Greenlight Networks bringing fiber optic internet to Rochester area
Greenlight Networks continues to expand its fiber optic internet services in and around the Rochester area.
Georgie Silvarole, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
It was a day to honor the 100, and to celebrate the one.
The 100 are the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s Top 100 Awards winners, a cross section of local companies whose impact resonates across the region each day.
The one is B. Thomas Golisano, the founder of Paychex Inc. and a leading local philanthropist who recently donated a few hundred million dollars to local organizations.
The Chamber not only honored Golisano with its Lifetime Achievement Award at an event Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center but announced the award henceforth would be renamed in the billionaire’s honor.
“Thomas Golisano is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication and commitment to building innovative businesses, supporting numerous non-profit organizations, and advocating for inclusive health and several civic issues,” an event news release stated. It pointed out how he has given some $775 million in donations for hospitals, schools and nonprofit organizations, roughly half that amount just two months ago.
“Thomas Golisano has profoundly impacted the lives of so many individuals in our community throughout his career, and the Golisano Foundation and its giving will help him continue to do so for years to come. His unparalleled philanthropic efforts and business support have been transformational in revolutionizing so many organizations and our economy,” said Bob Duffy, president and chief executive officer of the chamber, in a statement. “I am honored to know this world-class leader.”
Speaking to a convention center audience approaching 2,000 people, Golisano stirred in humor and a bit of emotion for his remarks. His deepest appreciation was shared with his family members, including his spouse former tennis great Monica Seles, his sister, his children and his grandchildren. He left the stage with a gift from the Chamber of his favorite cigars and to thunderous applause.
In the Top 100 rankings of “the fastest-growing, privately owned companies” in the region, UTC Retail, a technology solutions company, was ranked number one. Ranked second was contractor Taylor, The Builders and ranked third was fiber internet provider Greenlight Networks.
Accounting firm KPMG creates the rankings based on dollar and percentage revenue growth over three years, a chamber news release states.
“Our Top 100 companies are powerful engines, contributing to and growing our regional economy,” Duffy said in a statement. “Their successes are powered by their employees, their leadership, and of course their customers. In spite of the challenges faced at the micro and macro levels, these companies are thriving and growing, hiring more employees and creating more opportunities. We are all grateful for their contributions to this region and the people who call it home.”
The chamber said the Top 100 companies in aggregate employ 13,000 people locally and produce nearly $5 billion in revenue each year.
Nominations for the next Top 100 rankings begin in February. For information, email chamber Events Director Susan George at Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.
