Norm and Company

Dr. Bill Valenti, co-founder of Trillium Health, continues his efforts to end the HIV epidemic in New York State by 2020.

Dr. Valenti has devoted his career and life’s work to ending the Aids epidemic. As co-founder of Trillium Health, formerly known as the Community Health Network, Dr. Valenti has been a pioneer in the fight against HIV and AIDS, helping to advance treatment and save countless lives. Dr. Valenti joins WXXI President & CEO Norm Silverstein to reflect on his work as a physician, advocate and community trailblazer.

Dr. Valenti has published a memoir titled Aids: A Matter of Urgency describing his experiences as a medical maverick facing the frontlines of the epidemic. Born and raised in Rochester, Dr. Valenti has dedicated his life to improving public health and increasing access to healthcare for individuals in need, particularly from LGBTQ and low-income communities.

Norm & Company is hosted by WXXI President & CEO Norm Silverstein, who speaks with long-time Rochesterians as they recount fascinating stories about their lives in the community. 

The full episode can be viewed here:

Edward “Ted” Curtis, founder of Corn Hill Navigation, the non-profit company that operates Sam Patch and Mary Jemison, shares memories of growing up on East Avenue, working as a spy for the CIA, how his grandmother saved Cobs Hill Park with help from her friend George Eastman, and how he started Corn Hill Navigation. 

Mr. Curtis chaired WXXI’s Board of Trustees in 1970, and has a long history of public service, including serving as interim City Manager. He has been instrumental in developing Rochester’s waterways, and in 2011 the City of Rochester named the point of land where the Genesee River and the Erie Canal meet – Curtis Point. 

Norm & Company is hosted by WXXI President Norm Silverstein, who speaks with long-time Rochesterians as they recount fascinating stories about their lives in the community.

Tom Judson, Chairman and CEO of The Pike Company joins WXXI President & CEO Norm Silverstein on this episode of Norm & Company, where long-time Rochesterians recount fascinating stories about their lives in our community. Tom shares what it was like growing up in Brighton, how he got started in the family business, and what it’s like to have built one of the most successful construction firms in New York State. 

While attending Yale for undergrad and then Cornell for his MBA, during his summer breaks Tom worked as a laborer and carpenter apprentice for John B. Pike Son, Inc, a general contracting company founded by his grandfather in 1873. As soon as he earned his MBA, he began working for the company full-time, moving up the ranks and was named President in 1975. In 1985 he established The Pike Company. 

George W.  Hamlin, IV, Chairman, Trust Officer, and Senior Policy Advisor for Canandaigua National Bank & Trust joins WXXI President & CEO Norm Silverstein on Norm & Company. Mr. Hamlin talks about his time served in the United States Air Force, his work as an attorney, and his final move to join the family business.

Born and raised in Canandaigua, Mr. Hamlin served as President & CEO Canandaigua National Bank & Trust from 1979 to 2011. His great grandfather founded the bank in 1887 and it has remained a family run business to this day. A decorated Vietnam War veteran of the U.S. Air Force, George is still an avid aviator to this day. He currently serves as Director of the New York State Wine & Culinary Center and Director of Constellation Brands – Marvin Sands Performing Art Center (C-MAC). He is also Chairman of the Board of Managers of the Eastman School of Music, and a member of its National Council, and a Trustee and Vice Chair of the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

In this episode of Norm & Company, Mr. Hamlin shares his love of flying, his belief in locally-run businesses being vital to a community, and his thoughts on what lays ahead for the development of the Finger Lakes region.

Norm & Company is hosted by WXXI President & CEO Norm Silverstein, who speaks with long-time Rochesterians as they recount fascinating stories about their lives in the community. 

In 2017, the then retired chief film critic for the Democrat and Chronicle and the Gannett newspaper chain, joined WXXI President Norm Silverstein for Norm & Company. Jack talked about growing up in Williamsport, PA, his college days at St. Bonaventure for undergrad and Syracuse University for grad school, and how he landed his job with the D&C and Gannett. He also shared one of his proudest moments, his all-time favorite movies, and stories of interviewing some of Hollywood’s most famous actors.

Norm & Company is hosted by WXXI President & CEO Norm Silverstein, who speaks with long-time Rochesterians as they recount fascinating stories about their lives in the community.