GENESEE COUNTY/Start-Up Genesee celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Harvester Center at last event of the season

Left to right- Bev Mancuso, Tom Mancuso, Sharon White

Start-Up Genesee launched on Aug. 31, 2016 with a party celebrating the Harvester’s 57^th Anniversary.

On Thursday night the Start-Up Genesee “Think and Drink” series wrapped up the 2019 season with an Anniversary celebration at 22 Masse Place.

The “Think and Drink” Series, with groups like the Le Roy Business Council, Batavia Development Corporation, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and GCEDC, host events during the year to assist active entrepreneurs grow and encourage them in the early stages of starting a business to develop a business plan, find an ideal location, and take advantage of all the local resources and people who can assist in the process.

In February, John Adams from FranNet led a discussion on how a franchise business is a viable path for even a first-time entrepreneur. His service provides analysis and backing for companies looking for operators, and entrepreneurs looking for a market niche.
In April, Lina LaMattina’s students at GCC and community members participated in the second annual Business Idea Pitch Competition, with around 40 presentations of products, services, and businesses.
In June, the Chamber of Commerce led a walking tour of downtown Oakfield, with Main Street businesses and shops share their experiences and opportunities available in the community.

Jim Krencik/GCEDC Director of Marketing and Communications at Thursday nights “Think and Drink” Series.

On August 18, 2019, the Harvester Center, the world’s first business incubator, a mixed-use industrial, commercial and office building located at 56 Harvester Avenue, will be 60 years old. Over 3,000 businesses have been housed at the Harvester Center since 1959.

The incubator site was created by Joseph L. Mancuso and his family to address massive unemployment in the area at the time. Today B. Thomas Mancuso maintains the original mission of the incubator site while keeping up with current trends.

Tom Mancuso speaking at the last “Think and Drink” series event for 2019

The Mancuso Family was presented with a Proclamation from Assemblyman Steve Hawley’s Office by Sharon White at Thursday night’s “Think and Drink” series. Also on hand with samples was North Ridge Distillery and the Circle B Winery. Food was provided by the D&R Depot.