J. Roth Corporation was founded by Leo Roth in 1948. At the time “the office” was at the kitchen table and the shop was in the garage. With the help of his wife Genevieve keeping the books, Leo crafted the sheet metal at night and installed it during the day. The company started to take off as Leo’s sons Bob, Don, and Jim and son-in-law Bob Fella came to share the load. Leo J. Roth Corporation was truly a family affair!
In the early 1950’s the need for a larger facility prompted Leo to buy a six-car garage on Clifford Avenue, which grew over the years into a facility with over 40,000 square feet on seven acres. Throughout the next 20 years the corporation expanded its services to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and roofing with their related service departments under the leadership of the second generation. The growth continued with the opening of the pumping division in 1988.
The third generation was now rooted in the family business and Tom Roth’s knowledge and career grew under the direction of his dad Bob Roth and his uncles. Tom was quickly followed by his cousin Don Fella and this team continued the precedent set by the 2nd generation with the addition of Roth Controls.
Continued growth and expansion made it obvious that the family business which had started in a small garage needed to move yet again, and in 1999 the perfect location was found on Holt Road in Webster. The new home allowed the expansion to continue with two new divisions: Roth Residential which focuses on our neighbors heating and air conditioning needs and Roth Green Energy which concentrates on alternative energy opportunities.
As Leo J. Roth Corporation rounds out 75 years serving the Rochester community the Roth Family is excited about the future. In 2017 the Roth Restoration division was created to fill the needs of historic roofs and homes and they’re happy to report that Kate Roth, the great granddaughter of Leo, is now the President and CEO.
Congratulations to Leo J Roth Corporation for their 75 years!
Kate Hildebrandt accepting the longevity award for Leo J. Roth from the Webster Chamber of Commerce.
Webster Community Chest - Celebrates 75 Years
Our World War II “Webster War Chest” supported residents serving their country and their families at home beginning in 1942. Returning veterans were given needed assistance through 1948. Not wanting to lose this care, members of many Webster organizations and government met to discuss how to continue and on April 22, 1948 the Webster Community Chest was incorporated.
Webster now is the only town in Monroe County that still has its Community Chest, able to provide services that no other town enjoys.
Services have changed along with the needs and size of the community, but they have always pursued the goal of helping those in need, serving all people in the 14580 zip code. Many clients are single parents, disabled, or elderly.
From 1948 to today, Webster continues the proud tradition of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors!” As Webster’s social services agency and a community safety net, the operation today includes information and referral services, emergency food assistance, family meal kits distribution (with over 4,000 meals provided so far this year), food delivery to local food cupboards, limited financial assistance during a crisis or emergency, annual scholarship awards to recognize High School seniors’ community service, summer camp scholarships for children, Meals on Wheels subsidies (with 920 meals covered last year), assistance to low income families with disabled children, and Aid to Local Organizations for special programs.
All this is made possible by dedicated volunteers and the generous monetary donations received throughout the year. No funds come from the Town or any other government. Their Annual Fund Drive is underway now.
Benefits Counselors can be reached at our help line at 671-2060 and by email to webcommchest@gmail.com. Last year, they had calls for help from more than 370 individuals and families and were able to serve them all. Most of the seventy emergency relief payments they made last year saved families facing evictions. They also prevented utility shut offs, resolved problems, and helped two families whose homes were destroyed by fire.
The Community Chest looks forward to serving our community for years to come – please their website is at www.webcommchest.org.
Sharon Pratt, Mary Grenier & Michael Grenier receives longevity award from Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro.
NOCO Natural Gas & Electric - Celebrates 90 Years
As NOCO celebrates 90 years in business, you can’t help but look back to what got them to where they are today.
It all began in 1933, with a single truck and a dream.
Reginald B. Newman, had been working at a local hardware store. When his boss learned that Mrs. Newman was also working, Reginald’s salary was cut in half. However, when Mrs. Newman could no longer work due to the birth of their son, Reginald asked for his salary to be restored. When his boss refused, Reginald decided to take matters into his own hands.
He took out a loan, purchased a Chevrolet pick-up truck for $943, and started a residential coal business that would later become NOCO.
But times soon changed and demand for coal decreased. Reginald saw this as an opportunity. In the late 1930s, he pivoted and began delivering heating oil.
