These businesses and organizations were honored at the Webster Chamber of Commerce breakfast on September 27th, 2024:

Burrows Brothers, Inc.25 Years

Christopher's Challenge - 25 Years

John's Sensible Repair25 Years

Webster Interiors25 Years

Drabik Orthodontics30 Years

Lincoln Quickprint - 35 Years

Marina Auto Group - 35 Years

Jerry Christopher State Farm40 Years

Kuk Sool Won - 45 Years

Webster Pediatric Dentistry 50 Years

Family First Credit Union 55 Years

Herman's Farm Market 55 Years

Webster PTSA 65 Years

RP LeFrois Builder Inc. 75 Years

Webster Public Library - 95 Years

Whelpley & Paul Opticians - 100 Years

Harter Secrest & Emery, LLP - 130 Years

Webster Union Cemetery - 200 Years

 

Burrows Brothers, Inc. - Celebrates 25 Years

Carolyn Montanary presents longevity award to Keith Burrows of Burrows Brothers, Inc.

This family-owned business has been a significant contributor to our community, and their dedication to excellence truly sets them apart.

Established in 1999 by brothers Kevin and Keith Burrows, Burrows Bros Inc has become a prominent utility contractor specializing in various underground services. Their expertise includes directional drilling, excavation/trenching, hydro excavation, pipe fusion, auger boring, and equipment hauling.  One of their main services focuses on installing underground communication, natural gas, and electric lines for utility providers such as Rochester Gas and Electric, Frontier Communications, and Greenlight Networks.

In the construction world no two jobs are ever the same. What sets Burrows Bros apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and their dedication to overcoming challenges. With a team of 52 skilled professionals, they thrive on the uniqueness of each day's tasks and relish in finding innovative solutions to complex problems.

Their involvement in the community reflects their generosity and willingness to give back. Burrows Bros Inc actively contributes to various causes, including St. Rita's Church and School, Webster Union Cemetery, Wreaths Across America, Webster Cyclones Hockey, and numerous animal rescue organizations. Their engagement and support highlight their commitment to making Webster a better place for all of us.

Congratulations to Kevin & Keith and their team at Burrows Brothers for thriving and surviving the last 25 years!

Christopher's Challenge - Celebrates 25 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Kathy Costello of Christopher's Challenge

Christopher's Challenge is a not-for-profit named in honor of Christopher Costello, a young man from Webster, New York, who was suffering from leukemia and in need of a bone marrow transplant. In order to increase the number of people in the Bone Marrow Registry and find suitable bone marrow donors, Christopher's Challenge was established. The initial blood testing saw over 1000 people from the Rochester community added to the National Marrow Donor Registry. 

The purpose of Christopher’s Challenge is to educate, draw awareness and type people to become a potential bone marrow donor as well as support patients and their families going through bone marrow transplants.  They provide typing for anyone between the ages of 18 and 55. Initial typing consists of completing a brief registration and a cheek swab.  Christopher’s Challenge collaborating with the Wilmot Cancer Institute provides financial assistance to families. Marrow donors receive a gift card after the collection of marrow – marrow that gives someone a second chance at life!  

Over the past 25 years, Christopher’s Challenge has paid for the typing of over 7,000 people and at least 30 have become donors. They have also raised over $80,000 to support patients and their families going through bone marrow transplants that could include their rent, a utility bill or a recliner.

They work closely with the Bone Marrow Unit at the URMC Wilmot Cancer Institute. When the pandemic hit, no visitors were allowed into the unit, leaving patients without face-to-face communication. Christopher’s Challenge purchased tablets for every room on the Unit, enabling patients to easily communicate with their loved ones. 

 The most likely match for a patient is a sibling but if a sibling isn’t a match, the search begins on the National Registry.  The more people willing to become potential donors, the more opportunities for lives to be saved.  Chris was 8 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia and by age 10 the only option was a bone marrow transplant. A match was found (although it was not a perfect match) and he got the transplant. Today, Chris is 36 years old, healthy, and he got married last year!  His donor was a stranger from Portland, Maine who officiated his wedding.  This man saved Chris’ life!  The donor’s thoughts were: “I felt like someone kicked me in the back for two days.  A little price to pay to do the ultimate – save someone’s life.”  That was the perfect match. Please consider becoming a potential marrow donor!

