Anniversary Recognition 2016

  160 Years

                       M&T Bank – Celebrates 160 Years

M&T Bank is considered one of the country’s most highly regarded regional banks. They were founded 160 years ago in Western New York, where they are still headquartered. Their parent company, M&T Bank Corporation, with current assets of more than $83 billion is one of the 20 largest commercial bank holding companies headquartered in the U.S. Their customers are able to bank at more than 725 branches throughout New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, Florida, and Delaware and be served by friendly and professional staff. In addition, their customers have access to a sizable ATM network of over 1,500 locations as well as state-of-the-art telephone and M&T Online Banking. M&T Bank is recognized for its financial strength and sound management. This strength, along with their entrepreneurial philosophy, has made it possible for them to pursue a course of well-managed growth.

M&T Bank has built their business on a tradition of reliability, accuracy and responsiveness to the needs of our customers. They also believe strongly in taking an active role in the communities they serve. They are proud of their long history of civic and charitable support, including the leadership and volunteer efforts of employees. They also feel that focusing on investing in state-of-the-art technology in order to provide high-quality banking services has been strongly endorsed by their customers. Most importantly, it has allowed them to grow without sacrificing their commitment to personal service. At M&T Bank, they pledge to work hard to earn your trust and your business. You’ll find that they are committed to understanding what’s important to you, so they can provide the best solutions for all your financial needs.

Congratulations to M&T Bank on 160 years in business.

  120 Years

   Northwest Savings Bank –founded in 1896 celebrates 120 Years

Like many great stories, Northwest got their start in a small town with a big heart. In 1896, they were chartered as Bradford Building Loan and Savings Association in Bradford, Pennsylvania. In 1962, Northwest opened their first branch on Main Street in Bradford and in 1974 they moved their headquarters from Bradford to Warren, Pennsylvania. They changed their name to Northwest Savings Bank in April 1988 and in August 2004 they celebrated 10 years as a stock corporation. Management and the Board of Directors opened the NASDAQ Stock Exchange.

In December 2010, Forbes ranked Northwest as a top100 Most Trustworthy Companies in America. In April 2010 they were ranked Highest in Retail Banking in the Mid-Atlantic region by J.D. Power. They received the JD Power awards again in 2011, 2012 and 2014 and made the Forbes’ list of the top 50 Most Trustworthy Financial Companies. They were also one of 31 U.S. Banking Institutions named to the KBW 2013 Bank Honor Roll.

In August 2015, Northwest completed its merger of Lorain National Bank, expanding their reach in the Ohio market. Northwest currently has 8 offices in the Buffalo Market and 4 in the Rochester Market. They kicked off the New Year in January 2016 by announcing the acquisition of 18 First Niagara offices in Western New York. In April, 2016 they won their 5th J.D. Power Award in 7 years!

Congratulations to Northwest Savings Bank on 120 years in business.

  110 Years

                                      Xerox

                                  Started 110 Years ago as Haloid

Xerox was founded in 1906 in Rochester as The Haloid Photographic Company, which originally manufactured photographic paper and equipment.

In 1938 Chester Carlson, a physicist working independently invented a process for printing images using an electrically charged drum and dry powder "toner".

Joseph C. Wilson, credited as the "founder of Xerox", took over Haloid from his father. He saw the promise of Carlson's invention and, in 1946, signed an agreement to develop it as a commercial product.

Looking for a term to differentiate its new system, Haloid coined the term Xerography from two Greek roots meaning "dry writing". Haloid subsequently changed its name to Haloid Xerox in 1958 and then Xerox Corporation in 1961.

Xerox is a company built on innovation. A team of far sighted Rochester-based leaders took Carlson’s idea and turned it into the launch of the 914 copier, dubbed by Fortune magazine as one of "the most successful products ever marketed in America."

First manufactured in an old warehouse on Orchard St. in Rochester, it became apparent to that this new copying device would need a research center and manufacturing campus. That location is now the 600 acre Xerox campus in Webster.

Today, the Xerox campus serves as the key manufacturing location for Xerox’s iGen and now Brenva commercial printers. The $120 million EA toner plant located on the campus, is the company’s only global facility for producing this chemically grown toner. More than 5,000 employees are based in Webster in nearly 50 buildings.

Today Xerox is an $18 billion global company with 140,000 employees. In January the company announced it would split into a document technology company and a services company.

Congratulations to Xerox on 110 years in business.

