Custom Aluminum announces expansion plans at Genoa Chamber of Commerce’s gala

Receiving one of the Genoa Chamber of Commerce’s most prestigious awards was an honor for Michael Cirone, but it didn’t compare to another announcement he heard Thursday.

During the Genoa Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting, City Administrator Joe Misurelli announced that Custom Aluminum plans to add a 37,500-square-foot expansion to the company’s facility at 312 Eureka St.

“I’m just a small speck in the big picture,” Cirone said. “To have that happen, it’s an amazing push in the right direction, which is what we’re all striving for. It’s to make it a better community.”

Misurelli delivered the news to a crowd of more than 100 people who gathered at the Genoa Veterans Home for the 57th annual meeting. He said the company, which has been in Genoa since 2006, is going to add aluminum extrusion to the services already offered at its plant. The plant, Misurelli estimated, is about 400,000 square feet. He said the company has not asked for any incentives from the city.

The news came after the annual award presentation, which includes awards for outstanding business and chamber members.

Cirone, who also took over the reins as the chamber president during the meeting, received the Dave Tobinson award. Named for the former owner of Tobinson’s Ace Hardware, the award annually recognizes someone who has worked hard for the chamber, said Dave Tobinson’s daughter, Carolyn Tobinson.

“I can’t think of a single activity in which this person hasn’t been involved,” Carolyn Tobinson said. “Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow can keep this member down.”

Cirone, 55, the managing broker and owner of 3 Roses Realty, has lived in Genoa since 2008. During her presentation, Genoa Chamber Executive Director Cortney Strohacker said eight new businesses opened in Genoa in 2014 and the chamber gained 27 new members.

Economic Development Commission Chairman Kevin McArtor spoke about the Genoa SOARing Project, an economic development initiative launched last fall. McArtor said the group will present its findings to the Genoa City Council on Monday and make action plans from there.

Misurelli and Mayor Mark Vicary discussed the city’s continued fight for an Amtrak stop, but they also spoke about the developments in the past year in Genoa. They pointed to the Lloyd Landscape Center and Old Barn Salvage, which converted a former junkyard at 662 W. Park Ave. before opening in July.

They highlighted the expansion of the Genoa Public Library 232 W. Main St., which is set to open in March. Other improvements include Prairie State Winery expanding in the former Victoria’s Crossing, 222 W. Main St., and Cademon Brewing Co. opening in December. Corner Grill expanded at 137 W. Main St. Latsis Bakery opened at 401 W. Main St. Finally, Las Reynas gifts opened at 316 W. Main St., they said.