 Congratulations to this grass roots organization that’s been working hard for 25 years the help save lives! consider becoming a potential marrow donor!

John's Sensible Repair - Celebrates 25 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to John Hayes of John's Sensible Repair

Here’s the story of John’s Sensible Repair: John worked at Taylor Rental in Webster through high school and college as a mechanic.  He graduated with a 4-year degree in mechanical engineering, but he couldn’t find a job in that field, so he continued to work at Taylor Rental.

In 1999, John registered a DBA and started John’s Sensible Lawn Mower Repair as a side gig. His grandfather gave him a small loan and part of the barn to make into his shop.  In 2001 he quit working at Taylor and began working full-time in the repair business.

In 2014, just about the time John had configured the shop to “just the way he wanted it”, a nasty wind and rainstorm took out a tree that totally destroyed the shop. He rebuilt the shop from July through November and made it bigger and better.

In the last 10 years the business has doubled in volume. John says he still enjoys being his own boss, except that he doesn’t get paid sick days and vacation!

Congratulations to John as he celebrates 25 years of fixing the broken and making our lives easier knowing we have “a guy”.

Webster Interiors - Celebrates 25 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Ric Thomann of Webster Interiors Home Furnishings & Design

In 1999, Ric Thomann launched a furniture and accessories business providing the community with Hunter Douglas window treatments and home furnishings. 

Today, Webster Interiors Home Furnishings & Design, located in the village of Webster, offers home furnishings, lighting, accessories, flooring and design service to the greater Rochester Community.  Over the years, Webster Interiors has sold over 10,000 window treatments, worked on many interior design projects, completed four Homearama projects, and numerous commercial projects.  These have ranged in size from a few hundred dollars to multi-million-dollar projects.

Their focus has always been on giving our customers a home that is livable, functional, comfortable, and stylish.

Webster Interiors has always stayed true to its core values of integrity, caring, listening, innovation, service, responsibility, citizenship and honesty. Ric says: “We believe in giving back to the community we live in and supporting local businesses so our community will continue to thrive.”

The team at Webster Interiors is proud to offer the best in quality, comfort and value in home furnishings, window treatments, Hunter Douglas blinds, and their esteemed interior design services to create a better life for the people and families in the community.

Congratulations to Webster Interiors on their 25 years of commitment to their goals and making them happen.

Drabik Orthodontics - Celebrates 30 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Cathy Bagne of Drabik Orthodontics

Drabik Orthodontics opened its doors June 1994 with one doctor, one patient and big dreams. Stan Drabik graduated in the top ten at UB School of Dental Medicine and was voted most respected senior resident at Boston University. He married his college sweetheart Kris and they had three children. 

Several years later, on a trip home from the Adirondacks, their brand was born. They built a Drabik lodge at 1110 Crosspointe Lane Suite B complete with a fireplace and pine walls. The practice became a metaphor for warmth, welcoming and patient centered care.

Next, they had to hire a team. Kris Drabik says: “Hire people you want to have dinner with. Hire people who share your values. Hire people who love what they do. You are only as successful as your team”.

They a leap in 2014 and built a second lodge in Gates expanding Drabik Orthodontics to Rochester’s west side.

Dr. Drabik uses state-of-the-art technology to provide personalized orthodontic treatment plans for his patients. Treatment can be traditional brackets to Invisalign. Patients range in age from 8 to 80.

Congratulations to Drabik Orthodontics for 30 years of keeping Webster smiling!

Lincoln Quickprint - Celebrates 35 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Richard Astifan of Lincoln Quickprint

Dick Astifan acquired Lincoln Quickprint in January 1989 after a 20+ year career at Xerox. The major investment later that year was purchasing the Canon Color Laser Copier, the first one installed commercially in downtown Rochester. The next decade, it was a vibrant business community. The Hyatt Hotel, was completed in 1992 (finally), and the skyway was completed which connected Sibley's to Midtown to Chase Lincoln Tower to the Hyatt to the convention center and the Holiday Inn. 

