{"id":65911,"date":"2025-07-10T17:47:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T21:47:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/?p=65911"},"modified":"2025-07-10T17:47:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T21:47:08","slug":"wyoming-county-sen-borrello-presents-nys-senate-empire-award-to-vertical-cafe-in-honor-of-10-year-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2025\/07\/10\/wyoming-county-sen-borrello-presents-nys-senate-empire-award-to-vertical-cafe-in-honor-of-10-year-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"WYOMING COUNTY\/Sen. Borrello presents NYS Senate Empire Award to Vertical Caf\u00e9 in honor of 10-year anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Senator Borrello presenting the New York State Senate Empire\u00a0Award to Rodd Proefrock, owner of the Vertical Caf\u00e9.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Press release\/provided photos<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WARSAW, NY<\/strong> – In honor of its 10th anniversary, Senator George Borrello presented the prestigious New York State Senate Empire Award to the owners of the Vertical Caf\u00e9, a beloved local business that has become a cornerstone of the Warsaw community. The ceremony, held at the caf\u00e9\u2019s welcoming downtown location, celebrated not only a decade of entrepreneurial success but also the caf\u00e9\u2019s deep and lasting contributions to community building, youth development, and local revitalization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVertical Caf\u00e9 is everything a community-focused business should be,\u201d said Senator Borrello. \u201cFor ten years, it has served as a gathering place, a job creator, and a source of inspiration for Warsaw and beyond. I\u2019m proud to present the Empire Award in recognition of Rodd Proefrock\u2019s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to uplifting those around him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Founded in 2015 in Perry, NY, and relocated to Warsaw in 2017, Vertical Caf\u00e9 has become a local institution. Under the leadership of Rodd Proefrock, the caf\u00e9 reflects the values of hard work, faith, and family. Alongside his wife and children, Rodd has built a business where customers are treated like family and young people are given meaningful opportunities to learn and grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vertical Caf\u00e9\u2019s impact extends well beyond coffee. In 2021, Rodd spearheaded the transformation of a long-neglected alley behind the caf\u00e9 into the vibrant \u201cAlley in the Valley\u201d\u2014a public gathering space that now serves as a symbol of community restoration and revitalization. With support from volunteers and local contractors, what was once filled with trash has become a welcoming place to relax, connect, and enjoy live music, art, and conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rodd also launched the Vertical Caf\u00e9 Podcast<\/em> to highlight local voices making a difference, and he instituted a quarterly Hospitality Award to recognize team members who go above and beyond to serve the caf\u00e9\u2019s patrons with excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCongratulations to Rodd Proefrock, his family, and the entire team at Vertical Cafe on their 10-year anniversary. We sincerely congratulate them on receiving the prestigious NYS Senate Empire Award presented by Senator Borrello,\u201d said Scott Gardner, President of the Wyoming County Chamber and Tourism office<\/strong>. \u201cThis honor recognizes Vertical Cafe as an outstanding small business, for their longevity and their continued commitment to our community. We are so glad that they continue to provide quality food and beverages, gifts and a unique gathering space for customers and visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It\u2019s an honor and humbling to receive this award as it confirms that we are doing what God has called us to do within our community,\u201d said Vertical Caf\u00e9\u2019s owner, Rodd Proefrock<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs we mark a decade of Vertical Caf\u00e9, we\u2019re not just celebrating a successful small business,\u201d Senator Borrello added. \u201cWe\u2019re honoring a family\u2019s commitment to making Warsaw stronger, kinder, and more connected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The New York State Senate Empire Award is one of the highest honors the Senate can bestow on small businesses, given to those that have shown excellence in both enterprise and community impact.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Senator Borrello presenting the New York State Senate Empire\u00a0Award to Rodd Proefrock, owner of the Vertical Caf\u00e9. Press release\/provided photos WARSAW, NY – In honor of its 10th anniversary, Senator George Borrello presented the prestigious New York State Senate Empire Award to the owners of the Vertical Caf\u00e9, a beloved local \u2026<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":65914,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[47,16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65911","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-warsaw","category-wyoming-county"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8eTP4-h95","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":54884,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/07\/16\/genesee-county-gagne-named-2024-nys-senate-woman-of-distinction-for-the-57th-district\/","url_meta":{"origin":65911,"position":0},"title":"GENESEE COUNTY\/Gagne named 2024 NYS Senate “Woman of Distinction” for the 57th District","author":"aka","date":"July 16, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Sue Gagne with Senator George Borrello on Monday during a Ceremony held in her honor (Information from provided press release) Sue Gagne, a respected mental health professional from Genesee County and registered nurse, was honored at The City Church Generation Center by Senator George Borrello in recognition of her selection\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Batavia"","block_context":{"text":"Batavia","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/gennesse-county\/batavia\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/still-sue.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/still-sue.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/still-sue.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/still-sue.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/still-sue.