Business-of-the-Month
Promoting Economic Growth and Job Creation
Each month, County Executive Maggie Brooks visits local businesses that are expanding their operations and creating new jobs in Monroe County. These business outreach visits are an important part of the County Executive’s efforts to partner with the business community to promote economic growth and job creation.
Pierce Industries
May 2007
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that Pierce Industries has been named Monroe County’s “Business of the Month” for May and will be featured on Monroe County’s website, monroecounty.gov. Brooks visited Pierce Industries last month as part of her Business Outreach program.
“The success of Pierce Industries reinforces our message that manufacturing is a strong and vibrant industry in Monroe County, offering good paying jobs and exciting career opportunities,” said Brooks. “Pierce’s innovative manufacturing processes make them a recognized leader in their field. I thank the company for its investment and commitment to our community.”
“Pierce Industries’ continued growth and success is directly related to our relationships with the local community,” said Rick Schopinsky, President & COO.“Local customers, government agencies, educational institutions, and a dedicated labor force are our partners for success.”
Pierce Industries is a manufacturing firm specializing in a form of friction welding known as Inertia Welding. Its other capabilities include PierceForming, a unique forming process on cylindrical rollers developed by the company; Tight Tolerance Cylindrical Turning; Specialty Elastomers (Powder Teflon, Liquid Teflon and Silicone); and, Remanufacturing and Assembly. Their customers include Kodak and Xerox.
Pierce has been doing business locally for more than 35 years and employs 43 people at their 57,000 square foot facility on Paul Road in the Town of Chili. They partner with Monroe Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology to employ co-op students and also offer tours to area high schools to encourage young people to explore careers in manufacturing.
The company’s mission is to create value for their customers by providing innovative, cost competitive, solutions-based services. Pierce prides itself on reducing costs through unique processes developed to eliminate or limit use of costly materials.
Pierce Industries is located in a Monroe County Empire Zone. For more information on the company, visit pierce-industries.com.
ABVI Goodwill Industries
April 2007
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. has been selected as Monroe County’s “Business of the Month” for April and will be featured on Monroe County’s website, monroecounty.gov.
Brooks visited ABVI-Goodwill last month as part of her Business Outreach program.
“ABVI-Goodwill is an impressive organization that provides critically important and comprehensive services to the blind and visually impaired in our region,” said Brooks. “ABVI provides good jobs through its call center and manufacturing and retail divisions, greatly benefiting our local economy. Their work is also impacting our world, as the agency makes the training uniforms for the U.S. Air Force and the running pants worn by our soldiers in Iraq.”
“We are honored to be chosen by the County Executive for this prestigious recognition and be among the other businesses in our region who have worked diligently and successfully to create, enhance and maintain jobs,” said A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., President and CEO of ABVI-Goodwill. “We value our partnership with the County on efforts such as our food service program which provides meals to thousands of seniors each month, and the 2-1-1/LIFE LINE program which connects people in need with programs to meet those needs, and we will continue to maximize our collaborative efforts to develop meaningful employment opportunities in a variety of diverse and challenging work environments.”
ABVI-Goodwill was founded in 1911 and employs 316 people in Monroe County. Its mission is to prepare and empower people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities.
ABVI-Goodwill provides a full range of vision rehabilitation and employment and training services to people of all ages. Its business services include manufacturing programs that provide a variety of products and services, including self-stick note pads and state-of-the-art CD-ROM replication; two nationally recognized call center operations; Goodwill retail stores; and a hospitality and catering group.
To support ABVI-Goodwill in its growth, Monroe County has provided assistance through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and COMIDA.
For more information on ABVI-Goodwill, visit abvi-goodwill.org.
Arnold Magnetic Technologies
March 2007
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that Arnold Magnetic Technologies has been selected as Monroe County’s “Business of the Month” for March and will be featured on Monroe County’s website, monroecounty.gov.
Last month, Brooks joined Arnold Chairman and CEO Gordon H. McNeil to announce that the company is expanding its headquarters and creating 50 new manufacturing jobs in Monroe County.
“Manufacturing is a strong and vibrant industry in Monroe County and Arnold’s growth is a great local success story,” said Brooks. “Arnold not only provides high quality products, but also good jobs in Monroe County. I thank Chairman McNeil and the Arnold team for their ongoing investment in our economy.”
“We have been impressed with the cooperation extended by all levels of government, but especially Monroe County and County Executive Maggie Brooks,” said Gordon H. McNeil, Chairman and CEO of Arnold Magnetic Technologies. “Arnold had several other locations we might have chosen for this expansion but Monroe County made it clear that our business was welcome and they would do all that they could to help. This has been our home for more than 35 years and I am pleased that it will remain our headquarters.”
