LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring P. W. Minor of Batavia, New York, upon
the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2015 Business of the
Year Award by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business organ-
izations and individuals that generously contribute to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor P.
W. Minor of Batavia, New York, upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the 2015 Business of the Year Award by the Genesee County
Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at an Awards Ceremony on Saturday,
March 5, 2016, at Batavia Clarion Hotel, Batavia, New York; and
WHEREAS, P. W. Minor is receiving this auspicious award for its
continued growth and commitment to Genesee County; and
WHEREAS, In 1867, two brothers, Peter Wycoff Minor and his brother,
Abrahm, were making the long trek back from the Civil War to their home
in Interlaken, New York; as they walked, they began to envision a compa-
ny which hand-crafted quality shoes and boots for men and women; foot-
wear which not only helped people stay on their feet, but also kept
people comfortable as well as productive; and
WHEREAS, After making superior shoes for 150 years, the company began
to flounder; in 2015, Andrew Young and Pete Zeliff purchased the assets
of the company and are determined to restore this great brand; and
WHEREAS, Committed to its customer's health and wellness, P. W. Minor
prides itself on being true shoemakers, understanding that its customers
want comfort, fit, and style in their footwear; and
WHEREAS, The energetic and positive team of Andrew Young and Pete
Zeliff plan to rebuild this once great company by providing consistent
availability of its products, and listening to its customers and acting
on their requests, as well as update and add style to its product line;
and
WHEREAS, Most importantly, P. W. Minor will strive to ensure excellent
customer service and provide its customers with the sales support and
programs they need; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, to help fulfill their vision, Andrew Young and Pete
Zeliff plan on bringing back production from China and creating more
jobs; in April, the company received a substantial New York State-backed
aid package to help move jobs from China back to Batavia with the goal
of creating at least 100 jobs locally; they have already expanded the
local staff by 25 new employees; and
WHEREAS, Two recent hires bring a great deal of experience to the
rejuvenated company; Kristine McCarthy, a 1999 graduate of Batavia High
School, arrived at P. W. Minor with 12 years of experience in accesso-
ries; and Erika Williamson, a former pattern maker from the Nike devel-
opment center in Beaverton, Oregon; and
WHEREAS, 148 years later, the current owners and staff of P. W. Minor
continue to craft comfortable and well-made shoes in their factory in
Batavia, New York, and hope to expand and grow this long lasting busi-
ness; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges this exceptional business and its contributions to the local and
State economies, fully confident that it will thrive and enjoy sparkling
success; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor P. W. Minor of Batavia, New York, upon the occasion of its desig-
nation as recipient of the 2015 Business of the Year Award by the Gene-
see County Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pete Zeliff and Andrew Young, co-Owners, P. W. Minor.