Louise Wadsworth

Downtown Coordinator
lwadsworth@co.livingston.ny.us | (585) 243-6930

Where do you live?

Geneseo, New York

What brought you to LivCo?

I owned and operated a retail store on Main Street Geneseo for 26 years. During those years I worked closely with other merchants to promote the community and the businesses through marketing, festivals, and local planning initiatives. I discovered I have a passion for small towns, small businesses, and downtown revitalization. In 2003, LivCo saw the need for downtown development in the villages and created a new position focused on revitalization. When the position opened up in 2005 and I read the description, I decided that was the job for me.

What do you primarily work on in the office?

My focus is anything that helps the downtown businesses be successful: Sign, façade, and building renovation grants, business development programs, marketing, and promotion of the downtown districts. I believe a community’s success is dependent on a thriving “Main Street” district. 

Favorite LivCo Spot:

Linwood Gardens - the annual peony festival is one-of-a-kind, historic and spectacular. The setting is breathtaking with views of the valley looking east towards Geneseo. The gardens are open several times a year for artists and retreats. It’s a truly magical place.

Favorite LivCo Meal:

Of course, my favorite meal is at Cosmic Charlie Cafe, my daughter's business in Geneseo. It’s a little off the beaten path, but nicely situated between the college and Main St. Here you will find college students, professors, and locals all together enjoying the cool vibes and great coffee. Hands down the best cappuccino in the area! Try the Veggie Galaxy or the Breakfast Sammie to start your day right, then come back for a refreshing Lunar Lemonade in the afternoon.

Favorite LivCo Event:

There is nothing like the National Warplane Museum Airshow: The Greatest Show on Turf! In Geneseo. You can step back in time at this annual event in July where vintage airplanes glide through the air while reenactors, veterans, and pilots stroll the grounds. This air show is up close and personal and it all takes place on a scenic farm field with a grass landing strip just one mile from Main Street!

How do you invest in LivCo?

I became invested in this place as soon as I moved here and started my own business. Within a few years, my husband and I had purchased a downtown building and renovated it. I’ve always been a strong supporter of the Geneseo Merchant Association, SUNY Geneseo, and the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts. We raised our children on a farm that has been in the family for 200 years and they intend to continue that tradition by raising their own families here. In 2012, we rehabbed the Wadsworth Homestead mansion at the end of Main Street where we now offer historic home tours along with weddings and events on the property.

Need assistance? Call me for help with: resources for starting or expanding a business in the county, available spaces for rent or purchase, assistance with sign or facade design in the downtown districts, or anything to do with downtown development.