The downtown picture changed after the 9/11 attack. Things changed. Businesses merged, closed or relocated. The digital age was blossoming, and the printing business changed. Eventually, the decision was made to downsize, leave downtown, and relocated closer to home in Webster. The move to Webster Village in the early 2000’s also brought a rebranding to digital and brokered printing business. 

When Covid hit, Dick went from full-time to an 'Appointment Only' operation. Dick says: “I guess you might call that part time now”.

Dick’s take on longevity he says: “Being flexible (not necessarily willing) to change with the changing business environment, has managed to keep me involved in the business for 35 years – plus the hundreds of people that I have met and supported me”.

Congratulations to Lincoln Quickprint on 35 years of enduring change!

Marina Auto Group - Celebrates 35 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to John Gabriele Jr. and Tony Gabriele Jr.

There are some core principles that define Marina Auto Group. They are committed to providing excellence in customer satisfaction by delivering the best products, services, and customer relationships in the new and used automotive industry. Their company culture is built on a philosophy to continually enhance customer loyalty with trust, integrity, respect, and open communication.

 

A family-owned multi generation business with President John Gabriele at the helm together with Sonia Romantini, Vice President, Antonio Gabriele, Vice President, John Gabriele, Jr, General Manager, Vittorio Romantini, Office Manager, and Tony Gabriele, Jr, Sales Manager. Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping Marina Auto Group's path to excellence.

 

The Marina Auto Group story is one of dedication and resilience, beginning in 1989 when they laid down roots in West Irondequoit as Weller Motors. Their journey took an unexpected turn in May of 2001 when the state acquired the building for the construction of the O'Rourke Bridge. Faced with this adversity, they relocated to Webster and acquired Timothy Dodge. And since, they have expanded their offerings, adding the Mitsubishi line in 2006 and Chrysler Jeep in 2009.

Today, Marina Auto Group takes pride in employing 85+ talented individuals who play pivotal roles in ensuring the business runs seamlessly and efficiently.  It is these dedicated employees that sets Marina Auto Group apart with their unwavering commitment to their customers. They understand that without the support and loyalty of both customers and their team, the business wouldn't have achieved the level of success it enjoys today. This people-centric approach that defines their success.

 

Marina Auto Group's commitment extends beyond business, as evidenced by their active participation in various community events and organizations. They understand the importance of giving back to the community that has supported them throughout their journey.

 

Congratulations to the Marina Auto Group for serving the transportation needs of the community for 35 years!

Jerry Christopher State Farm - Celebrates 40 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Jerry Christopher of Jerry Christopher State Farm Insurance

Jerry Christopher operates a State Farm Insurance agency located on Empire Blvd and has been helping Webster residents with their insurance needs since 1984. Jerry and his wife Jeanne have insurance in their blood. His father, Carmen became the first State Farm agent in Monroe County in 1956

The agency offers every type of insurance including auto, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, homeowners and renters’ insurance, Business insurance, and life insurance. All with personal service.

Jerry serves clients in the greater Rochester area and works diligently to make sure each customer has the insurance protection that best suits their needs!

Jerry is a member of the Penfield Rotary where their principal mottos is “Service Above Self”. His service ranges from sitting on boards to serving food, putting on work gloves during the Day of Caring or singing in multiple venues and events. He often leads the Chamber breakfast with his singing!

Congratulations to Jerry and his team for serving customers for 40 years!

Kuk Sool Won - Celebrates 45 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Gary Evarts of Kuk Sool Won

Kuk Sool Won traditional martial arts that has been active in teaching all ages and genders for 45 years in the region.

Three schools in the area are located:

·        Webster/Ontario location is on route 104 next to Bill Grays

·        Williamson location is on West Main Street in Williamson

·        Wolcott location is on West Main in Wolcott

 The Webster/Ontario location is a building that was built a few years ago for specifically for Kuk Sool and is one of the largest in the Rochester area.