   95 Years

   West Webster Volunteer Fire Department Association 

                               organized 90 Years ago

In January of 1925 Fire struck West Webster in the John Shoemaker block of Ridge Road, just west of Gravel road on the north side of the road.

The fire started shortly before 3pm and was caused by a oil stove exploding in the Shoemaker Building; the fire then spread west to the Milliman Building followed by the Brewer Building to the east.

Webster Fire apparatus arrived 10 min after initial alarm and immediately requested aid from the Rochester Fire Department as well as Point Pleasant and Sea Breeze Fire departments out of Irondequoit.

Losses were estimated at $50,000 equivalent to nearly 700 thousand dollars today. After the fire a social group called the "Social 20" took on the task of increasing fire protection in the western part of the Town of Webster. During remainder of 1925 and early in 1926 the organization held fund raising events to raise money and on May 3, 1926 the West Webster Firemen’s Association holds its first meeting at Maccabee Hall at 575-577 Ridge Rd.

Today, West Webster Fire Department staffs three fire stations located strategically throughout the fire district to provide the most reliable response to calls for service. These three stations house three pumpers, two quints, one squad, one grass fire truck, two ambulances, two boats and a multitude of utility vehicles.

There are currently 125 members of the Volunteer department and in 2015 they responded to over 2800 calls for service, 963 of those were fire calls.

Congratulations to West Webster Fire on 90 years of service to our community.

    95 Years

                Foley Agency – started 95 Years ago

The Foley Agency was established by the late Harold K. Foley and is one of the village’s oldest businesses where it began on the second floor of their present location. Through the years Harold was active in many community organizations including the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., the Webster Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion, and the Ad Club.　 Following Mr. Foley’s death in 1949, his wife, Dorothea, worked in the office for about 40 years, retired at the age of 80, finally handing the reigns to their well-seasoned son, Tom Foley.

Tom continued his father’s tradition of community service with membership in the Chamber of Commerce, Webster Fire Dept., as director of the Chamber, and as secretary and president of the Fire Department. He was also active in other organizations including the National Ski Patrol, Independent Insurance Agents, and the Pultneyville Yacht Club.

In 1996 Brendan Hanna, their son-in-law, joined the firm. Work ethic and tenacity must run in the Foley genes because Tom didn’t decide to retire and turn the agency over to Brendan until 2013, at the age 80. With the same sense of community as his predecessors, Brendan has also followed the tradition of involvement serving on the Webster BID Board of Directors, Knights of Columbus, Independent Insurance Agents of Monroe County, and Commissioner of the Webster Presidential Soccer League.

Brendan, who wasn’t able to be here today, said this: "I’ve lived and worked in Webster my whole life. I’ve watched it change from open farm land to the robust community it is today. I take pride in my family’s commitment and contributions to this area." Brendan’s daughter, Meghan Bloom, joined the agency in 2014, making her the 4th generation serving the Webster community.　 

Unfortunately, our community lost Tom Foley in the fall of 2015, but his spirit and his legacy live on in the agency in which he poured his life, and his family.

If you walk into 9 East Main Street, the front office is staffed by Nancy Korneliusen, a 45-year veteran of insurance.

With knowldege and heart, the trio there helps Foley agency to grow and thrive, all in its original location in the Village of Webster.

Congratulations to the Foley Agency on 95 years in business

   80 Years

       R.D. Specialties is celebrating 80 Years in business

Just past Xerox Corporation, on Salt Road in Webster, is another industry leader that shares in Rochester’s roots as a copying and imaging center.

RD Specialties began making coating rods in 1936 at a time when Rochester had a modest reputation as the "carbon paper capital." The first coating rods produced in Rochester were used for applying wax coatings to carbon paper. Today, customers use them to make tapes, labels, release paper and window film to name just a few.

The company was started as a family business in the attic of the family home on Treyer Street in Rochester. It was started by a Polish immigrant who still worked a full-time position at the Rochester Post Office during the company’s first 25 years. With some early success, including its first $15 sale, that was celebrated with Hostess Twinkies, RD Specialties found its new home in Webster. In 1996 the company remodeled the family homestead into office space and added another 6,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

In 1999 they acquired the competitor H&W Metering Bar Company and both operations were combined at the Salt Road site.

Today, RDS, owned by Doug Krasucki, is known throughout the world for the quality of its products. Doug is currently serving as director of AIMCAL, an international trade association that serves roll to roll converters and laminators.

Peter Krasucki, the third generation of the Krasucki family, is pushing RDS to surpass its own high standards of quality. The future looks bright for the next round of improvements.