Arnold Magnetic Technologies is a privately owned corporation headquartered in Monroe County since 1969.
Arnold manufactures a wide range of both permanent and soft magnetic products and assemblies for a number of industries including automotive, military and aerospace, medical, industrial, security, and telecommunications.
Arnold currently employs 61 in Monroe County and 1,100 worldwide.
To assist the company with its expansion, Monroe County provided incentives through COMIDA as well as a $100,000 loan from the Community Development Block Grant program.
For more information on the company, visit arnoldmagnetics.com.
Home Trends
February 2007
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that Home Trends has been selected as Monroe County’s “Business of the Month” for February and will be featured on Monroe County’s website, monroecounty.gov.
Brooks visited Home Trends in December 2006 as part of her Business Outreach program.
“Home Trends is one of the unique companies doing business in Monroe County. All of us are familiar with mail order catalogs and the popular consumer products they offer. But not all are aware that our community is home to one of the nation’s most successful mail order companies,” said Brooks. “Home Trends’ expansion into the former Case Hoyt building in Chili is a great success story. The County is proud to have been a partner in the company’s growth.”
“Business is all about people. We have a huge sign at our entrance with our philosophy, ‘Sure, No Problem’ and everyone embraces that concept,” said Jane Glazer, President of Home Trends. “For each other, for our customers, for business overall, that philosophy has allowed us to reach and grow year after year. Although I am proud of my business success, I am more proud of the successes and extended family that have evolved.”
Home Trends, a mail order company, has been doing business locally for more than 20 years. Home Trends offers thousands of consumer products through its three catalogs: Home Trends, for home care and cleaning products; Picket Fence for “do it yourself” home/yard care and maintenance products; and Sleep Solutions for mattress toppers, pillows, and other items that help relieve sleep issues.
Home Trends employs more than 160 in Monroe County. In 2004, to accommodate the company’s growth, Home Trends moved into the former Case Hoyt building on Beaver Road in the Town of Chili. Monroe County, through COMIDA, was a partner in the expansion project, which resulted in the creation of 17 new jobs.
For more information on Home Trends, visit shophometrends.com.
Canfield & Tack
January 2007
Located in the City of Rochester, Canfield & Tack was founded in 1926 by Hubert Canfield and Larry Tack. In 1968, Larry’s son Dan purchased the company. In 1994, Dan Tack transferred control of the business to the employees and Canfield & Tack became a 100 percent employee-owned company.
Bringing together quality, customer service, state-of-the-art equipment, competitive pricing and one-stop shopping, Canfield & Tack is now one of the top 400 printing companies in the nation (“Printing Impressions”). The company employs over 90 people in Monroe County.
Canfield & Tack has become a market leader by providing outstanding printed products including brochures, annual reports, posters, catalogs, and point-of-purchase displays. The company offers prepress, digital printing, on-demand, commercial offset printing, bindery, shipping and fulfillment services, as well as on-line inventory management capabilities for a variety of local, regional and national clients. These clients include Constellation Brands, Kodak, Paychex, and Corning.
Under the leadership of President Daniel Mahany, a talented management team, and dedicated and hardworking employees, Canfield & Tack is an industry leader that is well positioned for future growth and success.
Brooks visited Canfield & Tack in November 2006 as part of her Business Outreach program. Brooks said, “Canfield & Tack has a long and successful history in Monroe County. For 80 years, this highly regarded printing company has contributed significantly to our community’s economic vitality and quality of life. The company’s spirit of excellence and ongoing investment is a clear indication of their commitment to the Rochester area.”
For more information on Canfield & Tack Printing visit the company’s website at
canfieldtack.com.
Toshiba Business Solutions
December 2006
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks announced that Toshiba Business Solutions New York (TBS-NY) has been selected as Monroe County’s “Business of the Month” for December and will be featured on Monroe County’s website, monroecounty.gov. Brooks launched the online “Business of the Month” feature last year, in an effort to recognize and promote local companies that are retaining and creating jobs, and investing in the community.
Brooks visited Toshiba Business Solutions New York in October 2006 as part of her Business Outreach program.
“Under the leadership of President Steven Sauer and his team, Toshiba Business Solutions New York has rapidly grown to be a market leader in Upstate New York,” said Brooks. “This is a company that is focused not only on its own success, but also the success of our community. This is clearly demonstrated by their involvement in many local organizations and charitable causes. Monroe County is proud to be home to such an outstanding company.”
