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Congratulations to NorthStar Business Funding, honored as the November 2026 Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce. The business was recognized at the Chamber of Commerce’s most recent Monthly Meeting, held Friday, Oct. 30 at the Webster Golf Club.

Carlo DiPisa started NorthStar Business Funding when he saw a problem that needed solving, and decided to do something about it. He was working as a financial planner when business owners began asking him to take money out of their retirement accounts to put into their businesses. Naturally, he’d ask, “Have you talked to your bank?” And he kept hearing the same answer: “Yes, but we couldn’t qualify.”

So, Carlo started looking for other options. He found financing sources that many business owners — and sometimes their banker — weren’t familiar with. He referred a couple of clients who received funding, and he realized how valuable this could be Eventually, he sold his financial planning practice to his partner and made helping businesses find financing his focus. He’s been doing that work since 2015 and launched NorthStar in January 2020.

Today, he helps business owners find funding for things like new equipment, working capital, real estate, and expansion. But what stands out is how he approaches it. He takes time to understand the business and what the owner is trying to accomplish, then helps them work through the options.

And Carlo has learned that you can never assume everyone starts with the same knowledge, evidenced by a conversation he had with one business owner who came looking for expansion funding. Carlo asked for the usual financial documents, including a P&L.

The owner said, “What’s a P&L?” Carlo answered, “A profit and lost statement.” To which the owner said, “What’s that?”

Carlo says very little surprises him after that. But it’s also a good reminder of the role he plays, helping people understand a process they may never have been through before.

NorthStar is a one-person operation backed by Carlo’s more than 25 years of experience in business ownership, finance, and real estate. What he enjoys most is helping business owners succeed, and seeing that success contribute to our local economy. For more information about NorthStar, visit the website here or call 888-882-2248.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. Fewer than 3% of the members are chosen annually.

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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 11/9/2026)

Tags: Missy Rosenberry, Webster Chamber of Commerce, Webster NY

At its September Monthly Meeting, held Friday Sept. 25, the Webster Chamber of Commerce recognized 22 local Chamber business members 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. Here’s a quick look at all of the honorees. A longer write-up about each can be found at this link.

Heritage Christian Stables (25 Years)

Heritage Christian Stables, located on Salt Road in Webster, is owned and operated by Heritage Christian Services. The stables were established with a mission to provide therapeutic horseback riding to individuals who lived in Heritage Christian Services residential homes. As the program grew, it became clear that the benefits of therapeutic riding extended far beyond those originally served. After several years, Heritage Christian Stables opened its doors to individuals receiving services from other agencies as well as independent families in the community.

These days, the stables welcome people of all ages and abilities. It’s become a place where everyone is encouraged to find their own connection with horses. The program currently offers equine-assisted lessons for individuals with disabilities, lessons designed around social and emotional challenges, more traditional community riding lessons, a veterans’ program, and opportunities for birthdays, Scout badges, youth groups, and other community experiences.

Unfortunately,due to increased operating expenses, Heritage Christian Stables is scheduled to close on November 1. Hopefully, when people think of Heritage Christian Stables, they’ll remember it as the place where everyone was welcome—and where, for 25 years, there was always a way to experience the beauty, connection, and kindness of horses.

Chris Ross Agency (30 years)

Chris Ross joined the Webster Chamber in 1996 when he became an agent with Liberty Mutual, managing the BayTowne office. In 2008, he partnered with State Farm to become an agency owner which enabled him to serve individual and business customers with both insurance and financial services.

The agency has been recognized by State Farm as a top 1% of all agents with investment planning services for 15 years. Chris has received industry awards including NAIFA quality awards and is a lifetime member of the Million-Dollar Round Table, a worldwide association of the top 1% of financial professionals.

Chris’ community involvement includes past chair of Seneca Parks Zoobilation, Salvation Army, Webster Sports Booster Club, Scouts of America, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. He loves running the agency in his hometown, helping his neighbors and fellow businesses. When he’s not working, he loves being a dad to his four children, playing tennis, traveling and being outdoors.

McAllister Sign Inc. (30 years)

For 30 years, McAllister Sign has been helping businesses, organizations, and communities bring their ideas to life through quality signage and environmental graphics. What began as a small, woman-owned sign company has grown into a trusted business built on craftsmanship, personal service, and long-term relationships.

