Zotos Named 2009 Business of the Year

December 11th, 2009

     The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Zotos International, Inc. will be honored as 2009 Business of the Year at the Chamber Annual Dinner.

     The Business of the Year is the highest honor a business can receive locally. It is awarded annually to one business and will be presented at the Chamber's Annual Dinner on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Club 86.

     "Zotos has had a great impact on the Geneva community. They continue to grow, adding jobs even in this difficult economy, and their generosity to the community is well known. No company deserves our recognition and gratitude more than Zotos," stated Rob Gladden, President and CEO of the Chamber.

     Starting in 1919 as a two man operation and having relocated to our area in 1932, Zotos has continually grown and expanded their product line and employee base while remaining well known to everyone in Geneva. By the late 1970's Zotos employed 250 people in two shifts and today employs 332 people and 127 Kelly Temps that operate three shifts, 24 hours a day. Even in these hard economic times where most companies are forced to lay off employees, Zotos has added 38 additional positions since 2007. This year Zotos has embarked on and completed a capital project to improve its infrastructure and upgrade equipment. Zotos has also become actively engaged in "green" initiatives.

     The employees believe in the community they work in which is evident in the volunteerism that is consistently visible. The company believes in and supports so many worthwhile organizations, not only monetarily, but also in volunteering of time and efforts. In 2009 alone, over 150 Zotos employees walked in the TriLakes March of Dimes and raised over $22,700, becoming the number one fundraiser in 2009 in Upstate New York for the March of Dimes. This past year employees have also raised over $14,000 in pledges for Ontario County United Way. Other organizations that have seen the impact of involvement from Zotos employees include FLCC Community Outreach Advisory Board, Geneva Chamber Finance Committee,  Geneva Chamber Ambassador Group, Finger Lakes Wine Festival, Geneva BID Cruisin' Night, Granger Homestead Christkindl Market, Musselman Triathlon, United Way Day of Caring, Boys and Girls Club, Mercy Flight, Canandaigua Riesling Festival, Psycho Hotel, Ontario ARC Cruising for a Cause, The Geneva Community Lunch Program, Arts in the Garden and the Chamber Cup Golf Tournament.

     Zotos also gives back to the community through sponsorships. Major sponsorships this past year include the Musselman Triathlon and the Chamber Cup Golf Tournament as well as contributing financially to other organizations such as Geneva High School, Waterloo and Seneca Falls Little League, Habitat for Humanity, Happiness House and the Geneva PBA. Zotos has also contributed product packages for door prizes as well as auction items to the Boy Scouts, Head Start, Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Relay for Life and many other local non-profit organizations. This past year alone Zotos has contributed close to $40,000 in product donations with $14,000 of that going to FF Thompson Living Center.

     Tickets to the dinner are $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Varied size corporate tables are also available. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Chamber at 315-789-1776.

     The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is the premier business organization of the Geneva area representing nearly 500 members.