LE ROY PENNYSAVER & NEWS - DECEMBER 25, 2022 To the LeRoy Community and All Others Whom This May Concern: The LeRoy Business Council hereby issues this statement to address questions and concerns surrounding the 2022 Winterfest which occurred on December 3, 2022. As a preliminary matter, we would like to clarify exactly what our function and aims are as an organization. In short, the mission of the LeRoy Business Council is to promote and represent the common interests of the businesses, professionals, and industries in the Village and Town of LeRoy. In furtherance of this mission, there are various committees under the umbrella of the LeRoy Business Council, one of which is the F.R.E.S.H. Committee. F.R.E.S.H. is an acronym for its five focus areas, and the F.R.E.S.H. Committee’s mission is to promote commerce, development, unity, beautification, and revitalization throughout the Town and Village of LeRoy. The LeRoy Business Council and all of its committees, including the F.R.E.S.H. Committee, are made up solely of community members and business owners who volunteer their time and efforts in furtherance of our mission. The full mission statement for the LeRoy Business Council can be found on our website at iloveleroyny. com; the F.R.E.S.H. Committee’s mission statement is not on the website, but we are happy to share F.R.E.S.H.’s full mission statement and acronym meaning upon request. In past years, Winterfest was a conglomeration of many hardworking and diligent business owners, community organizations, and volunteers. As great as Winterfest has been, the LeRoy Business Council sought to bring a more organized and cohesive event to the community by bringing businesses together, holding more events, and increasing business participation. In early 2022, the LBC ensured it would not be duplicating efforts by reaching out to those who had worked on Winterfest in the past. Once this box was checked, the LBC tasked the F.R.E.S.H. Committee with organizing and planning the 2022 Winterfest, and the members of F.R.E.S.H. began planning in summer 2022. As many know, in past years the big beautiful Christmas tree at the corner of Routes 5 and 19 would be lit for the first time during Winterfest festivities. What some may not know is that this tree is privately owned and was graciously donated each year by the owner to be enjoyed by the community. In August of 2022, the owner of the tree was contacted by a member of the F.R.E.S.H. Committee to ensure the tree would again be assembled and ready to be lit for Winterfest. In true Western New York fashion, the owner’s response was “Go Bills.” The LeRoy Business Council and F.R.E.S.H. Committee take full responsibility for not getting a definite commitment or “yes” regarding the tree. The LBC and F.R.E.S.H. should not have relied on such ambiguities and should not have assumed that the tree would be available. Fast forward to the week of Winterfest, and members of the F.R.E.S.H Committee were notified that the tree would not be available. Despite only having a few days to find a replacement, we were able to obtain a replacement tree in time for Winterfest. The LeRoy Business Council and its F.R.E.S.H. Committee extend a big thank you to the owner of the tree for the many years that it was donated to be enjoyed by the community. LBC and F.R.E.S.H. also issue a sincere apology to the owner for the lack of communication in coordinating the tree setup and lighting. LeRoy is a truly special community, and there should never be a divide when it comes to individuals aiming to better our community. The LBC is always looking for more members, and if you would like to become a member, please reach out to us. As mentioned, we are all local business owners and community members who volunteer our time to promote business in LeRoy through events and other community betterment projects. We are always in need of more volunteers and manpower so that we can continue to put on great events. On behalf of the LeRoy Business Council, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Sincerely, LeRoy Business Council
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