Founded by Chris McAllister, and woman-owned from day one, the company has remained proudly independent for all three decades. Chris and her husband Mark have worked side by side throughout the journey, building the business together while maintaining the hands-on approach that has always been at the heart of the company.

Over the years, McAllister Sign has evolved along with the sign industry, from traditional signage and graphics to today’s facility, architectural, environmental, and specialty signage. While technology, materials, and capabilities have changed, the company’s commitment to quality and doing things the right way has remained the same.

Steve’s Custom Canvas & Upholstery (35 years)

Founded in 1991 by Steve Palis, Steve’s Custom Canvas began as a small seasonal boat canvas business, operating out of a trailer behind Sutter Marine on Irondequoit Bay. Through hard work, dedication and a commitment to quality, the business quickly grew beyond its beginnings and expanded into a full-service, year-round manufacturer specializing in custom canvas, upholstery and awnings.

In 1994, Steve’s Custom Canvas moved to its current location at 765 County Line Road in Webster, where the company continues to serve customers from its 9,000-square-foot production facility.

Over the years, Steve’s Custom Canvas has built a strong reputation for exceptional workmanship, quality materials, and outstanding customer service. Its experienced craftsmen take pride in working closely with customers, from selecting materials and colors to ensuring every detail meets their expectations.

Law Offices of Thomas J. DiSalvo Esq., PC (40 years)

Tom DiSalvo’s legal career began in February 1983, when he was admitted to the practice of law and started working with DeMaria & Ianini. A few years later, Tom formed his own professional corporation, Thomas J. DiSalvo, Esq., P.C. Building his own practice has allowed him to work closely with individuals, families, and businesses throughout the community in a broad range of legal matters, including real estate, family law, wills, trusts and estates, business formation, and criminal defense.

In March 1998, Tom’s firm moved to its current location on Ridge Road in Webster. Having his own business has given Tom the freedom and flexibility to serve the public in meaningful ways, including five years as Deputy Town Attorney and more than 25 years as Webster Town Justice. Those roles have deepened Tom’s commitment to the people of Webster and reinforced the importance of practical, personal, and trusted legal guidance.

Lakefront Soccer Club (50 years)

Founded in May 1976 as the Webster Soccer Association (WSA), Lakefront Soccer Club is a nonprofit, community-focused youth soccer organization dedicated to providing players of all ages and abilities with opportunities to develop as athletes, teammates, and individuals.

Lakefront began as a volunteer-led seasonal program serving youth in the community. Through the dedication of players, families, coaches and volunteers, the club has grown into one of the largest youth soccer organizations in New York State. Milestones in its development include the creation of the Youth Eastside Soccer (YES) League in 1996 and the opening of the WSA Indoor Facility and Boulter Stadium Field in 2001, expanding opportunities for year-round training and competition.

Today, Lakefront Soccer Club serves more than 1,500 members annually through a comprehensive range of programming, from introductory recreational soccer to advanced competitive play. The Club emphasizes technical development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of the game.

Lakefront operates across two primary facilities in Webster, spanning more than 50 acres, which support year-round programming, league play and its annual Lakefront Classic Showcase that brings tens of thousands of visitors from across the region.

Thomas Landscape & Design (50 years)

What began as an idea Rick Thomas had while he was still in high school has grown into a thriving, family-owned business. Recognizing the need for creative and innovative landscaping services, Rick turned his vision into reality and built Thomas Landscape and Design into Monroe County’s leading full-service landscape, lawn, tree, and shrub maintenance company.

Through hard work and perseverance, Rick established both commercial and residential accounts and in the 1980s purchased the company’s Ridge Road location. Today, that location is home to much more than a landscaping business. In addition to providing comprehensive landscaping services, Thomas Landscape and Design features a Garden Center, nursery, greenhouses and a charming gift shop.

Thomas Landscape and Design offers everything from landscape design and installation to ongoing lawn, tree and shrub maintenance. Rick continues to personally oversee landscaping projects alongside his daughter, Heather Thomas who is now President and runs the organization, Pam Thomas who is Vice President and Buyer, and Vice President/General Manager Tony Zucco.

Gerard P. Smith / World Insurance (60 years)

Founded in 1966, the Gerard P. Smith Agency established itself as a trusted insurance resource for individuals, families and businesses throughout Webster and Greater Rochester. Built on a commitment to personalized service, strong client relationships, and professional expertise, the agency earned a reputation for helping generations of clients protect what matters most while adapting to the changing needs of the community.

