Tag Archives: Webster Chamber of Commerce

Two Chamber networking events coming up soon

4 Aug

If you own a business and are not yet a member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, you’re really missing out on a great way to help your business grow. Two events taking place in the next few weeks are your next opportunities to get to know the Chamber better and find out how the organization can support your business.

The first is the Chamber’s next Connect at Noon event, Wednesday Aug. 6 at the Chamber office, hosted by Webster Comfort Care Home and CA Consulting.

Connect at Noon events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities to network with members and investigate Chamber membership as a guest or visitor. Lunch will be provided. There’s no fee for Chamber members to attend; the guest and visitor fee is $10. All attendees must pre-register here.

The meeting will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane, beginning at noon.

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The next event is the monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, on Friday Aug. 22 at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Chamber staff and members. Enjoy coffee, tea and juice while you network with dozens of other local business owners. (Anywhere from 70 to 90 companies are represented at these events.) A buffet breakfast will be served at 7:30, and you’ll sit with other Chamber members to get to know them and their businesses even better. And there’s always an informative speaker. This month’s attendees will learn more about the Webster Central School District.

Before the end of breakfast, during pass-the-mic time, everyone attending gets to introduce themselves. Then there are DOOR PRIZES! (Bring a door prize when you come and you’ll get even more recognition at the meeting and on the Chamber website.)

The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, earn visibility for your business or organization, and find out more about the Chamber of Commerce. Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 8/4/2025)

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Why I love the Webster Chamber of Commerce

27 Jun

I’ve got a lot of love for the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

This outstanding organization goes above and beyond to promote our local businesses, especially through their frequently updated website and informative online newsletter. But my favorite part? The monthly Chamber breakfasts.

These monthly Friday morning gatherings regularly draw upwards of 90 business owners, making them a fantastic networking opportunity. And the breakfast itself is always delicious.

I don’t own a business myself, but I attend as a blogger, and these meetings are a goldmine for story ideas. At the most recent breakfast, I met the owners of two new businesses opening soon — Community Bank and Play-a-Latte — both of which I’ll be writing about. I also jotted down notes about half a dozen upcoming events around town for my mailbag posts. Plus, I caught up with longtime acquaintances and made some new ones, all thanks to the Chamber.

Each meeting features a useful and often eye-opening presentation. This time, representatives from the West Webster Fire Department, Penfield Ambulance, and Webster Police Department shared important summer safety tips that everyone should hear.

Oh, and did I mention I won a sweet backpack in the door prize drawing?

If you own a business in Webster, or even just do business here, you should absolutely consider joining the Webster Chamber of Commerce. There’s no downside and a whole lot of upside.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 6/27/2025)

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Ruff Day Resort named Chamber’s June Business of the Month

12 Jun

Congratulations to Ruff Day Pet Resort, honored as the June Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Ruff Day Resort is located on Gravel Rd. in Webster, and provides dog daycare, lodging, training and spa treatments. The business specializes in individualized care, providing indoor and outdoor play equipment, dedicated lodging and play areas, paying attention to the needs of dogs of all sizes.

Ruff Day was founded by Amy Holtz, who began her canine-dedicated career as a certified dog trainer. In the 15 years since she established Ruff Day, it has grown from a family-operated business into an organization with 13 employees, enabling the delivery of comprehensive pet resort services.

Holtz and her daughter are active members of community groups and youth programs through Crosstown Alliance Church and Northridge Church. They also participate in the community outreach of RocDog, a local therapy dog organization.

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. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is Friday June 27, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve presents the June Business of the Month award to Ruff Day Resort. Sammi Datthyn, employee of Ruff Day Resort, accepted the honor at the monthly Chamber Breakfast.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 6/12/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

12 May

The Webster Recreation Center will be holding a Family Fun Night on Friday, May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.

The evening’s festivities will include lawn games, dancing, food, and lots more. Police, fire department and Town of Webster highway trucks will be present, as well as community group booths, tattoo artists, food trucks and a concession stand. There’ll even be an “Instrument Zoo.”

There’s no cost to attend and registration is not necessary. Just come on by and bring the family!

*****

Color Webster Green has scheduled two very interesting programs in the next few weeks.

The first is an outdoor workshop called Magnificent Monarchs, on Saturday, May 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Charles Sexton Park. Color Webster Green member Geri McMahon will be presenting this family-friendly event. Everyone who attends will go home with fun stickers, and some milkweed seeds to plant in their yards.