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":72150,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/02\/04\/wny-senator-borrello-announces-his-candidacy-for-re-election-in-the-57th-state-senate-district\/","url_meta":{"origin":65911,"position":1},"title":"WNY\/Senator Borrello announces his candidacy for re-election in the 57th State Senate District","author":"aka","date":"February 4, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Senator George Borrello today officially announced he is seeking re-election to represent the 57th District in the New York State Senate. Press release \u201cRepresenting the people of Western New York is the honor of my life, and it\u2019s a responsibility I work to earn every day,\u201d said Senator Borrello. \u201cAlbany\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "WNY"","block_context":{"text":"WNY","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/wny\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2020Jul08_0140-smaller-1-scaled.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2020Jul08_0140-smaller-1-scaled.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2020Jul08_0140-smaller-1-scaled.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2020Jul08_0140-smaller-1-scaled.jpg?fit=900%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":75177,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/13\/genesee-county-le-roy-borrello-announces-senate-passage-of-legislation-creating-the-lt-gary-a-scott-memorial-highway\/","url_meta":{"origin":65911,"position":2},"title":"GENESEE COUNTY\/Le Roy\/Borrello Announces Senate Passage of Legislation Creating the Lt. Gary A. Scott Memorial Highway","author":"aka","date":"May 13, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Press release A portion of Route 19 in LeRoy would be designated in honor of the fallen hero ALBANY, N.Y. \u2014 Senator George Borrello today announced the New York State Senate has passed\u00a0legislation\u00a0to designate a portion of Route 19 in Le Roy as the \u201cLt. Gary A. Scott Memorial Highway,\u201d\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Genesee County"","block_context":{"text":"Genesee County","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/genesee-county\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2LT-Gary-A.-Scott-500x611-1.png?fit=500%2C611&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":79860,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/09\/01\/genesee-county-borrello-honors-oakfield-alabama-girls-varsity-softball-team-for-historic-state-championship\/","url_meta":{"origin":65911,"position":3},"title":"GENESEE COUNTY\/Borrello honors Oakfield-Alabama Girls Varsity Softball Team for historic State Championship","author":"aka","date":"September 1, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Press release\/provided photo Senator George Borrello presented a New York State Senate proclamation to the Oakfield-Alabama Girls Varsity Softball Team Monday in recognition of the Hornets' historic 2026 NYSPHSAA Class D State Championship. The Hornets defeated Windham-Ashland-Jewett 4-1 in the state championship game on June 13 at Greenlight Networks Grand\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Genesee County"","block_context":{"text":"Genesee County","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/genesee-county\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_1012-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C647&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_1012-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C647&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_1012-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C647&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_1012-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C647&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_1012-1.jpeg?fit=1200%2C647&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":82845,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2026\/10\/01\/wyoming-county-borrello-gallivan-host-agriculture-roundtable-with-western-new-york-farmers\/","url_meta":{"origin":65911,"position":4},"title":"WYOMING COUNTY\/Borrello, Gallivan host Agriculture Roundtable with Western New York Farmers","author":"aka","date":"October 1, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Farmers discuss rising costs, labor mandates and workforce challenges threatening the viability of New York agriculture Press release\/provided photo VARYSBURG, NY \u2013 Senator George Borrello, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator Patrick Gallivan brought together approximately 40 farmers and agricultural leaders Thursday for a roundtable discussion focused\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Varysburg"","block_context":{"text":"Varysburg","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/varysburg\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-IMG_2271.jpeg?fit=1200%2C957&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-IMG_2271.jpeg?fit=1200%2C957&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-IMG_2271.jpeg?fit=1200%2C957&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-IMG_2271.jpeg?fit=1200%2C957&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-IMG_2271.jpeg?fit=1200%2C957&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":54022,"url":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/06\/12\/genesee-county-hawley-announces-roadway-in-genesee-county-to-be-renamed-after-war-hero\/","url_meta":{"origin":65911,"position":5},"title":"GENESEE COUNTY\/Hawley announces roadway in Genesee County to be renamed after war hero","author":"aka","date":"June 12, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Press Release Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is announcing a portion of Route 77 in Darien is being renamed as the \u201cSgt. Terry James Garigen Memorial Highway.\u201d Hawley and Senator Borrello both sponsored proposals that would dedicate this roadway in honor of Sgt. Garigen. Sgt. Garigen was a decorated Vietnam war\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Genesee County"","block_context":{"text":"Genesee County","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/category\/genesee-county\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/videonewsservice.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/thumbnail_image.png?fit=379%2C550&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65911","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65911"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65911\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65918,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65911\/revisions\/65918"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65914"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65911"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65911"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}