At its September Breakfast Before Business meeting, held Friday Sept. 26, the Webster Chamber of Commerce recognized 14 local businesses who have not only been successful, but have withstood countless challenges and the test of time to remain strong and viable for decades.
The Chamber presents these awards annually, recognizing businesses which have been operating for 25 years or more. They’re awarded in five-year increments, and this year included one business — Key Bank — which has just celebrated its 200th anniversary.
Here’s a quick look at all of the honorees. A longer write-up about each can be found at this link. The photos show the honorees receiving their plaque from Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve.
Beyond Cuts Salon (25 years)
Beyond Cuts salon started in 2000 when Robyn Whittaker purchased the business from Nancy Macomber. Since that day, Beyond Cuts Salon has been involved with many of the Village Business Improvement District’s events. Robyn has hosted wine walks, participated in “Trick or Treat Trail,” and has hosted Chamber Eat Drink and Connect events!
Beyond Cuts also donates to many local charities, either financially or with pro bono services. The Salon has also helped local artisans sell their wares by allowing them space in the shop to showcase their talents.
Friends of the Webster Public Library (30 years)
The Friends of Webster Public Library are library supporters who are committed to strengthening the library and helping it provide the best service possible to the community. They are motivated, hardworking volunteers who enjoy working together to promote the service, facilities, needs, and programs of the Webster Library. They sponsor cultural and educational programs for the community and financially support the library services, programs, and materials not covered in the library’s operational budget.
Their biggest fund-raising events are the Spring and Fall book sales and now they have Vintage and Collectable book sales a few times a year. They also organize and operate the Lobby Book Store.
Gemini Technical Services (30 years)
Gemini Technical Services was founded by Russ Ziskind in 1994, as AccuCom Computer Service in Syracuse NY. The company grew to have over 25 technicians and over 100 customers for the I.T. business, and about 10,000 dial-up subscribers. They also started a teaching center to teach customers basic computer and network skills so they could be self-supportive. In 1999 the ISP business was sold, and in 2002 the company was rebranded Gemini Technical Services, added Rochester to its service area, and continued to grow the business in Central and Western NY. In 2021 Gemini purchased Barnone Design, a competitor in the Rochester area, to grow its business even further.
McMahon, LaRue Associates, P.C. (30 years)
McMahon LaRue Associates was founded in 1995 by Greg McMahon and Al LaRue. Starting from Al’s house in Webster, Greg and Al built their practice on the belief that staying right-sized allows for deeper client partnerships and a family-centered workplace culture. This philosophy guided their return to Webster in 2013, where they restored and occupied an historic 1840 brick farmhouse on Holt Road.
In January 2024, the founders passed leadership to the next generation: Bryan White, a licensed land surveyor who grew with the company over 13 years from college field work to full licensure, and Ian Kuchman, a licensed civil engineer who joined in 2023, bringing extensive engineering expertise and business acumen with his MBA.
Webster Health and Education Network (30 years)
The Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) was established by Judy Sheldon in 1995 and has become a recognized leader in the advocacy and promotion of healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in the Webster community. In 2018, WHEN joined the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and became Webster Health and Education Network: A Drug Free Community Coalition (WHEN:DFCC). WHEN has always worked closely with the Webster Central School District, town, and community resources to support drug education and awareness initiatives.
WHEN:DFCC is comprised of over 60 members representing multiple sectors of our community including business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic and volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, and substance use prevention professionals. The coalition’s goal is to collaborate with their partners to prevent substance abuse among youth as much as possible.
Corretore McLaughlin Attorneys at Law (40 years)
Corretore McLaughlin PLLC is a law office that began when David T. Corretore “hung out his shingle” as a lawyer at 138 East Main Street in the Village in the spring of 1985. Without any other employees, he “did it all.” The firm has since grown to three attorneys, a receptionist, and a bookkeeper, and has relocated to 1150 Crosspointe Lane.
The firm concentrates in the areas of estates and estate planning including wills, powers of attorney, living wills and health care proxies, along with other real estate matters.
Dancing with Denise (40 years)
Dancing with Denise was established in 1985 when Denise Baller began teaching dance to children in daycare centers. In the mid-1990s, she opened a studio in Irondequoit, adding classes and expanding the student age group.
Today, boys and girls enjoy classes in tap, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, baton, hip hop, and Broadway theater. Denise also teaches a “buddies” class that teams up “student helpers” with students with special needs to help them learn all about dance. She provides traditional classes during the school year, and camps and during the summer. Her dancers have performed at farmer’s markets, Sea Breeze Dance Days, and many local parades, and her “Happy Feet Dancers” entertain at various nursing homes.
