News
Senator Schumer Visits Wyoming County
Posted on August 31, 2007
On his annual visit to Wyoming County, Senator Charles Schumer reached out to the Chamber for some ideas for his visit and the Chamber arranged to have approximately 30 local businesspeople and elected officials at American Classic Outfitters in Perry to meet with the Senator and tour the facility.
Before opening the floor for discussion the Senator addressed two issues important to Wyoming County that he is working diligently on. The first is the Farm Bill, which will have significant effects on dairy farms as well as fruit and vegetable farms. Within this bill the Senator is pushing for a “country of origin label” on meats.
He is also working hard to address what he views as one of the top issues for small counties across New York State, outdated water and sewer systems. These systems and their facilities are old and many are in need of upgrades, which come at high costs. These outdated systems also make it difficult for many counties to attract new manufacturer or new businesses. The Senator recommended that if there are municipalities considering a water and sewer upgrade to do so now given the funding that is available through the Water Resources Development Act providing $4 billion in funding for water projects.
When opened to the floor, Larry Rogers, Supervisor of Pike, asked the Senator to discuss how the Farm Bill will address the issue of immigrant farm labor. The Senator encouraged the group that the Farm Bill will not hurt local farmers ability to utilize immigrant labor to work their farms and that the Bill has overwhelming support from the New York State Farm Bureau.
Jim Fleischman, Supervisor of Java, raised his concerns related to tourism and the new regulations calling for all adults over age 16 to have a passport when traveling between the United States and Canada. The Senator conveyed his lack of support for this believing it truly inhibits travel between Buffalo and Ontario. He feels that a biometric driver’s license will solve the problem and alleviate the need for everyone crossing the border to have a passport.
Frank Vitagliano, Jr. of Tompkins Insurance asked the Senator to address the issue of the privatization of the IRS debt collection. The Senator strongly supports the work of Pioneer Credit Recovery and will continue to work in their favor to see the contract stay in the hands of private debt collection companies like Pioneer Credit.
Numerous other issues were addressed including the Senators push to have all bridges in New York State inspected and held to the highest standards, as well as No Child Left Behind and programs to encourage young physicians to practice in underserved areas.
Silver Lake Country Market Ribbon Cutting
Posted on August 31, 2007
New Owners of the Silver Lake Country Market have Local Connection
Lori Adams and her family have vacationed at Silver Lake for the past 20 years. In fact, her husbands family has been at the lake for over 100 years. His grandparents, Lee Wheaton and Lynne Grace Hill met at the Roller Rink in 1928. So the Adams’ have very close ties to the Perry community. This close tie certainly came into play when deciding to purchase the Silver Lake Country Market on July 9th. They then wasted no time, opening up for business that Friday, July 13th.
Lori is an Associate Broker for Century 21 Realty in Clarence. Why the move then to opening her own convenience store? “The pieces just all seemed to come together at the right time to take on this venture,” stated Ms. Adams. “And so far it’s been great. Business is well and the community has welcomed us and in very supportive.”
The Silver Lake Country Market is open Sun-Thurs. 6am - 8pm and stays open until 9:00pm on Friday and Saturday. In addition to its grocery line, the convenience store also offers fresh pizza, subs, breakfast sandwiches, fountain drinks, cappuccino, and coffee just to name a few. There is also seating available both inside and outside for added convenience. According to Lori, “We are committed to supporting local businesses as well. Our bread and baked goods come from the Stohltzfus’, fresh fudge from Ron Mason, firewood from Zanghi’s, fresh local produce from a farm just down the way on Rt. 39, and T-shirts from Paragon Silk Screening.”
Lori and her five employees have worked hard to make the Silver Lake Country Market a great place for everyone to shop. They’ve decreased their smoking advertisements and increased their candy line, adding to the kid friendly environment of the store.
“At the Chamber, we never like to see a perfectly functional building unoccupied so we were delighted when Lori contacted our office to say she had purchased the Market. She’s in a great location and we’re happy the community has come out to support the Silver Lake Country Market,” stated James Pierce, Wyoming County Chamber Executive Director.
