Our Mission
The Batavia Development Corporation works to strengthen the City of Batavia by supporting business growth, encouraging investment, and advancing development projects that enhance quality of life for residents and the broader community
Who We Are
The Development Corporation is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to serving the City of Batavia, New York. Established in 1994, the Batavia Development Corporation collaborates with public and private stakeholders to advance strategic growth, redevelopment, and investment throughout the community.
Our efforts are centered on fostering opportunity by supporting the expansion of small businesses, guiding redevelopment initiatives, and attracting new investment to the City of Batavia. We serve as a vital connector between ideas, resources, and the individuals who bring them to life.
What We Do
BDC provides leadership, coordination, and resources to support a strong and sustainable local economy.
We focus on:
- Business retention and expansion
- Support for entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Redevelopment of key sites and underutilized properties
- Attraction of new businesses and investment
- Administration of funding programs and incentives
By working closely with. The City of Batavia and regional partners, we help ensure that development efforts align with community priorities and long-term goals
Our Impact
Our work supports a stronger Batavia by:
- Helping businesses grow and succeed
- Encouraging new development and investment
- Revitalizing key areas throughout the city
- Supporting job creation and economic opportunity
- Enhancing the overall quality of life
Every project we support contributes to a more vibrant, resilient, and connected community.
How We Work
BDC takes a collaborative approach to economic development. We work closely with:
- The City of Batavia
- Genessee County and regional partners
- Local businesses and entrepreneurs
- Developers and investors
By bringing together the right partners and resources, we help move projects from concept to completion
Projects
The Batavia Development Corporation plays an active role in shaping projects that support economic growth and community development
Here are some recent ones!
Board and Staff
The Batavia Development Corporation is guided by a Board of Directors and supported by
staff with experience in economic development, planning, and community engagement.
We are committed to providing transparent and accessible information about our team
Jake M. Whiting
Jake M. Whiting is an attorney at Whiting Law Firm in LeRoy, working alongside his father, Reid, and brother, John. Jake graduated from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014 and is admitted to practice in New York and Florida. Prior to law school, Jake worked at JPMorgan Chase in Manhattan after graduating from Syracuse University in 2008. In addition to the BDC, Jake is a board member of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.
Anneliese R. Aliasso
Anneliese R. Aliasso (“Anni”) joined Del Plato Casey in June 2024. Originally from Batavia, Anni is a graduate of Notre Dame High School. She began her career in Syracuse, New York practicing commercial and real estate litigation, including assisting clients with contract disputes, evictions, foreclosures, and Article 78 proceedings challenging or defending decisions of local planning and zoning boards. Currently, Anni concentrates her practice on transactional real estate and estate planning. She also has experience with the preparation of various diversity certification applications, including the New York State MWBE Program and Department of Transportation’s DBE Program. Anni lives in Batavia with her husband, Mike, and their son, Clark.
Nathan Varland
Nathan Varland is the Director of the Batavia Housing Authority. His career has centered around helping people. In his role, Nathan works to ensure residents have access to safe, affordable housing while fostering a strong and supportive community. In addition to the BDC, he serves on the board of the New York State Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, advocating for housing authorities across New York State.
Rachael J. Tabelski
Rachael J. Tabelski has served the City of Batavia since 2018, when she joined as Director of the Batavia Development Corporation. In 2019 she became Assistant City Manager, a role she held for a year before being appointed City Manager in 2020. Rachael brings a strong background in economic development, municipal management, and community engagement to the City’s leadership team. She is committed to efficient government operations and fostering growth and revitalization across Batavia. A proud city resident, Rachael works each day to strengthen services, support local businesses, and enhance quality of life for all who call Batavia home.
Chris Fix
A lifelong community leader and advocate, Chris serves as Executive Director of The Jerome Foundation and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Batavia, supporting the Rotary Foundation and numerous local initiatives. She currently serves on the boards of Crossroads House, Children’s Home Association, and the Batavia Development Corporation. A graduate of Leadership Genesee Class of 2005, she has dedicated decades to public service, youth development, and nonprofit leadership, including serving as the first female President of Batavia City Council. Her contributions to the community have been recognized with honors including Genesean of the Year, the Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County, and YWCA Fabulous Female.
Mike Harrower
In 2015 Mike became fourth-generation owner of family business, Genesee Lumber.
Genesee Lumber won Genesee County Chamber of Commerce business of the year in 2018.
Matt Rollins
Matt Rollins is a Business Banking Relationship Manager with Five Star Bank, where he works with local businesses and organizations to support their financial growth and long-term success. Based in Western New York, Matt brings extensive experience in relationship management, commercial banking, and community engagement.
As a member of the Batavia Development Corporation Board of Directors, Matt is committed to supporting economic development initiatives that strengthen the Batavia community and promote local business growth. His background in banking and community partnerships provides valuable insight into the financial and economic opportunities that help drive regional development.
Nicholas Harris
Nicholas specializes in providing assurance, tax and consulting services to SBFR’s closely held businesses and high net worth clients. His experience encompasses clients in a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, farming, real estate, construction, employee benefits, wholesale, automotive, not-for-profit, and governmental.
Nicholas holds a dual Bachelor of Science Degree from Lebanon Valley College in both Accounting and Business. His experience includes tenure with a local accounting firm located in Warsaw, New York where he worked in a variety of different areas including assurance, tax and payroll services, predominately to the farming community. He also worked at regional accounting firm in which they specified in audits of non-profits and government agencies all over New York State. One of his largest jobs he specifically worked on was the internal audit of the New York State Executive Chamber, Senate and the Assembly.
Nicholas is active within his community by previously sitting on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County, where he was the treasurer for 3 years. He is also sits on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Batavia and sits on the Audit Advisory Committee for the City as well.
The City Manager’s Office provides day-to-day executive leadership for all municipal departments, turning City Council’s policies and strategic goals into action. Working in close partnership with the Council, the office oversees operations, coordinates programs, and ensures that City services are delivered efficiently, transparently, and in ways that reflect the community’s priorities.
Looking Ahead
Batavia continues to evolve, and the Batavia Development Corporation is focused on supporting the momentum. Through strategic partnerships, targeted investment, and thoughtful development, we are working to build a strong foundation for the city’s future.