October 7, 2022

Dear JOHN xxxxxx,

This was a busy week in Rochester—full of meetings with community groups, tours of local businesses, and exciting groundbreakings. Read more below! 

 Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—and with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, women are in even more danger. This is a critical time for the future of women's rights, and this month should be a call to action for all of us.  

I joined with partners from the Willow Center and my colleagues in government to redouble our commitment to empowering survivors of domestic violence. Together, we’re working to ensure they have access to the resources they need and to the healthcare and reproductive care they choose to pursue. 

Just last year, Monroe County saw over 4,836 domestic violence reports, over 45,000 calls to a local 911 dispatcher related to domestic disputes, and five tragic domestic violence homicides.  

We cannot allow this cycle of abuse to continue. If you or someone you love is in danger, call 585-222-SAFE or text 585-348-SAFE for help or visit www.thehotline.org. 

 Spotlight on Our Local Economy 

Our community is home to extraordinary small businesses that are the heart and soul of our regional economy. This week, I had the pleasure of visiting numerous local businesses, each of which brings something new and exciting to their respective industries.

One of my first stops was the Genesee Brewery, where I had the opportunity to meet their new CEO, Piotr Jurjewicz. The Genesee Brewery is a Rochester icon and a vital part of our local economy. I enjoyed the change to discuss the exciting investments they’re making to expand production and create jobs right here in our community. 

For too long, mental health needs have gone unaddressed in America, particularly among our brave veterans when they return home from their service. However, organizations like Compeer are helping to change that. Compeer utilizes peer mentorship programs to support families and veterans struggling with mental health challenges, and the impact of their work can be felt across our community. Thank you for all you do!

I was grateful for the opportunity to tour D3 Engineering and see their innovative work in action. Local businesses like D3 are leading the way in high-tech innovation and helping to strengthen our global competitiveness with countries like China. Through legislation like the CHIPS and Science Act, which I helped pass into law, we can continue to support businesses like D3 as they lead us into the future of technology! 

It was a pleasure to visit the Flour City Bread Co. at the Public Market to meet their team and learn more about their plans for expansion into Public Provisions. Their commitment to local sourcing and job creation is creating real change for Rochester—and not to mention some incredible bread along the way. 

Congratulations to Black Button Distillery on the groundbreaking of their new facility! Their commitment to making high-quality spirits with locally sourced ingredients right here in Rochester demonstrates the critical role distilleries can play in enhancing our local economy. Watch out, Kentucky, Rochester’s coming for you! 

Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.  

Warmest personal regards,  

Joe Morelle  

New York’s 25th Congressional District