A significant milestone in the agency’s history came with the merger of the Gerard P. Smith Agency and the DG&M agency, bringing together two respected local organizations with shared values and a dedication to client service. By combining experience, talent and resources, the merged organization expanded its capabilities while preserving the personalized approach that had defined both agencies for decades.

Today, DG&M Insurance Agency operates as a Division of World Insurance Associates, LLC following its acquisition by World Insurance in 2021. World currently has offices here in Webster, Pittsford, as well as another office in Geneva.

Kitchen & Bath Expressions (60 years)

Gary Lazzaro began working full time in the remodeling business in 1966. 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 2,200 square feet of showroom and offices in 1993.

Their commitment to improving quality of life in the home earned recognition in the national 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” at Homearama for a stylish design that accommodated the special requirements of the physically challenged.

Gary has been a member of the Webster Lions Club for over 53 years serving on their board and for three terms as president. He’s received the Melvin Jones Fellowship and the Robert J. Uplinger Awards for distinguished service in Lionism as well as Lion of the Year many times.

Penfield Webster EMS (60 years)

The current Penfield Webster Emergency Medical Services was founded in 1966 as The Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance Service, Inc. when community leaders recognized the need for a local ambulance service after emergency response times from the city often exceeded 30 minutes. The local Lions Club raised the funds necessary to purchase the community’s first ambulance. Since that first year, when they covered 160 calls, they have grown into a modern emergency medical service providing around-the-clock care to thousands of residents and visitors to Penfield and Webster every day of the year.

Penfield Webster EMS has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the community by adding additional ambulances, introducing critical care services, constructing modern facilities, and providing advanced life support and paramedic-level care to an agency providing emergency response to almost 12,000 calls a year. Additionally, they support community events, public safety initiatives and have trained thousands of residents in CPR and first aid in both Penfield and Webster.

Wilbert’s Buick & GM Parts (75 years)

Wilbert’s was founded in 1952 by Arthur “Art” Wilbert, a family man with a farming background and a passion for repairing automobiles. Working from an old barn on Salt Road, Art purchased wrecked vehicles and combined their usable components to build reliable vehicles. The leftover parts soon created a new business opportunity, leading him to begin purchasing vehicles specifically for dismantling and supplying quality used parts to collision repair facilities. These resourceful beginnings laid the foundation for what would become Wilbert’s automotive recycling business.

In the 1970s, Art planted Christmas trees to create a natural screen around the growing inventory of automotive parts behind the barn. As the trees matured, community members began asking if they could purchase them for Christmas. Art recognized another opportunity and transformed the surrounding farmland into a Christmas tree farm alongside the automotive business. The farm became one of his greatest passions, allowing him to return to his agricultural roots while building lasting relationships with local families.

Over the decades, Wilbert’s grew from that single barn into seven automotive recycling facilities across New York and Ohio, a full-service automotive repair and tire center, and an expanding family Christmas tree farm. The farm now encompasses more than 150 acres with about 180,000 Christmas trees. Along the way, Wilbert’s has been nationally recognized by its industry peers as a leading automotive recycler in the United States and has been named a Top Employer for three consecutive years.

Webster Rotary Club (80 years)

The Webster Rotary Club was chartered in February 1946. The club’s original 23 members, all male, represented a diverse cross-section of the Webster community, with members working in professions including law, pharmacy, retail, and automobile repair and maintenance. Over the years, the club has continued to grow and evolve, welcoming both men and women from a wide variety of professions and backgrounds who share a common commitment to strengthening the Webster community.

Guided by Rotary International’s enduring motto, “Service Above Self,” one of the club’s most significant contributions was its role as a founding supporter of Camp Haccamo, a summer camp created to provide children with special needs, the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities in a professionally supervised environment alongside other children with similar needs and interests.

For 80 years, Webster Rotary has demonstrated that meaningful change begins with people willing to give their time, talent, and resources to help others. Through service, scholarships, community projects, and support for those in need, the club has played an important role in making Webster a stronger and more caring community.

The Summit Federal Credit Union (85 years)

Founded in 1941, The Summit Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, full-service financial cooperative. With more than $1.4 billion in assets. The Summit has more than 230 employees and provides a full range of affordable financial products and services to over 96,000 active members in Central New York, the Finger Lakes Region and Western New York.

