Latest news with #GafferDistrict
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Corning Gaffer District hires new executive director. Why Price was right fit for the job
Catherine Price has been hired as the new executive director of the Corning Gaffer District. Price, the current executive director of the Geneva Business Improvement District, called the downtown Corning area beautiful and said the business owners are nice, friendly and welcoming. She will officially start at the position Aug. 11, taking the place of long-time Executive Director Coleen Fabrizi, who retired in June. 'I'm really excited,' Price said. "I think the Gaffer District does pretty much everything right. The previous executive director, Fabrizi, did an amazing job for 17 years. She was fabulous and I'm very honored to take over her legacy. I can't wait to be part of the team." Jennifer Miller, Gaffer District Board of Directors President, said Price brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality, economic development, and nonprofit leadership to the Gaffer District. 'On Behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Price as the new Executive Director of Corning's Gaffer District,' Miller said. 'Catherine brings a proven track record of leadership, a deep passion for downtown revitalization, and a remarkable ability to cultivate strong public-private partnerships.' Miller said combined with an accomplished career in the hospitality industry, Price offers the vision, energy, and expertise needed to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. 'We are excited for the future under Catherine's leadership,' Miller said. Miller said most recently, she has served as the Executive Director of the Geneva Business Improvement, where she doubled the organization's budget, launched new community events, and secured significant grant funding. Price started as Geneva Business Improvement District Executive Director in the spring of 2022. Prior to that, she worked for FLX Hospitality, opening Quincy Exchange and Provisions, on Market Street. 'That's when I fell in love with Corning,' Price said. 'Going through the holiday season, Sparkle, it was like something out of a postcard. I just loved it.' Price said when she transitioned from hospitality to working for the Geneva Business Improvement District, the chance presented a tremendous opportunity. 'Instead of just promoting a restaurant group or an organization, I promoted all the downtown in Geneva,' Price said. 'When the position opened in Corning, I wasn't actually looking for a new position, but a friend of mine sent me a job posting and I thought, wow, I love Corning and I'm going to reach out to them.' More: Corning Inc.'s community golf tournament surpasses $1 million mark in fundraising: Impact Price said when she met with the Gaffer District Board of Directors and the hiring committee, she couldn't believe how much she liked them and how engaged they were as board members. 'I could suddenly really see myself in Corning and I guess they like me as much as I like them,' Price said. Miller said Price's resume was exactly what the Gaffer District was looking for, as her collaborative work with regional tourism organizations, civic partners, and local businesses has supported economic growth, strengthened local partnerships, increased community engagement, and advanced strategic placemaking. Price is a Certified Sommelier, WSET Level III, and holds a BA from Hollins University. This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning Gaffer District names Catherine Price new executive director 😵💫 Need to unwind after a long day?
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Coleen Fabrizi retiring as Corning Gaffer District director. What's next for organization
For the first time in nearly two decades, Corning's Gaffer District will have new leadership later this year. Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of the Corning Gaffer District for the past 18 years, recently announced she will retire from the position in early June. Chris Sharkey, a former Gaffer District Board Chair and retired president of Corning Enterprises, said Fabrizi was instrumental in building up the downtown marketing organization. The Gaffer District's mission is to "enhance the overall economic vitality, community character, and physical sustainability of Corning's Downtown via the collaboration of public and private stakeholders." 'Coleen is the one that has really built that organization in the Gaffer District,' said Sharkey. 'She really has made it into what it is today. She will leave an extraordinary legacy, both in terms of the organization she has built and the mark she's left on our downtown.' Joe Carey, owner of Carey's Brew House and a member of the Corning Gaffer District Board of Directors, said the board will meet in the next 10 days to start the process of finding someone to fill the important role of executive director. 'Coleen has done a great job over the years leading us in the right direction,' Carey said. Fabrizi, who formerly worked at the Corning Area Chamber of Commerce, was the fourth executive director of the Corning Gaffer District. The first director was Stacy Pair, the second was Toni Trottier, and the third was Sharkey. More: How The Rockwell Museum's new executive director is making her mark. Meet Erin Coe. Carey said Fabrizi leaving the post in early June will give the Gaffer District Board of Directors time to find a suitable replacement. The Gaffer District is instrumental in community events like Cabin Fever, GlassFest, the Summer Downtown series, Harvest Fest and Crystal City Christmas. This article originally appeared on The Leader: Corning Gaffer District executive director Coleen Fabrizi retiring