TBS-NY President Steven Sauer is honored with this distinction. “Our company’s success is a testament that you can grow a business in Upstate New York, especially in Monroe County. Our company was started in this community 50 years ago and we have remained local.”
Since 1957, Toshiba Business Solutions New York (TBS-NY) has been providing quality customer service and the latest document imaging solutions, including high-speed multi-functional products that copy, print, fax, scan, manage, store and retrieve documents. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Toshiba Business Solutions, TBS-NY retains autonomy, local decision making, and local leadership. The company has five locations covering 33 counties in Upstate New York, and employs close to 200 people, including nearly 100 in Monroe County.
TBS-NY also provides clients with audio-visual needs through AV Solutions, which provides audio-visual system integration and custom design projects for corporate, educational, medical, government, and not-for-profit clients. AV Solutions has grown to be Western and Central New York’s leader in integrated audio-visual systems.
In 2006, TBS-NY received the Rochester Business Ethics Award (small business category), and the J.D. Power and Associates Certified Dealer distinction for client satisfaction.
GM Fuel Cell Development Center
November 2006
General Motors’ Fuel Cell Development Center in Honeoye Falls opened in 1999 and is one of only four GM fuel cell R&D facilities in the world. Most of GM’s fuel cell development activities occur at this Monroe County facility. GM’s goal is to take the automobile out of the environmental debate. The work undertaken at this facility by Chief Engineer Matt Fronk and his team is key for GM to reach its goal.
The Fuel Cell Development Center is responsible for the development of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells for automotive applications. To date, this facility has been granted over 150 patents, with over 350 patents still pending.
In 2001, COMIDA provided incentives for the company to expand its facilities and research and development efforts, ultimately creating more jobs. The company currently employs 325 people, up from approximately 160 in 2001.
A fuel cell harnesses the electricity created in the chemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined. Hundreds of fuel cells are “stacked” together, combining their electrical outputs into enough electricity to power a car.
Brooks toured the Fuel Cell Development Center in September 2006 and said, “Anytime you read about a GM fuel cell car, that fuel cell was made right here in Monroe County. That’s something that puts our community on the map and we can all be proud that this work is taking place in our own backyard. GM’s fuel cell development is greatly impacting our economic vitality, as well as our future growth and ability to capitalize on alternative energy opportunities as we move forward. That will ultimately mean more jobs for our residents, a cleaner environment and energy independence. Monroe County is proud to be home to this innovative and groundbreaking company.”
Pictometry
October 2006
Pictometry International, a rapidly growing visual information systems company, is the world leader in digital, oblique aerial imaging and measuring software. Richard Kaplan is the company’s President and CEO.
Last month, County Executive Maggie Brooks joined Richard Kaplan to announce that the company will invest $10 million to expand its operations and create 20 new jobs in Monroe County. Pictometry currently employs 90 people locally.
Pictometry’s patented imaging process captures digital images that combined with the company’s interactive software solution, enables users to see everywhere, measure anything, and plan everything. The company has a growing customer base that includes more than 200 counties, state and federal government organizations, as well as private businesses.
Pictometry’s technology is used by County government in several areas including Public Safety, Planning and Development, Real Property, Environmental Services, and Transportation. Brooks said Pictometry’s technology has helped County government improve operational efficiencies, reduce expenses, and enhance intermunicipal cooperation, which is positive news for taxpayers.
Brooks said, “Pictometry represents the kind of entrepreneurial success story we need to duplicate in order to compete in today’s global economy. We must focus our resources on nurturing innovation and helping idea-generating companies market their technology and take their business to the next level.”
For more information on Pictometry, visit the company’s website.
ITT 
September 2006
ITT’s Space Systems Division, headquartered in Rochester, employs approximately 1,800 people in Monroe County. The Space Systems Division was formed two years ago after ITT purchased Eastman Kodak’s Remote Sensing Systems division.
The company recently added a “clean room” to its facility at Rochester Technology Park in Gates and made renovations to its manufacturing plant on Lee Road in Greece. Monroe County, through COMIDA, was a partner in the expansion project.
ITT’s Space Systems Division serves commercial and government customers in the defense, intelligence and aerospace industries. The company develops, manufactures and markets remote sensing products and services used in satellites, airplanes, space telescopes and other applications. For example, the company is currently involved in the development of the James Webb Space Telescope, the successor to the Hubble Telescope.