The Summit is dedicated to the rich diversity of the communities that they serve. You will regularly see their staff out and about in the community supporting other not-for-profit organizations that share their mission and values.

Webster Theatre Guild (90 years)

The Webster Theatre Guild was organized in 1936 by Erva Wright Smith and Reverend John Schott, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. In its earliest years, Webster Theatre Guild produced one-act plays at locations throughout the Village of Webster, often staging performances to benefit local organizations including the Webster Public Library, the Sons of the American Legion, and the Service Men’s Christmas Fund in 1942.

In 1958, Webster Theatre Guild began its tradition of annual musicals with Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore, followed by The Pirates of Penzance in 1959. Over the decades, the Guild has performed many stage classics, including Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Annie, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, Evita, and West Side Story. More recent productions have included Jekyll and Hyde, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Addams Family, Little Women, Rock of Ages, last season’s Shrek The Musical, and this year, Sister Act.

The WTG has awarded annual scholarships to graduating seniors since its inception, which in 2005 were renamed to honor the late Joe Obbie, a lifelong Webster resident and community leader who embraced theatre later in life.

maurices (95 years)

Founded in 1931 by E. Maurice Labovitz in downtown Duluth, Minnesota, maurices began as a small women’s clothing store during the height of the Great Depression. Built on a commitment to exceptional value, quality merchandise, and personalized service, the company earned just a few dollars in profit during its first year. But its people-first culture rooted in resilience, integrity, and genuine care for customers, created a foundation that continues to guide the business 95 years later.

Over the past nine and a half decades, maurices has grown from a single storefront into a leading North American fashion retailer with more than 800 locations across the United States and Canada. Throughout its history, the company has successfully navigated economic changes, industry transformation, and evolving customer needs while remaining focused on serving women in the small and mid-sized communities it proudly calls its “hometowns.” What makes maurices’ 95-year story especially remarkable is that while the company has grown into a national brand, it has remained committed to the same values and customer-centered approach that inspired its founding in 1931.

maurices opened its Webster location in Towne Center Plaza this past April.

Underberg & Kessler LLP (100 years)

Founded in 1926, Underberg & Kessler LLP is a full-service law firm rooted in Rochester, with additional offices in Buffalo, Canandaigua, and Geneseo.

The firm began as a two-lawyer partnership when Joseph Goldstein and Manuel D. Goldman opened their practice in the Union Trust Building in downtown Rochester. For more than 25 years, Joe and Manny built a reputation for dedication to clients and deep community involvement. In 1952, the firm expanded when Harry D. Goldman, Manny’s brother, joined as a partner, prompting a name change to Goldstein Goldman and Goldman. That same year, Irving L. Kessler, recognized for his leadership in real estate law, joined the firm as an associate. Five years later, Irv became a partner, and the firm was renamed Goldstein, Goldman and Kessler.

In 1963, Alan J. Underberg, an accomplished corporate practitioner, joined the partnership, leading to the firm’s next name change: Goldstein, Goldman, Kessler and Underberg. Continued growth throughout the following decade culminated in the firm’s relocation in the early 1970s to the newly opened Chase Lincoln First Tower, where it became the building’s first non-banking tenant. By July 1988, with more than 30 attorneys, the firm adopted the name Underberg & Kessler LLP. The firm remained in the Chase Lincoln First Tower until relocating its headquarters in 2005 to Legacy Tower (formerly Bausch & Lomb Place), where it remains today.

West Webster Fire Department Association (100 years)

In January 1925, fire struck the hamlet of West Webster at the John Shoemaker Block on Ridge Road, just west of Gravel Road on the north side of the road. The fire began shortly before 3:00 p.m. when an oil stove exploded inside the Shoemaker Building. The fire quickly spread west to the Milliman Building and then east to the Brewer Building.

Webster Fire apparatus arrived approximately 10 minutes after the initial alarm and immediately requested assistance from the Rochester Fire Department, Point Pleasant and Sea Breeze. The losses were estimated at $50,000, equivalent to more than $954,000 today.

In the aftermath of the fire, a local social group known as the “Social 20” took on the task of improving fire protection in the western part of the Town of Webster. Throughout the remainder of 1925 and into early 1926, the organization held fundraising events to support that effort. On May 3, 1926, the West Webster Volunteer Firemen’s Association held its first meeting at Maccabee Hall on Ridge Road.