Williamson is a recently new location – they bought the Key Bank building and are now converted it to a martial arts school.

Each location is active in community support - not just martial arts classes, but also women’s self-defense classes and senior citizen classes emphasizing safety and awareness.

Master Evarts, is an 8th degree black belt, presently testing for his 9th degree black belt with promotion slated for October 2025. Master Evarts tours the country assisting the grandmaster at workshops as well as organizing and directing all regional and world Kuk Sool championships.

All locations serve ages 4 and up and classes are taught at each location by either a certified master or assistant master. It is one of the most comprehensive martial arts in the world, comprised of a syllabus that includes 3600 self-defense techniques, 24 weapons, acrobatics, and meditation. It enhances your confidence, fitness, self-discipline, and respect for others.

Congratulations to Kuk Sool Won for their 45 years of continuous and expanding service and commitment to the community!

Webster Pediatric Dentistry - Celebrates 50 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Dr. Lisa DeLucia of Webster Pediatric Dentistry

This year, Webster Pediatric Dentistry proudly celebrating their 50th anniversary – a milestone that reflects both deep roots in the Webster community and the incredible evolution of dental care over the decades. Webster Pediatric Dentistry was founded in 1974 by Dr. William Salminen in a 500-square-foot suite in the basement of the former Webster Health Center on Barrett Drive. In 1982, the office relocated to the Village of Webster at 39 West Main Street where it operated until 2023 when the current owner, Dr. Lisa DeLucia, undertook a massive relocation project to open an office in the Crosspointe business park.  The current office operates with 11 employees, two pediatric dentists and one orthodontist, and a state-of-the-art, family-centered, kid-friendly space that cares for thousands of children, adolescents, and young adults annually.

Since opening first opened in 1974, dentistry has transformed dramatically with advancements in technology, pain management, and preventive care.  In 1974, your local dentist was most likely a white male, the fillings you received were silver amalgam, gloves were not routinely worn, and the idea of dental insurance benefits was just beginning. Only 1 in 10 graduating dentists were women.  In many ways, dentistry today looks quite different.  Nearly half of dental school graduates were women in 2018, and today women make up 66% of practicing dentists under the age of 44.  Representation of minorities in dentistry is increasing annually.  After the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, there was a heightened focus on infection control and patient safety measures.  Today, there are many options to restore teeth damaged from cavities. There is a greater focus on the impact of diet and bacteria on the development of cavities, and options such as sedation and general anesthesia are available to make dentistry more comfortable for all.

From the early days of basic restorative treatments to today’s cutting-edge techniques like digital imaging, the practice has embraced every opportunity to provide the best care for young patients and our community. Each February, Dr. DeLucia visits nearly 360 pre-K children in Webster to provide them with age-appropriate, hands-on learning about healthy food choices, caring for their teeth and what to expect when visiting the dentist.  As the practice has grown, so too has the commitment to offering a warm, welcoming environment where families feel at ease, and children can build healthy, lifelong dental habits.

Please congratulate Webster Pediatric Dentistry for their journey over the past 50 years, intertwined with the Webster community, and looking forward to many more years of smiles and service. 

Family First Credit Union - Celebrates 55 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to May Chiccino of Family First Credit Union

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 55 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.”

Herman's Farm Market - Celebrates 55 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Gary and Nell Herman of Herman's Farm Market

Herman’s Farm Market has been a proud cornerstone of the Webster, New York Community since 1969, when it was founded by Gary’s mother, Judy Herman. Known throughout the Rochester area for farm-fresh peaches, cider, and a wide variety of fruits and produce, the market has grown into a beloved destination for locals seeking high-quality, homegrown goods. But the story of Herman’s Farm Market extends far beyond the last 55 years—it’s a legacy rooted in over a century of farming tradition.

Gary Herman’s passion for farming began in his youth, when he sold pumpkins from his front yard, planting the seeds for what would eventually become Herman’s Farm Market. The Herman family’s farming journey dates back to the mid-1800s, when Gary's great-great-grandfather, Adam Herman, first settled in Webster. Adam’s son, Joseph Herman, became the first official farmer in the family, a tradition that would be passed down through generations.

