Fredonia resident Patricia Damico, co-owner of P&G Foods in Dunkirk, has been selected as the 28th annual Businessperson of the Year by the SUNY Fredonia Business Club. Ms. Damico will receive her award at a dinner ceremony on Monday, April 18, at 6 p.m. in the Williams Center at SUNY Fredonia. Tickets can be ordered by contacting the SUNY Fredonia School of Business at (716) 673-3505.
 
"I’m floored," said Mrs. Damico when told of the honor. "What else can I say? It is always nice to be recognized."
 
"Mrs. Damico has, with her husband, been able to run a very successful independent grocery store and deli in Dunkirk which has served as an anchor for the city," said Dr. James Hurtgen, director of the SUNY Fredonia School of Business. "They have found a way to compete with the larger supermarket chains and have successfully established a niche for their services."
 
A graduate of Silver Creek High School, Mrs. Damico and her husband, Village of Fredonia Trustee Gary Damico, have owned and operated P&G Foods at its Central Avenue location Central Avenue since its inception in 1993. They were previously the owner/operators of the Fredonia supermarket Freshmart, which opened in 1980 and closed its doors in the early 1990s. The Damicos were married in 1976 and have three children: Brandi, 25, Josh, 22, and Michael, 17. Each of the Damico children holds a part-time position at the store in addition to their outside professional and academic careers.
 
"This is a family operation," said Mr. Damico, "and Patty is the one who holds it all together. She is a very hard worker and the store has grown because of her – for example, she made the decision to add our snack bar and gift shop, which have become two key departments. She has accomplished so much, and meant so much to this business, and I think it is wonderful that she is receiving some recognition."
 
The SUNY Fredonia Business Club is a community service organization composed of students who major in Accounting, Business Administration and Communication. Dr. Franklin B. Krohn, a Distinguished Service Professor of Business Administration, serves as an advisor to the group. The Businessperson of the Year Award is given every spring to an individual in the local community who exhibits outstanding business leadership, public service, integrity and genuine concern for the well-being of his or her employees.