County Executive Maggie Brooks has toured ITT’s manufacturing plant in Greece. Brooks said, “ITT is one of the top employers in our region and a company that puts Monroe County on the map. Monroe County is proud to have been a partner in the company’s expansion project, which means more jobs in our community. As our economy continues to diversify, companies like ITT will play an even more integral role as we move forward and capitalize on additional high-tech opportunities. We are grateful for ITT’s investment in Monroe County and we look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure their growth and success in our community.”
Light Fabrications, Inc..jpg)
August 2006
Light Fabrications Inc. was founded in 1977 by Jim Cucinelli, President. Light Fabrications employs over 200 people in Monroe County and has undergone several expansions at its location in the Town of Gates.
Light Fabrications is a converter, fabricator and distributor of Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) and non-PSA materials. The company provides a variety of services, including die cutting, laminating, slitting and assembling, and stocks materials used for bonding, attaching, sealing, masking, protecting, shielding, conducting and more. Light Fabrications serves customers in the automotive, electronics, business equipment and medical industries.
County Executive Maggie Brooks recently visited Light Fabrications and thanked the company for its commitment to doing business and retaining jobs in Monroe County.
Light Fabrications has received past assistance from COMIDA to expand its operations and has also used the County’s GreatRate program for equipment purchases.
For more information on Light Fabrications, visit the company’s
website.
McAlpin Industries
July 2006
McAlpin Industries is Hiring!
McAlpin Industries, located at 255 Hollenbeck Street in the City of Rochester, is a second generation family business. Brothers Ken and Mike McAlpin are the co-owners. Ken is President/CEO and Mike is Executive Vice President.
McAlpin Industries employs 200 people in Monroe County. It is a leading manufacturing company that has specialized in sophisticated metalworking for over 40 years. The company specializes in manufacturing metal products and assemblies for the business machine, automotive, high-tech and medical industries.
McAlpin Industries has been recognized as one of Rochester’s “Top 100” companies. Ken McAlpin is also a past recipient of the “Small Business Person of the Year” award.
County Executive Maggie Brooks recently visited McAlpin Industries and thanked the company for its commitment to doing business and retaining jobs in Monroe County. Brooks and company officials discussed the availability of local jobs in precision manufacturing and metalworking, and the importance of promoting these job opportunities, especially among young people.
McAlpin Industries has immediate openings for experienced sheet metal workers. For information on employment opportunities, visit the company’s website.
Nationwide Precision Products
June 2006
Nationwide Precision Products Corporation, a precision manufacturing company, is located at 200 Tech Park Drive in Henrietta. Nationwide was established by the Nuccitelli family in 1965. The Henrietta plant is managed by Jeff Nuccitelli.
Nationwide employs over 300 in Monroe County and is currently undergoing a significant equipment expansion that will create 50 new manufacturing jobs here. Like many local companies, Nationwide attributes its growth and success to our area’s highly skilled workforce.
Nationwide specializes in precision CNC machining of complex and semi-complex castings and components, primarily for the automotive industry. Nationwide customers include Caterpillar, Boeing, General Motors, Delphi, DaimlerChrysler, Canon, Heidelberg, and many others.
The Nationwide name is recognized throughout the world for quality, consistency and excellence in the precision machining industry.
During her recent visit, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks thanked Nationwide for its commitment to doing business locally: “Nationwide Precision’s expansion is further proof that the precision manufacturing industry in our area is strong. I want to thank the company for its investment in our community and for creating new manufacturing jobs in Monroe County.”
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Robert B. Wegman, Founder of the Monroe County-based Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
May 2006
In memory of the late Robert B. Wegman, Monroe County’s May 2006 “Business of the Month” is Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
With headquarters here in Monroe County, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 70-store supermarket chain with locations in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland. The family-owned company, founded in 1916, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Wegmans employs a great number of people in Monroe County and has an excellent reputation for employing young people in our community as well.
Wegmans was voted #1 in Fortune Magazine’s list of “Top 100 Places to Work in America” in 2005. The company ranked second in 2006, marking its ninth consecutive year on the list, and fourth in the “Top Ten.”
“Bob Wegman was a Rochester institution in his own right,” said County Executive Maggie Brooks. “He put our community on the map. Like George Eastman, Chester Carlson and John Jacob Bausch… Robert Wegman will forever be known as an icon in business. It was his hard work and vision that built-up a family grocery store and made it the empire that it is today. The Wegman name has become synonymous with quality, both in our community and in an ever-expanding region. We are pleased to name Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. as Monroe County’s Business of the Month for May 2006.”
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.wegmans.com.
JML Optical
County Executive Maggie Brooks and JML Optical President, Joseph M. Lobozzo.