Ken’s Carpet Center Ribbon Cutting
Posted on August 30, 2007
Ken’s Carpet Center Offers Quality Flooring and Installation
After 30 years in the carpet business working for others, Ken Johnston opened up his own store, Ken’s Carpet Center at 85 S. Main St. in Warsaw. The store officially opened for business in early August and so far business has been great. According to Ken’s wife Jody, “People have been great and we’ve been busy.” Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce officials were on hand to help welcome the store to the business community with an official Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
Ken began his career in the carpet business 30 years ago as an apartment superintendent at RIT. He then became the chief engineer for Holiday Inn for 14 years; seven of which were spent in Jamaica at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort in Montego Bay. Then, five years ago the Letchworth Central grad and native to the area decided to move back home. He had been working at his uncle’s store, Ackerman’s Floor Covering, when he finally decided to go out on his own and open Ken’s Carpet Center in the former Howard’s Floor Covering Store.
Ken, his wife Jody and Ken’s mother Delores run the business. And, while there are no immediate plans to hire additional employees, they would of course like to grow the business in the future. Ken’s opens at 9:00am Monday-Saturday and is closed on Sundays. They offer all types of flooring products including tile, laminate, hardwoods, vinyl, linoleum and carpet. Ken also personally installs all of the flooring that he sells with the help of his stepfather and sons. This personal approach and providing the highest quality is the basis of his business. “When customers are spending money, they want - they expect - the job to be finished properly,” stated Ken.
“It is clear by the facade and clean look of the store that the Johnston take great pride in its appearance and I sure the same holds true for the products and services they offer,” stated James Pierce, Chamber Executive Director.
Drasgow, Inc. Ribbon Cutting
Posted on August 09, 2007
Drasgow, Inc. a production machine that produces parts for the automotive and cable TV industries recently underwent a major expansion and constructed a new 6,570 sq. foot building on Poplar Tree Rd. in Wethersfield. The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce was on hand to help celebrate the completed expansion.
It was a little over a year ago when Karl Drasgow approached the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce with his need to expand his machine shop. At the time Karl was operating the business out of his garage and needed more room as his business was growing. The Chamber brought in the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency. Karl then moved quickly and the building was up and orders were being filled just under a year after contacting the Chamber. Since the expansion Drasgow, Inc. has grown from 7 to 12 employees and there are plans to continue to grow the workforce.
“With the construction of the building complete, we’re looking forward to moving into Phase 2 of the expansion project,: stated Drasgow. “Increasing the labor force and diversify our product line and business will help us to see the true benefit of the expansion.”
“Drasgow, Inc. is a classic business success story where a business gets started in your home garage and through hard work and determination you are able to grow the business to a point where an expansion project was warranted,” stated James Pierce, Chamber Executive Director. He continued, “It has been a pleasure working with Karl on his expansion project and I am delighted we could bring the resources that he needed to the table. Karl is also a very active Chamber member who recognizes the value of using the Chamber benefits to further the success of his business.”
“The Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency is proud to play a role in the exciting growth of Drasgow, Inc.,” stated Michael Heftka, IDA Executive Director. He continued, “The economy in Wyoming County is strengthened each time an entrepreneur like Karl Drasgow is willing to deal with the sacrifice and make significant investments that provide new jobs and new opportunities for everyone in the county. We look forward to much success from the entire team at Drasgow, Inc.”
Label Shopper Ribbon Cutting
Posted on August 09, 2007
Label Shopper, a retail clothing store featuring off price name brands has opened in the Tops Plaza on Rt. 19 in Warsaw and Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce officials were on hand to help welcome the store to Wyoming County.
Label Shopper officially opened for business on Sunday, August 5th and according to District Manager Gerri Eams “business has been great. We are very pleased with the response.” Customers will enjoy shopping for name brand clothes in missy, junior and plus sizes as well as men’s, shoes, and home goods. Store hours are Mon-Fri, 10am- 9pm, Sat. 10am-6pm and Sun. 12-5pm.
Company officials indicated that as they were looking to expand into smaller markets with limited shopping opportunities, Warsaw fit the bill. “We are very happy to come to Warsaw,” stated Eams. “The community has made us feel very welcomed.”
“We are extremely excited to welcome Label Shopper to Warsaw and hope company officials will also look elsewhere in Wyoming County to establish new stores,” stated Chamber Executive Director James Pierce.
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