Congratulations to R.D. Specialties on 80 years in business.

   75 Years

    Summit Federal Credit Union –  75 Years 1941-2016 

Founded in 1941, The Summit Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, full-service financial cooperative with approximately $800 million in assets, The Summit has over 230 employees and provides a full range of affordable financial products and services to approximately 80,000 active members in Central and Western New York.

The Summit Federal Credit union remains strong and continues to thrive today operating by the same principles that were first established in 1941: to help members improve their lives.

Congratulations to Summit Federal Credit Union on 75 years in business.

   65 Years

  Wilberts Buick & GM Parts – celebrates 65 Years in business

Art Wilbert was born, lived, worked, played and died at his home on Salt Road in Webster. Art and his wife Mercy raised a family of five children in that home.

In 1951 he started a business there with two employees. His children had no choice other than to get involved in the business. Dad would preach: "There is no better education available than right across the street".

At first he only dealt with Buicks and his slogan was "For a Buick part, call Art and get the right part from the start!"

The business grew and Art planted evergreen trees to screen the view of the business. As the trees grew, a neighbor stopped in and asked if he could cut a tree for Christmas. The Christmas tree business was born and it became Dad's passion. He made coming to the tree farm a fun experience and loved talking to all of his customers.

Yes his children did learn a little something. Today they operate four businesses with 97 employees – Art and Mercy would be very proud!

Congratulations to Wilbert’s Buick and GM Parts!

   60 Years

   Story Refrigeration – established in 1956 celbrates 60 Years

Story Refrigeration was established in 1956 by Clifford Story. Cliff decided to leave Riches Ice Cream where he repaired refrigeration equipment, ice machines and more. His family was growing and he saw a market for repairing refrigeration equipment. This was the beginning of Story Refrigeration.

Cliff ran Story Refrigeration for many years by himself. His son Duke would join his father in the 1970’s. This father and son team was able to meet the demands of the business and by the mid 1970’s was servicing over 440 customers.

In 1985 Duke took the business over from his father and continues to keep his father’s legacy alive.

Congratulations to Story Refrigeration on 60 years in business.

   50 Years

      Gerard P. Smith Agency – in business for 50 Years

What started as a small in-home business 50 years ago by Gerard P. Smith, has grown now to a third generation company with 21 people on staff.

This success has enabled the agency to become one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the region.

Tom Smith, CEO, has led the agency since his father’s retirement in1993. Kevin Smith, brother to Tom, is Vice President. Ian Smith, Tom’s son, was named President in January of 2016. Ian brings to the firm a vast knowledge of today’s technology, including social media and internet marketing, making operations in the office more efficient and productive.

Tom and Kevin have been actively engaged in the Webster community. Both have served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Kevin

was named the Chamber’s 2009 Business Person of the Year. He has long been a "Chamber Cheerleader" encouraging businesses to join the Chamber. Tom is a past president of the BID (Business Improvement District). The agency sponsors yearly blood drives and supports a wide range of Webster not-for-profit and charity organizations.

The Smiths are a very close family. To this day, Jerry and MaryJean Smith host lunch every Sunday for their 5 sons and spouses (all of whom live in Webster) and their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many of the family members are musically inclined, playing an assortment of instruments. Soccer, running and golf occupy much of their free time.

Congratulations to Gerard P. Smith Agency on 50 years in business.

50 Years

Kitchen & Bath Expressions – established in 1966 celebrates 50 Years

Gary Lazzaro began working full time in the remodeling business, originally started by his father, Henry in 1966. At that time, and to this day, customer service and quality craftsmanship have been a top priority. Gary and his wife, Marlene, operated the business out of their home until 1987 when they began construction of their kitchen and bath showroom, adding an additional 2200 square feet of showroom and offices in 1993.

Kitchen & Bath Expressions’ main focus is designing and remodeling kitchens and bathrooms but they also renovate homes to fit each client’s unique needs and life style.

This commitment to improving quality of life in the home earned recognition in the magazine, Signature Kitchens & Baths, highlighting several kitchen projects, as well as home entertainment centers. They were the first Rochester area remodeling company to be featured in Builder / Architect Magazine and they received “Best Kitchen Award” in Homearama for a stylish design that accommodated the special requirements of the physically challenged.