April 2006
JML Optical Industries, Inc., located at 820 Linden Avenue, is a privately owned designer, manufacturer and distributor of precision optical components and systems. The company was started by its President, Joseph M. Lobozzo II, in 1972. JML Optical serves domestic and international original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers in the commercial and government sectors. The company also houses a complete precision optical fabrication shop. JML Optical currently employs 86 people at its Linden Avenue facility and is committed to creating additional jobs in Monroe County. JML Optical is in the Monroe County Empire Zone, and the company has also used the County's GreatRebate program for equipment purchases. In 2005, JML Optical partnered with Monroe County and Monroe Community College to develop and offer a new industry-certified training program in optics at MCC.
For more information on JML Optical, visit their website.
Rochester Precision Optics
Left to Right: Wayne LeChase, CEO & Managing Partner, LeChase Construction; Bill Hurley, President, Rochester Precision Optics; Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Executive; and Jack Kinnicutt, Regional Director of Empire State Development.
March 2006
Rochester Precision Optics, Monroe County’s newest high-tech company, acquired the assets of an Eastman Kodak precision glass manufacturing operation. Rochester Precision Optics manufactures lenses for customers largely in the commercial imaging, defense and medical industries. Products and services include optical engineering, rapid prototyping, custom coating, precision machining, assembly and testing, and catalog lenses.
Rochester Precision Optics currently employs over 30 people, many of whom gained their optics expertise working for the former Kodak operation. The company will create a total of 75 high-tech manufacturing jobs and has invested $10 million in site improvements and equipment for its 64,500 square foot facility in Henrietta. The company launched its manufacturing operations in January 2006.
Monroe County and Empire State Development, New York’s economic development agency, put together an aggressive incentive package that enticed Rochester Precision Optics to establish its operation in Monroe County. Monroe County approved local tax incentives through COMIDA and offered a $100,000 low-interest loan from the Monroe County Revolving Loan Fund.
Nalge Nunc International
From left to right: Steven Silverman, Vice President, Product Marketing; Martin Wheeler, Vice President, Human Resources; Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Executive; Jean Mucenski, Vice President, Finance; Karen Dally, Vice President, Channel Marketing; David Eddy, Director, Manufacturing and Terry Slaybaugh, Monroe County Director of Planning and Development.
February 2006
Nalge Nunc designs, develops and manufactures a broad range of plastic products for lab use, including beakers, test tube racks, and dispensers. Nalge manufactures 4,700 different items and sells to 74,000 labs throughout the world. Nalge Nunc also makes high-end products for outdoor and camping use through their popular Nalgene Outdoor brand.
Nunc maintains their U.S. operations entirely within Monroe County in facilities in Penfield, Fairport and the City of Rochester. In 2004, Nalge’s parent company closed a Chicago plant and moved those jobs and operations to Monroe County.
Nalge Nunc employs over 1,000 people in Monroe County, and in the last few years Nalge has invested over $12 million in its plant and equipment.
For more information on Nalge Nunc International, visit their website.
Calvary Automation Systems, Inc.
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks; Tom Passero, Vice President of Calvary Automation Systems and Terry Slaybaugh, Monroe County Director of Planning and Development.
January 2006
Founded in 1994, Calvary Automation Systems, Inc., located at 45 Hendrix Road in Henrietta, is a global supplier of a wide variety of automated machines and machined components. Calvary Automation currently employs over 65 people in Monroe County.
Calvary Automation is recognized as a leading manufacturer of special machines, turnkey automated systems, and specialized fixturing. Many of Calvary Automation’s customers are in the automotive, electronics, consumer products, and medical device industries.
In 2003, Calvary expanded their operations in Monroe County, purchasing a 70,000 square foot facility at Henrietta’s Erie Station Industrial Park. Monroe County assisted in the project by providing a tax-exempt bond through COMIDA. Recently, Calvary was able to purchase $200,000 worth of new equipment by using the County’s GreatRebate program. The GreatRebate program provides businesses with a rebate on equipment purchases of at least $50,000.
For more information on Calvary Automation, visit their website.
Sentry Group
County Executive Maggie Brooks and Sentry Group CEO and President Jim Brush.
December 2005
Founded in 1930, Sentry Group is a family-owned business, and a world leader in residential and light commercial fire-resistant and security storage containers. This year, the company is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
In August 2005, Sentry Group announced that the company would be moving part of its gun safe division from Shanghai, China to its manufacturing plant in East Rochester, adding 30 new jobs locally.
Sentry Group President and CEO Jim Brush said that the incentive package from Monroe County, Empire State Development, and RG&E played a major part in the company’s decision to expand its operations locally.
For more information on Sentry Group, visit their website.
