All,

Below is a press release that announces the dawn of a new era in the Fairport Partnership. It provides information not only about the transformation that has taken place over the last several months, but also announces the formation of the new Fairport Foundation.

This is an important initial step in announcing ourselves to the outside world and is the first of many more announcements to come that will provide details on the activities of both organizations.

We have completed a difficult transition and we’re now on our way to a new, exciting period of growth and successful endeavor.

Gian-Paul Piane

President

Fairport Partnership for a Better Community

 

Fairport Partnership Announces Restructuring,

Creation of New Foundation

The Fairport Village Partnership, recognized throughout New York State as a leading Main Street economic development agency, has become an independent not-for-profit corporation known as the Fairport Partnership for a Better Community.  The change is effective immediately.

Also created is a not-for-profit Fairport Foundation, which will serve as a fundraising organization for the Partnership and its many community projects.  The foundation has applied for IRS 501(c)3 status so that donors may realize a tax benefit from their charitable giving.  Any number of funds may be established under the Foundation umbrella if they fit within the mission of the organization.

At the first Inaugural Annul Meeting for the Fairport Foundation held Jan. 9. 2011, directors elected officers. The voting resulted in Dale Davis, president; Val Wilcox, vice president; Bob Hunt, secretary; Clark King, treasurer; at large members included Lowell Twitchell and Scott Winner.

According to Fairport Partnership President Gian Paul Piane, creation of the new entities had been in the planning stage for more than a year, but the process was accelerated several months ago when circumstances forced the Fairport Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to withdraw funding from the Partnership.  Together, the two new organizations are meant to supplant the funding and operational services that had been provided by the IDA.

Piane emphasized that the Fairport-Perinton Merchants Association, the Village of Fairport, and the Fairport Municipal Commission – all original funding partners – have pledged continuing support for the Partnership.

“We believe incorporation of the Partnership, with the backing of the Fairport Foundation, creates a great opportunity for us to expand our initiatives and to build on our reputation for community-based economic development,” Piane said.

“Since its inception in 2000, the Partnership has contributed immeasurably to the vitality of the community and, in turn, the quality of life of Fairport and Perinton residents,” said Fairport Mayor Fritz May.  “This restructuring allows those good efforts to go forward, and the Foundation opens new avenues for support.”

More than 70 Fairport and Perinton residents serve as volunteers on various standing committees of the Partnership, meeting monthly to focus on areas of local economic development including design, outreach, promotions and economic restructuring. Hundreds more volunteers participate in Partnership projects and events, including members of the Fairport Rotary Club, Perinton Historical Society, and Fairport-Perinton Merchants Association.