LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Livingston County Development is intently searching for a way to fund the next step in developing an enclosed, year-round county-wide public market: hiring a farm market administrator to manage any existing small farm markets whose leadership would rather focus their efforts elsewhere. Bill Bacon, Director of Livingston County Development, says that the next step recommended by an independent consultant is to bring a person … [Read more...]
SUN EXCLUSIVE: Avon to Feast on $250K More in Barilla Taxes
AVON – The Village, Town and Avon Central Schools are about to receive more tax revenue than they can chew from Barilla. Bill Bacon, Director of the Livingston County Industrial Development Agency, told the Village Board Monday night that Barilla has reached the point in their 20-year pilot program where 100 percent of their tax expenditures will go directly to the Village, Town and school. This could mean a total tax revenue increase of … [Read more...]
‘Huge Response’ Grows Support for County-Coordinated Farmers Markets
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – A 'huge response' to a survey issued by Livingston County Development is pushing interest in the County helping administrate several small farmers markets. Bill Bacon, Director of the Livingston County Development, said that 1,367 people responded to the online survey. "The idea that seems to be gaining the most traction is a central farmers market hub with several satellite offices," said Bacon. "There ares still plenty … [Read more...]
Livingston County Development Tests the Waters with Public Market Study
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Livingston County Development launched a public survey to test the waters for a potential centralized public market just as the first fruits and vegetables are peeking from local farmers' fields. The vision laid out in the survey, accessible here, is fluid. Maybe the county could secure a grant to build an indoor, year-round venue for farmers, growers and producers to sell fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, baked goods, … [Read more...]
Businesses on Avon’s Techless Tec Drive Await Overdue Utilities
AVON – New businesses at Tec Drive are still awaiting installation of gas, electric and internet utilities. The 1/4 mile road was supposed to be completed by the Livingston County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) in June 2014. Jody Wolfanger, founder and owner of Evening Star Coffee Roasters, says that the delays have been unfortunate and pushed the construction of an expanded new location, critical to his growth as one of the east coast's … [Read more...]
Livingston County Applies for Grant to Streamline Municipal Water Costs
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Livingston County is applying for a New York State Grant to make water distribution in Avon and Geneseo more efficient. Bill Bacon, Director of Livingston County Development, says that if approved, the $300,000 grant would go towards finding ways to cut water delivery costs the villages of Geneseo and Avon. "Until the work begins on the program, the consultant will have to allow their approach to evolve as they find ways … [Read more...]
Livingston County Development Tries Propagating Breweries
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Livingston County Economic Development opened a survey, accessible here, to gauge interest in a contest and award program to grow more breweries to the region, intending to eventually blossom into a local brew trail. According to a press release from Livingston County Economic Development, four entrepreneurs with their eyes on new brewing businesses will win prizes valued at more than $600,000 as part of the contest, called … [Read more...]
Bill Bacon Takes the Reins as Livingston County Economic Developer
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – The Livingston County Board of Supervisors appointed Bill Bacon as Economic Developer on Wednesday. The position was vacated when previous Economic Developer Julie Marshall resigned in February 2016. "I recommend his without reservation," said County Administrator Ian Coyle at Monday's Ways and Means Committee meeting. "We received six applications, interviewed four, and Bill Bacon rose to the top. He is a lifelong … [Read more...]
Five Star Bank’s Bill Bacon to be Honored with Traber Award
DANSVILLE — Bill Bacon was surprised at today's County Industrial Development Agency meeting by the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce, who notified him that he would be the recipient of the George Traber Award, named for iconic Caledonia resident and philanthropist George Traber, who passed away in 2008. Bacon, Vice President Commercial Lending for Five Star Bank in Dansville, was recognized for his endless community service and … [Read more...]