Gary’s grandfather, Gustavous Herman, carried on the family legacy by raising chickens and cultivating crops, including the peaches, apples, and cherries for which the farm is now famous. Gary’s father, Don Herman, played a pivotal role as well, growing and selling produce to local markets, Gerber’s baby food company, and a tomato sauce manufacturer. This deep-rooted commitment to farming has shaped Herman’s Farm Market into what it is today.

Now, more than five generations later, Herman’s Farm Market continues to be family-owned and operated by Gary and Nell, providing the finest local fruits—including apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and nectarines—as well as vegetables and other fresh produce to the Rochester region. Apples are also proudly supplied to Motts, further extending their reach.

Please congratulate Herman’s Farm Market as they celebrate 55 years of business, honored to serve the community that has supported them for so long as they look forward to many more fruitful years ahead.

Webster Central PTSA - Celebrates 65 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Mike Lingle and Melissa Schmitt Webster Central PTSA

The mission of the Webster PTSA is to provide a powerful voice for all children, to be a relevant resource for families and the community, and to provide strong advocacy for the education and well-being of every child.

 

The PTSA serves many purposes including promoting the welfare of children and youth in school; promoting the collaboration and engagement of families and educators in the education of children and youth; and engaging the public in united efforts to secure their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. 

 

In Webster, we have an active PTSA with volunteer committees in each of the eleven school buildings that plan activities and events for the students and seek to enrich the educational experience for students in the district.  They also sponsor a variety of district-wide events such as Community Arts Day, a concert apparel donation drive, college scholarships to students and teacher recognition awards.  They are extremely proud of the efforts of the dedicated volunteers and their unwavering and ongoing support to Webster students and families.

 

The PTSA also serves as a liaison between families and the District, advocating for the best interests of families and students concerning their education and experience in the district, and bringing discussion points forward to help bring about positive change.

 

To support the mission, the PTSA relies on our members and the generous donations of sponsors.  And with the start of a new school year, their membership and sponsorship drives are open.  Information about both can be found on the website Websterptsa.org.

 

As the PTSA commemorates 65 years of service, they want to recognize, appreciate and thank the volunteers, members and sponsors – the lifeblood of the organization.

 

Congratulations on 65 years for the Webster PTSA!

RP LeFrois Builder Inc. - Celebrates 75 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to John R. LeFrois of RP LeFrois Builder, Inc.

Russell P. LeFrois Builder Inc. has had a long history of doing construction projects within the Webster Community as they celebrate 75 years with the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Early projects completed by the company’s founder, Russell P. LeFrois, include the expansion of Hedge’s Nine Mile Point Restaurant, and even the original construction of this very golf clubhouse we’re having breakfast in!

Current projects such as the popular Cobblestone on Main Restaurant and Town of Webster Highway Garage, are being constructed by the company’s current third generation leadership.

Russell P. LeFrois Builder Inc. has always had a strong presence in Webster. 

From the start, Russell LeFrois committed all his energy to maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship and business ethics while providing superior value for every construction dollar. Despite all that has changed in the 75 ensuing years, this vision still governs everything the company does.

Today, the LeFrois organization enjoys a stellar reputation in the Greater Rochester Community for all aspects of construction, real estate and property management. It is a true testament to the values that have been instilled in the culture from the company’s founder all those years ago.

With the many years of sustained growth, the LeFrois team has expanded to employ over 100 people and has developed more than 35 million square feet of commercial property in Upstate New York and Central Florida.

Congratulations to LeFrois Builders on 75 years in business!

Webster Public Library - Celebrates 95 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Ginny Nguyen and Adam Traub and  of the Webster Public Library

As stated in Esther Dunn’s Webster…Through the Years, the Webster community has long been, “library conscious.” In 1881, a membership-based library was started by the Literary Association.  The library charged annual dues, and business was conducted at the homes of members – the books themselves were kept in the librarian’s home. Sometime after 1895, the Literary Association and the library were disbanded.