There’s no charge, and registration is optional, but it might be nice to let the Color Webster Green folks know how many are planning to attend.  

The second is a Refuse District Discussion on Thursday, May 29 from 7 to 8 p.m.

This is an online discussion to start a conversation about refuse districts. Since this is an initiative that needs a lot of buy-in from the community, Color Webster Green is trying to see if folks are interested in pushing for this. It’s already been implemented in Brighton and Pittsford.

The discussion will start with a short presentation on what refuse districts are and how it came about in Brighton. The meeting will be online via MS Teams at this link. 

*****

The Webster Museum has some new items in their store, which you’ll want to check out next time you’re there. They’re scenic photo cards picturing several beautiful features of the Webster area, including the Harmony House, the pier, historic homes, and others.

The cost is three cards for $5.40, or $2.15 each, tax included. Cash or check, please.

The Webster Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. They’re located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

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The next Breakfast Before Business Meeting of the Webster Chamber of Commerce will be Friday, May 30 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests, and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Every attendee participates in pass-the-mic time, your opportunity to briefly introduce yourself. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70 to 90 attendees. Reservations are required. Click here.  

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/12/2025)

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Elena Dilai Photography named Chamber April Business of the Month

21 Apr

Congratulations to Elena Dilai Photography, honored as the April Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Elena’s business stood out to the Chamber of Commerce selection committee for several reasons.

Elena has studied under some of the most respected photographers in the world. Her hunger for perfecting her craft has been recognized by The Portrait Masters who have awarded her an Associate Accreditation. Additionally, several pieces of her work have earned entrance into the finals at the Professional Photographers of America’s International Competition. She was also recently named one of the Top 100 Photographers in the World by WPE.

Elena has been recognized outside of the field of photography as well. She is an awarded professor of mathematics at Monroe Community College, including being a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. 

Elena’s work, “Enduring Spirit,” recently won the Susan B. Anthony Museum Award through the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. Currently, she’s working hard on fulfilling her “40+ and Fabulous” dream, where she is photographing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, share with others the gifts of mature beauty and confidence.

As for community service — an important criterion for selection as Business of the Month — Elena performs leadership roles in Rochester’s Ukrainian-American community. Currently, she serves as the Secretary of RocMaidan, a nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

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. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community. Length of service and commitment to our community are success factors the Webster Chamber of Commerce enjoys recognizing and celebrating.

Get to know the Chamber of Commerce

Two events taking place in the next few weeks are your next opportunities to get to know the Chamber better and find out how the organization can support your business.

The first is the monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, on Friday April 25 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Join 70-90 Chamber members, guests and visitors at this great opportunity to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Before the end of breakfast, during pass-the-mic time, everyone attending gets to introduce themselves. Then there are DOOR PRIZES! (Bring a door prize when you come and you’ll get even more recognition at the meeting and on the Chamber website.)

This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area! Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is on Wednesday April 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Webster Chamber of Commerce office, 1110 Crosspoint Lane. Garrett Wagner, Founder of C3 Advisory, will host.

The Chamber’s monthly Eat Drink & Connects are opportunities to professionally network and get further acquainted with members. There’s no fee for Chamber members to attend, and just $10 for guests and visitors. And there are DOOR PRIZES! All attendees must pre-register here.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/21/2025)

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Rich Marlin named Webster Chamber Business Person of the Year

3 Apr

Congratulations to Rich Marlin, financial advisor with Edward Jones in Webster, who was recently named Webster Chamber of Commerce 2025 Business Person of the Year.

A financial advisor for 43 years and an Edward Jones partner for more than 30 years, Rich is a husband, father, business owner and advisor to many. He’s also an active volunteer who’s been involved with many community efforts in addition to his involvement with the Chamber of Commerce.

Outside the office, Rich is passionate about sharing his time, treasure and talent with local non-profits. In addition to his Chamber Committee work with the Program and Membership committees, Rich leads the Chamber’s coordination for the annual United Way Day of Caring. He has sponsored Chamber connecting events such as Connect at Noon and has led past Power Hour presentations.