Gary and Marlene have always had a sincere commitment to the Webster Community. Gary has been a member of the Webster Lions Club for over 45years serving on their Board and for three terms as President. He has received the Melvin Jones Fellowship and the Robert J. Uplinger Awards for distinguished service in Lionism as well as Lion of the Year. Recently Gary also served as a Vice-Chairman for the Webster Garlic Festival.

At Kitchen & Bath Expressions, they are proud to be known for their excellence in innovative design, quality installations, business ethics and professionalism. They assist with each aspect of a project, from ideas and design, through product selections, and completion of the remodeling project with attention to detail and customer service. Their repeat clients and personal referrals serve as their best references.

Congratulations on 50 years in business.

   35 Years

           Nu-Look Collision– in business for 35 Years

Nu-Look Collision started in 1981 as a one-man shop in a 4-bay garage. The main philosophies were to treat the customer as king, and to be professionals. From the beginning, quality repairs have been an absolute must.

Nu-Look Collision now has 14 locations in and around the Greater Rochester Area, recently adding an accessories shop and fleet service. The company now employs almost 200 people.

Nu-look has been name Best Auto Collision Repair shop for 14 consecutive years by the Democrat & Chronicle’s Rochester’s Choice Awards. All Nu-Look locations are I-Car Gold Certified.

Locally owned, Nu-Look Collision regularly contributes to the local Rochester Community. As a hometown company, they believe it is important to give back to the community and their customers. Some of their involvement includes the Ronald McDonald House, the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong Memorial, DWI Prevention and Awareness Programs, Defensive Driving Classes, and other local sponsorships!

Congratulations to Nu-Look Collision on 35 years in business.

   35 Years

MVP Healthcare – in business for 35 years

Founded by a group of doctors as the Mohawk Valley Physicians’ Health Plan to serve New York’s Schenectady and Saratoga counties, MVP Health Care today is a nationally recognized, community-focused, not-for-profit health insurer serving more than 700,000 members across New York and Vermont.

As a regional health plan with national network strength, MVP remains dedicated to ensuring that members have access to quality care and that their health care needs are met. MVP takes a holistic approach to care, offering access to the right resources and support to improve the health of its members. It consistently rates among the nation’s top health insurance companies.

Additionally, MVP Health Care is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves by creating innovative and collaborative partnerships with community organizations that align with its mission and vision of creating the healthiest communities in the U.S

Congratulations to MVP Healthcare on 35 years in business.

   30 Years

   Disalvo Law Firm – established in 1986 celebrates 30 years

Thomas J. DiSalvo Esq., P.C. is a professional corporation engaged in the general practice of law. Tom began his law career in 1983, after graduating from Syracuse University College of Law and St. John Fisher College.

His firm maintained an office in the City of Rochester and in the Town of Irondequoit. In 1998 the firm moved to its present location at 672 Ridge Road, Webster. Tom is currently one of Webster’s Town Justices.

The firm handles a wide range of legal matters, such as residential and commercial real estate closing, criminal defense, divorce, separation agreements, child support, custody, visitation, wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, estates, trusts, collections, business formation, personal injury, vehicle/traffic, general litigation, trials and appeals. Tom is a member of the Monroe County Bar Association and there is no charge for an initial consultation.

Congratulations to Disalvo Law Firm on 25 years in business.

   25 Years

           O’Dell Chiropractic Center – Celebrates 25 years

Since Norman O’Dell graduated from Webster Thomas high school in 1979 then on to earning a doctorate in Chiropractic in Chicago Illinois in 1989 there is never been a dull moment in the 25 years of serving the Webster community.

Dr O'Dell started his practice on Bay Road and quickly became the Olympic development program team doctor. His specialty at that time revolved around helping athletes increase their performance. His practice grew in the next three years and he had to relocate his office next to Webster Schroeder high school to better serve not only the athletes but also the growing patient base.

Dr O'Dell's practice greatly expanded to include the care of infants straight from the birthing center to those well into the later years of their lives. Dr O'Dell served as the medical director for Rochester's professional arena football team, the Rochester Raiders and was also the team doctor for the Rochester Rhinos cheerleaders.

He is currently the team chiropractor for the Rochester Razorsharks professional basketball team. Dr O'Dell has coached high school golf and wrestling and is presently coaching youth travel soccer. He has done TV and radio shows Called "you've got the power." And is a sought after public speaker to many community groups and businesses teaching people how to have more energy and better work performance.

His practice specialty is now in corrective care for all ages using before and after x-rays to show that the long term corrections that people desire is actually happening.

Please congratulate them on celebrating their 25th year in business.