Hallings will leave center

    PENN YAN—Ryan Hallings’ last day with the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center (FLEDC) will be Tuesday, March 6.
    During the meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15,
Hallings, who is currently the FLEDC vice president, announced he has accepted an offer for a position with Lyons National Bank in Penn Yan.   Hallings, who has been with FLEDC for the last four years, explained that his decision to leave was tough and that he enjoyed working with everyone else on the council.  “I have to let you all know this was a difficult decision and it has been a pleasure working with all of you,” he said.
    Yates County Finance Committee Chair Tim Dennis praised Hallings for the work he has done with FLEDC.  “You have done a great job and we are going to miss you,” he told Hallings.  
    FLEDC Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin said the council will be looking for someone to take Hallings’ place over the next few weeks.  Griffin also mentioned he is not sure if the new vice president will be the person who gets hired or someone who is promoted from within the organization.
    In other business:  
    • Griffin announced Aceyt Foods LLC is looking to hire "a couple of people right away" to help with building up the Dundee Foods facility.  Last month, Aceyt completed their purchase of the Dundee plant from Dundee Foods’ parent company, LiDestri Foods, LLC.  Griffin added the positions would be for accounting and operation managers.  
    • FLEDC approved a $43,000 loan request from Roto Salt Company, Inc in Penn Yan.  The loan is to be paid off over five years and has a 2.6 percent fixed interest rate.  Hallings said the money is for a renovation project to help with the expansion of Roto Salt Company’s facility.  
    • A $10,000 loan request from the 1922 Starkey House Bed and Breakfast Inn in Dundee was approved.  The loan also has a 2.6 percent fixed interest and is to be paid off in five years.  According to Hallings, the money will be for interior design.  
    • FLEDC approved a $10,000 loan request to install fencing and expand on organic food production at Gottslond Farm in Penn Yan.  The family who owns the farm must pay off the loan in five years.  There is also a fixed interest of one percent.