Rich has contributed financially to many charitable causes including the Webster Community Chest and Comfort Care Home, Hope Ministry, Webster Health & Education Network, Christopher’s Challenge, the Webster Garlic Festival, Wreaths Across America, One Soldier at a Time, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters, and the Heritage Christian Stables Day of Caring. AND he was a Boy Scout leader for more than 20 years.    

Rich’s efforts with the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is a project especially dear to his heart. Since 2021 he’s served on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee as a board member and chairperson. The event has raised more than $1,100,000 and Rich personally has raised more than $7000.

We have a plaque for him today that is inscribed with these words: “2025 Business Person of the Year presented by the Webster Chamber of Commerce to Rich Marlin in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the Webster Chamber of Commerce and your commitment to the community”.

In honor of his contributions to our community, Rich was presented with a plaque at the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s February Breakfast Before Business meeting. The Chamber also made a donation to an organization of Rich’s choosing.

The Business Person of the Year is an individual who is recognized as having set a standard of accomplishment in both business and the community. Nominations are from the Chamber’s business members who have made a significant impact on the role of business in the community. The nominee must have been an active member of the Chamber for at least 18 months, someone who is always willing to go above and beyond and be a leader that motivates others. He or she must have a level of community participation by contributing resources in the form of time, talent, or money to our community via projects, clubs, churches, and not-for-profit organizations.

(Pictured above, L-R: Webster Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Barry Howard, Deb Gargantiel from Rich Marlin’s staff, Business Person of the Year Rich Marlin, Rich’s wife Kathy Marlin, and Elena Heisel from Rich Marlin’s staff)

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/3/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

26 Mar

There’s still time to sign up for this month’s Webster Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Before Business meeting, scheduled for this Friday March 28.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests and visitors interested in investigating Chamber membership. The March breakfast will be held on Friday March 28 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Every attendee participates in pass-the-mic time when you’re invited to (very briefly) introduce yourself and your business.

This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70 to 90 attendees. Reservations are required. Click here to do so.

Shopping and Hopping

Quilters and crafters, take note:

The Village Quilt Shoppe is participating in a Fantastic Four Shop Hop from April 3 to 5.

They’re teaming up with Fluffy’s Quilt Patch Plus, Jackie Lynn’s Fabric Center, and Sadie Quilts to offer

  • 15% off all bolted quilting fabric (1/2 yd min. cut)
  • Demos & goodie bags
  • Passport giveaway – Pick up your passport at the first shop you visit and turn it in at your last stop.
  • Grand Prize: 16 yards of fabric
  • Additional Prizes: Four 2nd & 3rd place winners, plus several 4th place prizes

PLUS, If you love this idea of a Shop Hop, then you’ll love this: The Village Quilt Shoppe is also participating in an All-New York State Shop Hop taking place throughout May and June.

More than 50 shops throughout the state are participating. To take part, you’ll need to purchase the All New York Shop Hop Magazine, available at the Village Quilt Shoppe or on their website. In the magazine, you’ll find a Shop Hop Passport which includes all the event details including,

  • Maps to help you navigate your journey
  • A list of stores by region for easy planning
  • Shops participating in Shop Hop Sundays
  • Special Shop Hop hours so you can visit as many stores as possible
  • Exclusive patterns included just for participants  

Plus, there’s a special New York-themed fabric, which can also be purchased in the quilt shop or online, with pre-orders available now for pickup starting May 1.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park.

Women’s Club announces April luncheon

The April luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday April 17 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

This month’s speaker will be Diane S. Miller, Associate Broker with the Re/Max Realty Group, a veteran real estate agent with over 38 years’ experience in local real estate. Diane will be sharing information on the current crazy real estate market, as well as tips for people thinking of making a move, tips for those wanting to age in place safely and tips for organizing life information to reduce stress, and more.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Diane’s presentation. Cost of the luncheon is $22 and will include a buffet featuring assorted deli subs (ham, turkey roast beef, cheeses, lettuce and tomato) Country Club chips, and a cookie. Friendship and camaraderie are included at no charge. New members are more than welcome.

Send your check made out to the Women’s Club of Webster by April 10 (FIRM) to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you have any questions, or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. She will hold your place.

Looking ahead to warmer weather, the Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds.

The talk will be presented by Liz Magnanti, the owner of The Bird House in Pittsford. Orioles and hummingbirds spend their winters in Central and South America and migrate back to North America in the spring for breeding season. Learn all about these beautiful birds and how to attract them to your backyard.