Today, the West Webster Fire Department protects more than 25 square miles, and has 96 active volunteer members. In 2025, those members responded to more than 1,225 calls for service.

Wegmans Food Markets (110 years)

Wegmans’ story began in 1916, when brothers Walter and John Wegman opened the Rochester Fruit and Vegetable Company. The first official Wegmans Food Markets store opened in 1930 on West Main in Rochester and was notable for its size and innovation, including cafeteria seating and a wide variety of products.

From the start, Wegmans demonstrated its commitment to employees by taking care of its people so they could, in turn, take care of customers. The company built a long history of making a difference in the communities it serves through donations to local food banks, pantries, and other nonprofit organizations. As Wegmans expanded into new markets, including its first Webster store in 1954, it gained national recognition through books, national news, and Fortune’s first-ever list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For,” which Wegmans has earned a place on every year since.

In 2016, Wegmans celebrated its centennial and has continued to grow and innovate ever since. Led by a new generation of family leaders, Wegmans has expanded to 114 stores in 9 states and Washington, D.C., while maintaining a strong focus on its values and mission of helping people live healthier, better lives through exceptional food.

Community Bank, N.A. (160 years)

Founded in Canton, New York as St. Lawrence National Bank in 1866, Community Bank has spent more than a century and a half helping individuals, families and businesses achieve their goals while remaining deeply connected to the communities it serves. Today, as part of parent company Community Financial System, Inc., the organization has grown to approximately $17 billion in assets, more than 200 branches, over 3,000 employees, and a footprint spanning upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont, western Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

Over the past two years, Community Financial System, Inc. includes the construction of 13 new branches, four new regional headquarters, and a new corporate headquarters in Central New York. This expansion included four new branch locations in Monroe County including the Webster location in BayTowne Plaza.

That growth has been accompanied by a continued commitment to community impact. In 2025, the company contributed nearly $5 million in donations, grants and sponsorships, supported more than 1,400 nonprofit organizations, and recorded nearly 19,000 employee volunteer hours.

M&T Bank (170 years)

Founded in 1856, in Buffalo, M&T Bank provides strength and peace of mind to their clients in all economic environments thanks to their consistent earnings, superior profitability and exceptional financial stability.

For 170 years, M&T has strived to take an active role in their communities and build long-lasting relationships with their customers. They are a bank for the communities, combining the capabilities of a large bank with the care of a locally focused institution. Their purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives and uplift the communities they serve.

M&T has a resilient balance sheet and strong earnings, and they are growing their size and capabilities so that they can provide more communities with the financial services they need to thrive. They’re investing in technology to meet the demands of tomorrow’s banking system. They are working to drive innovation that solves life’s enduring problems in new and transformative ways. As they grow and look to the future, they are committed to growing with purpose – to empower them to better serve their communities and to make a difference in their people’s lives.

M&T currently has over 1000 branches, 22,000 employees and holds $212 billion dollars in assets. They’re ranked in the top 25 US banks based on assets.

NBT Bank (170 years)

NBT Bank is an independent, community-focused financial institution dedicated to putting customers first and strengthening the communities they serve. They offer a full range of personal banking, business banking, and wealth management services. With a network of more than 170 locations across New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut, NBT’s greatest strength lies in their people.

NBT Bank has five retail branches in Monroe County, including Fairport, Irondequoit, Penfield and Perinton, along with their newest office, which opened in 2025 at 1075 Ridge Road in Webster. The local team is deeply committed to making the community a better place to live and work. In addition to providing financial support, their employees actively volunteer their time and expertise on local committees and nonprofit boards.

Webster Republican Committee (170 years)

The Webster Republican Party traces its roots to the founding of the Republican Party in 1856. Shortly thereafter, the newly formed party began fielding candidates for public office in the Town of Webster. Throughout much of Webster’s history, the town’s elected leadership, including town supervisors and town council members, has been predominantly Republican.

As political organizations and party structures evolved throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Webster Republican organization developed into the structure that exists today. Reforms during the 1960s and 1970s established the position of Town Leader, who serves as the party’s political spokesperson and represents Webster Republican interests within the Monroe County Republican Party. Additional reforms during the 1980s further consolidated responsibilities within the Town Leader position, shaping the role largely as it is known today.

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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 10/10/2026)

Tags: Missy Rosenberry, Webster Chamber of Commerce, Webster NY