By the 1950s, NOCO was well on its way to success, providing a range of fuel products, not only to homes but also commercial customers.
In the 1970s, the second generation of Newman's, Don, and Reginald, took the reins and expanded NOCO's reach and product offerings – carrying forward the legacy of always adapting and changing.
Today, NOCO is fueled by innovation. Under the leadership of the third-generation, Jim Newman, NOCO continues to evolve and expand.
NOCO now offers comfort to over 60,000 homes and businesses across New York State. They provide a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of each customer -- all while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
From the humble beginnings in 1933 to their dynamic present, NOCO and its 350 team members remain dedicated to delivering energy solutions that power our community. They are proud of the rich history, and excited about the bright future!
Congratulations to NOCO on 90 years and three generations of success!
Carolyn Montanaro Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair presents longevity award to Tina Salvatore of NOCO Natural Gas and Electric.
Kittelberger Florists & Gifts - Celebrates 95 Years
The family uses 1928 as the official date but it was much earlier. The earliest receipt they found was in 1915 when Jenny sold plants to a church. Jenny and Will Kittelberger lived on the property where the store is currently located. Jenny had a small greenhouse from which she sold annuals and plants. The Kittelbergers brought Willy Fuchs over from Germany to work with them and take care of the gardens surrounding their home. He met Pauline in night school learning to speak English. They married and started the business together in 1928. Over the next 95 years many changes occurred. Martin Horeth (an immigrant from Romania) started working for Willy and Pauline in 1950. In the early 1950’s they built a small storefront to house the business along with some pottery and other gardening accessories. Soon Martin fell in love with their daughter Hilda, married and had 5 children, Deb, Bill, Cathy, Jeanette and Meg. In the early 1960’s the original Kittelberger house was demolished to make way for Orchard Street to connect the village with the booming Xerox Corporation. A ranch was built next to it where the 5 children were raised. It is now part of the extended gift store area. Renovations occurred in the 70’s and 80’s with a major renovation in 2002. The gift store has expanded numerous times to accommodate the growing inventory. Today, 4 of the 3rd generation along with 6 of the 4th generation operate the business. They are proud to have been chosen in the Democrat and Chronicle choice awards “Best Florist” every year since 2007.
They love having the privilege of doing business in Webster. Like flowers and plants their roots have been planted here and remained on the same soil. The families of Webster and surrounding areas have not only been customers but have become friends, celebrating with them, bringing comfort at times of sorrow, welcomed new members to the family, and helped them show signs of affection and love. Many smiles have been brought to faces when a Kittelberger Florist delivery van pulls into their driveway! The family is proud to be part of the Webster community and is looking forward to seeing you all for the 100th year celebration in 2028!
Congratulations to Kittelberger Florist on going strong for 95 years!
Carolyn Montanaro Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair presents longevity award to Jeanette Guenther, Matt Horeth, Robert Guenther and Alex Albright of Kittelberger Florist.
Bauman's Farm Market - Celebrates 115 Years
Bauman Farms has gone through many changes in the last century. It was bought at auction in 1908 by Joe and Emma Bauman, and today, the third generation is currently continuing the family tradition.
Jim Bauman's Mom and Dad, Barb and Jim, converted the farm from a dairy to growing small fruits and vegetables. Their son Jim, and his wife, Barbara have been operating the farm since 1984. They continued growing the farm, adding a bakery, the market, more than 20 greenhouses and much more.
You can visit the greenhouses to select your annuals, perennials and hanging baskets, or head out to the field to pick your own strawberries. Sweet corn pumpkins, broccoli, cauliflower, squash and other crops are all in the Market. After the fall crops and when the snow starts, there will be Christmas trees, which they do with Jim's brother, Mark.
Jim and Barbara have been operating the Farm Market nearly 35 years. They have five children: Paul, Dan, Steve, Catie, and Caroline. With Dan’s marriage to Julie Howell, and the birth of their daughter, now the 4th generation being raised on the farm.
This hard-working farm family is looking forward to continuing the family tradition for another 115 years!
Congratulations to the Farm market and to all 4 generations of family!
Carolyn Montanaro Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair presents longevity award to Barb Bauman of Bauman Farm Market.