The presentation begins at 7 p.m. and will take place in the Curry Building. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.

Books books books (cheap books!)

The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. The first day of the sale, Wednesday April 30 from 4 to 7 p.m., is exclusively for Friends Members. A Friends membership is required to attend this Book Sale and Vintage Book Sale. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.

All are welcome to attend the Book Sale on Thursday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/26/2025)

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Webster Community Chest named Chamber Business of the month

20 Dec

Congratulations to the Webster Community Chest, honored as the December Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

One of the Chamber’s longest-tenured members, the Webster Community Chest has been serving the Webster community for more than 75 years, guided by their mission: “Serving people and organizations in need in the greater Webster community by providing services and resources.” 

The Community Chest began as the Webster War Chest in 1942, during World War ll. It supported local residents serving overseas, along with their families. Six years later, it became a New York State charitable organization.

Today, more than 100 volunteers and two part-time benefits counselors work to provide a variety of services to the Webster community, including emergency food assistance, end-of-month meal kits, food delivery to local food cupboards, financial assistance during crises and emergencies, annual high school scholarships to reinforce volunteerism, summer camp scholarships, and Meals on Wheels subsidies. As examples of the Chest’s vast reach into the Webster community, nearly 11,000 end-of-month meal kits have been provided in 2024 and more than 750 Meals on Wheels meals were purchased.

If you’d like to join the Webster Community Chest in their mission to help your Webster neighbors in need, click here to learn more about the organization and explore volunteer opportunities.

Pictured above: (L-R) Webster Community Chest representatives Michael Grenier, Steve Yahoodik, Mary Kay Barrett and Sharon Pratt accept the award from Webster Chamber Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 12/20/2024)

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Webster Chamber of Commerce helps Webster NY HOPE help our neighbors

14 Dec

We all already know what an incredibly kind and giving community Webster is, especially during the holiday season.

A perfect example of that giving spirit was in full evidence on Thursday afternoon when the Webster Chamber of Commerce delivered more five than fully stuffed boxes and bags of hats, gloves, socks, neck warmers and more to Webster NY HOPE for distribution to our neighbors in need.

Some of the hundreds of donated items

The Chamber has been collecting the items since October. Members were encouraged to bring items to the monthly breakfast meetings and Eat, Drink and Connect networking events, or deposit them in the collection box at the Chamber offices on Crosspointe Lane.

In just that short time, the Chamber managed to collect almost 500 pieces of winter wear, including 195 pairs of socks, 115 children’s and adults’ hats, 35 neck warmers, 113 pairs of kids’ gloves and mittens, 24 pairs of adult gloves, plus five hat and gloves sets, and more. On Thursday afternoon Chamber President Barry Howard and Administrative Assistant Barbara Baldwin dropped them all off to very grateful staff members at Webster NY HOPE.

The donations will also be greatly appreciated by our Webster neighbors in need.

“We have 600 people signed up for our Christmas program this year,” Hope Director Margery Morgan said. “There’s a big need in Webster.”

Howard agreed. “We know that this is Webster, but you have to understand, we have a lot of people in need, even in Webster. We have a lot of people that go hungry, a lot of people who don’t have clothing, a lot of people who don’t have adequate housing. We have too much of that.”

Click here to find out how you can help Webster NY HOPE make this year’s holiday season a happy one for our neighbors in need.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 12/14/2024)

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Underberg & Kessler named Chamber Business of the Month

28 Nov

Congratulations to Underberg & Kessler LLP, honored as the November Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

After 98 years of service to our community, Underberg & Kessler LLP is well known in a variety of circles – business, municipalities and community. With 58 staff members across Rochester, Buffalo, Canandaigua and Geneseo, their legal service offerings are comprehensive and visible.

Underberg & Kessler also gives back to the community. Their U&K Cares Program has supported more than 30 charities since its inception in 2019, and staff members also participate with the Chamber’s team at Heritage Christian Stables on the United Way Day of Caring.

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. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community. Length of service and commitment to our community are success factors the Webster Chamber of Commerce enjoys recognizing and celebrating.

Pictured above: team members from Underberg & Kessler accept the Business of the Month award. (L-R) Attorney Kyle C. Pittman, Attorney Patrick L. Cusato, Past Webster Chamber Chair Carolyn Montanaro, and Attorney Andrew M. Washburn.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 11/27/2024)

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