Then, in 1927, the principal of the high school, Mr. R. L. Thomas, was asked to speak at the Ad Club, the predecessor to the Chamber of Commerce, on “What Does Webster Need Most?” Among his suggestions was a public library. On April 28, 1928, the referendum for a public library and its support of $1,000 was passed.  The library was granted its provisional charter by the State of New York’s Department of Education on April 18th, 1929. While the library was first housed in the high school, once the Webster Central School System was formed in 1948, it became apparent that it was necessary to separate the two entities. The library moved to a handful of locations before it landed on the Town Hall campus in 1959, where it stayed until it moved into its current location in the old Ames space in Webster Plaza in 2001.

Much like the library established in 1929, the Webster Public Library has continued to educate and entertain through its collections, story times, book clubs, and other library programs. While the library started with 657 books back in 1929, the collection has grown to 229,947 items as of the end of 2023, which includes books, movies, eBooks and audiobooks, a GoPro, a metal detector, and more. The library welcomed an average of 15,000 visitors a month last year and is on track to break 200,000 visitors this year. Further, the efforts of the Friends of the Webster Public Library have grown tremendously, with the Friends donating another $20,000 earlier this week, bringing their year-to-date total to $60,000.

With 95 years of service, and the library’s centennial anniversary in 2029, the Webster Public Library is embarking on a journey of how to best serve this community as it grows and looks towards what the library will look like in the future.

Congratulations to the Library on celebrating 95 years and thank you to the people that started is all 95 years ago!

Whelpley & Paul Opticians - Celebrates 100 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Dan Jacob of Whelpley & Paul Opticians

Whelpley and Paul has been a staple in the Rochester community for 100 years. Originally opened in 1924, Avard Whelpley and John Paul launched their first location in Seneca Arcade in downtown Rochester and quickly earned a reputation for excellent service and outstanding eyewear. Whelpley & Paul is and has been known for its guild opticians and were often considered the best in the industry.

 

Established in 1926, The Opticians Guild of America was formed to provide a high standard for opticianry and to unite independent opticians. The goal of the Guild is to strengthen the position of independent opticians in the marketplace. 

 

For the first 65 years, Whelpley and Paul worked in partnership with most of the Ophthalmology practices in Rochester. These offices would refer patients to them to fill their prescriptions. Up until the 1990’s most ophthalmology offices did not have an optical boutique to provide eyewear and that is where Whelpley and Paul offices thrived.

 

At their peak, there were seven offices serving Monroe and Ontario Counties. In the 1990’s Whelpley and Paul added Optometrists to the fold to provide excellent patient care giving the complete experience of a great eye exam to fantastic eyewear.

 

Currently, there are four offices in Rochester with Brighton, Greece and Webster being the longest tenured. Two years ago, they added the office in Fairport and all four of our offices are serving the Greater Rochester community.

 

And 100 years later… congratulations to Whelpley & Paul for their amazing longevity.  

Harter Secrest & Emery, LLP - Celebrates 130 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to Ed Steve of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP

Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is a full-service business law firm founded in 1894 with attorneys throughout New York representing clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions.

The firm has offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, and their attorneys are consistently recognized by the industry’s leading law firm and attorney ranking programs, including Chambers and Partners, Best Law Firms®, and The Best Lawyers in America®.

With over 125 lawyers, Harter Secrest & Emery offers the depth and breadth of legal talent and experience necessary to achieve exceptional results for their local, regional, and national clients. 

Ed Steve is a Labor and Employment law attorney at the firm and a long time Webster resident.  Ed is the Chamber’s Secretary and serves on the Chamber’s Governance and Personnel Committees.

Congratulations to Harter, Secrest & Emery on their 130th year!

Webster Union Cemetery - Celebrates 200 Years

Carolyn Montanaro presents longevity award to George Baker of Webster Union Cemetery

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 an official 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 was 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.

Celebrating 200 years in 2024, congratulations to this great not-for-profit organization!

Be sure to take a look at the Membership section for more detailed information on the Webster Chamber, such as: fees, upcoming events, benefits, and our application form. And feel free to reach out at 585‐265‐3960 for answers to inquiries not covered on the site. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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