NEWSLETTER
Spring 2019
Principal's Message
O
Food, Commerce, & Street Life Come Together in Rochester Historic Sibley Building in Downtown Rochester to Host a Culinary Incubator
B Development Corporation
uilding on the explosive growth of a nationally recognized culinary arts scene, academic programs, and regional training centers, the Rochester Downtown (RDDC) and a host of partners have taken the first tangible steps to forging The Commissary: Downtown Kitchen Incubator on the first floor of the historic Sibley Square Building on Main Street in downtown Rochester. HUNT’s design team, led by Michael Trapanovski, AIA, recently won the opportunity to help design the new space along with the following partners: Vargas Associates, Architectura, BME, and M&E Engineering. According to RDDC, “Aspiring food business entrepreneurs will have a one-of-akind facility downtown to test, prepare, market, and sell their products. The Commissary, due to begin operations in late 2019, will be the only kitchen incubator facility in the state outside of New York City. Kitchen incubators provide the certified commercial kitchen and equipment necessary to grow a legal food business. Instead of taking on the risk of investing in expensive commercial equipment, members of The Commissary will be able to rent a kitchen station on an hourly basis - only when they need it.” “In addition to use of the commercial kitchen stations, would-be food entrepreneurs and the general public will have access to workshops that focus on building successful food businesses - topics will range from “Social Media for Food Businesses” to “Taking the Mystery out of Business Insurance.” These workshops have already begun in a unique partnership with the RIT Center for Urban Entrepreneurship.” Volume 20, No. 1
n February 1st Chris Bond became the new president of HUNT, punctuating a strategic transition plan formalized in 2003. Chris’ promotion ties together a multi-prong initiative that identified new leadership across the firm with the aim of keeping HUNT strong and viable for the future. Chris became a shareholder shortly after the plan’s formalization, subsequently ascending to the Board, and later becoming Vice President. Simultaneously, other key staff members were identified and prepared for their future roles. The domino effect of these actions created opportunities for leadership across each of our disciplines. By promoting from within, staff can see the opportunity for career growth -- a job satisfaction fundamental. Meanwhile, this same plan has allowed former partners Bill Roe, Chuck Franzese, and John Cake to retire. As a service firm our business is only as good as the sum of our parts……the professional staff. Over the past few years we have taken tangible steps to emphasize continuous learning and “culture”. Learning is exciting and fulfilling, which coupled with our family-oriented culture makes HUNT a fun and exciting place to practice. Happy, engaged people do great work! My title is now CEO. My work will be initially focused on transitional elements, then quickly migrating to focused strategic initiatives. A focus I’m really looking forward to….with Chris now charged with my former 9-5 administrative duties, he jokes, “Dan has cleared his desk of everything but FUN!” And I agree! Along with some terrific projects and exciting technology, this newsletter introduces 14 staff additions! Please join me in congratulating Chris and welcoming the new staff.