Her motto of “Having Fun is our Philosophy,” has made her well-known for promoting fun, good health and confidence in a non-competitive environment. Her students’ ages range from 2-year-old dancers to a 107-year-old Zumba Gold enthusiast.
Reliant Credit Union (55 years)
Reliant Credit Union began in 1970 as the WCTA Federal Credit Union, founded by members of the Wayne County Teachers Association. It started in a science classroom in Sodus Central High School and has since grown into a trusted financial partner for more than 47,000 members across Wayne, Ontario, and Monroe counties.
Over the decades, Reliant has evolved significantly. In 1985, the organization expanded into Canandaigua, and in 2004 the credit union adopted a community charter, extending membership beyond school employees to welcome anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Wayne, Ontario, or Monroe counties. In 2007, the organization became Reliant Community Federal Credit Union to reflect its growing and diverse membership. In 2020, Reliant Credit Union refreshed its brand to better reflect the credit union’s culture, people-centered values, and mission to help members achieve life.
Casciani Construction Company (60 years)
John Casciani learned his trade at the early age of 15, working for his father, Anthony, and grandfather, John Sr., in their masonry business. Eventually he found himself with a growing passion for real estate, building, and land development. After college, he started a home building career – selecting challenging parcels to develop, such as “The Bluffs” in Webster overlooking Irondequoit Bay.
John wanted to provide a private neighborhood for families. At the Bluffs he had an opportunity to establish a private marina and community gazebo, magnificent water views, 12 acres of preserved woodlands filled with wildlife, a half mile of shoreline and breathtaking sunsets – leaving homeowners with the feeling of vacationing every day at home. He had the vision and created a unique lifestyle for families seeking seclusion with convenient amenities.
Willard Scott Funeral Home (60 years)
With its origins starting in the 1940s, the Willard H. Scott Funeral Home began its life as Tinklepaugh Funeral Home (where Ward Tinklepaugh also ran a side business selling shoes). n the mid-1960s, Willard “Bill” Scott purchased the business from Ward Tinklepaugh and soon after changed the name to its current name, Willard H. Scott Funeral Home.
Jeff and Timothy Scott, Bill’s son and grandson, now run the business and are grateful for the legacy of service to the community and the community’s trust in them.
Joseph Scofero & Son Building (70 years)
Joseph Scofero started J.J Scofero and Son Builders in 1955. He started out as a mason and that soon led to the full construction of homes in the Rochester area. In the early 1970s Joseph moved away from home building and into Fire and Water Restoration. It remains their main line of work today.
Joseph’s son, Leonard, took over the business in the 1980s, and his sons took over the company in 2013, making it a third-generation business, which has also expanded into consulting and appraisals for public adjuster firms and insurance companies.
Village of Webster (120 years)
On February 19, 1904, prominent Webster residents met to discuss possible incorporation and decided to petition the Town of Webster to hold an election on the matter. In June 1904, the issue was decided in favor of incorporation by one vote. The decision survived two appeals and and a second election, where it passed by 27 votes. On March 26, 1905, more than a year after the public first voted, the Board of Trustees held its first meeting.
Today, the Village of Webster is thriving and bustling. The Village Office has a staff of four, offering an array of services including FOIL requests, passport processing, building permits, EZ passes and resident needs. They maintain village records run village meetings, handle day-to-day finances, and run community events. The Department of Public Works provides 24-hour sewer monitoring and service, sanitary and storm sewer maintenance, snow removal, street and sidewalk upkeep, brush and leaf pickup, tree maintenance, street lighting, park maintenance and more.
Town of Webster (185 years)
The Town of Webster was established in 1840 and has agricultural roots due to its favorable soil conditions and climate. It’s currently home to about 45,000 residents. Through the years, the town has been the site of commercial and industrial progress, welcoming businesses like Xerox, Trident Precision Manufacturing, Boulter Industrial Contractors, and recently, Fairlife.
Today, the Town offers many amenities to its 45,000 residents including the Webster Recreation Center, nearly 1,030 acres of active parkland and open space with and nearly thirty miles of trails, and the Webster Public Library.
The Webster Town Board consists of five elected members who govern the town of Webster: one Town Supervisor and four Town Council members. The Town of Webster has two elected Town Justices who serve our community. The Town currently employs approximately 400 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff members, with thirteen department heads.
Key Bank (200 years)
Today, KeyBank is one of the nation’s largest financial services companies. Formed in 1994 through the merger of Society Corporation and KeyCorp, KeyBank’s story began in 1825 in Albany, when the first steam ships traversed the Atlantic and the Great Lakes. This merger resulted in the company retaining the name KeyCorp, fully headquartered in Cleveland. Today, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion as of December 31, 2024.
Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products.
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(posted 10/28/2025)
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