No. 43 - Rochester Top 100

Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.

About Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.: Manufacturer of construction equipment.

Rank on 2006 Top 100: 43

Employees: 250

Website: www.stone-equip.com

We asked Lynne Woodworth, president and CEO, to talk about her business.

Question: Who are some of your competitors?
Woodworth: Wacker Corp., Multiquip, and Ingersol Rand

Question: What new products can customers expect from Stone Construction Equipment, Inc.?
Woodworth: Additional products for masonry construction as well as compaction related construction applications

Question: What does it mean to your business to be on the Top 100?
Woodworth: The Top 100 Award is recognition of success in managing and growing our business. Because we are a 100% employee-owned company, receiving this award provides our employees a tremendous sense of pride of personal accomplishment.

Question: What additional services can the Rochester Business Alliance provide to help your business?
Woodworth: I can't think of any other services that are not currently provided.

Question: What would you like to see happen in our region, and in our state, to help businesses thrive?
Woodworth: The initiatives under Unshackle Upstate are gaining momentum with the current state administration. These efforts over time will benefit the business climate in New York State.

New York State is not known as an attractive state for new business development. Taxes are high; workers' compensation is costly to employers, etc. Continued focus on economic development through tax abatement and other initiatives is necessary to consistently attract new companies to the area.

Although we have good universities and colleges, we as a community need to do more to keep bright young people in this market once they graduate.

Question: What signs of optimism do you see in the local economy?
Woodworth: I see a strong willingness of business leaders to make their opinions heard in Albany. I see strong leadership on the part of organizations as the Rochester Business Alliance to spearhead and coordinate efforts for improving the economic climate in the local economy.

Question: What are the biggest opportunities you see ahead, as well as the biggest challenges?
Woodworth: Opportunities: To retain the best and brightest in the area, Rochester and The Finger Lakes area need to work together more effectively to promote the quality of life benefits with college gradates. Culturally, Rochester has a lot to offer. The Finger Lakes area is beautiful; the air is clean, with pristine lakes and wildlife….
Challenges: Rochester needs to continue to work on reducing its homicide rate. We need to continue to fight for our fair share of the state's focus and support. New York is not just New York City….