Batavia Hires New Economic Development Director
Written by WBTA STAFF on June 20, 2018
Press Release:
The Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) Board voted to hire Rachael Tabelski as the organization’s new director today at their June meeting.
Tabelski is currently the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC). Prior to working for the GCEDC she served as a Legislative Aide to Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and an elected official serving as Councilman for the Town of Bergen. She is a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School and of SUNY Canton with a bachelor’s degree in Crime Scene Technology/Public Safety. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport in 2008.
“Rachael brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in economic development that will help advance the BDC’s mission to improve the quality of life in the City of Batavia through a number or economic development collaborations, programs and initiatives,” said Pierluigi Cipollone, President of the BDC. “We are excited to welcome her and look forward to her leadership.”
Tabelski has core competencies in government relations, public relations, communications, economic development planning and project management, business and policy research, statistical analysis and business intelligence. Her roles with the GCEDC we numerous including marketing, public relations and stakeholder communications for seven greenfield corporate parks in various stages of development. She was responsible for disseminating information to engage constituents in complex multi-faceted projects and acted as liaison to utility, municipal, regional and state government officials to advance economic development projects throughout Genesee County.
“On behalf of the board of directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center and our staff, we wish Rachael the very best in her new endeavor,” said GCEDC President and CEO Steve Hyde. “The good news is that we are going to be able to continue working with Rachael in her capacity at the BDC.”
In the city of Batavia, she played a key role in creating one of the first PILOT increment Financing (PIF) district in New York State with all taxing jurisdictions participating, that established an infrastructure investment fund to transform distressed neighborhoods. The Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2) resulted in the attraction of Savarino Companies to a three-acre abandoned brownfield site in the heart of the city. Rachel also co-authored a winning Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) application resulting in $10 million Downtown Revitalization Award to the City of Batavia and was involved as a staff member to the Local Planning Committee for the DRI.
