What started in March 1990 as Forward Design, Inc. has evolved into Forward Branding and Identity, President Jim Forward said, because clients wanted the company to do more work for them. The company is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the 10th at its present location in Webster. It previously was based at Main and Goodman streets in Rochester.

For the first time in its 32-year history, Homearama is featuring culinary demonstrations, wine and beer tastings and musical performances during its nine-day run. More than 25,000 people attend Homearama each year, to tour the newly constructed, fully decorated and landscaped homes, and the more than 50 exhibitors with a variety of products and services related to “home.” Craig Antonelli, chairman of the home builders’ association, explained:
“This year we took our mission of educating consumers and showcasing the quality of our region and expanded it to showcase (even more).”

Local networking organization The August Group has about 4,000 members who come together to find and retain jobs.

Combining art with ergonomics, Greg Bogoshian designs and crafts custom-made guitars in his Irondequoit home.

When he first started at Xerox four decades ago, Peter A. Crean recalls that he could barely explain the type of work he did to his next-door neighbors in Penfield.

The Rochester Black Business Association, Rochester Business Alliance, Wilson Commencement Park and African American Leadership Development Program are joining forces to create “The 2011 Project,”  a new yearlong program aimed at helping participants become champions in business, with their finances, in relationships, and with their personal health and fitness.