ABOUT US
Who We Are
Formed in 1987, our journey working with municipalities began by creating hand drawn “personality maps” for small to medium-sized cities across the country. These handsomely illustrated posters put CGI on the map of every municipality that participated. In the following years, the company steadily evolved a program of street banners which publicly adorned the lamp posts in the towns they served.
Maintaining strong relationships with the National League of Cities and the US Conference of Mayors, CGI Communications, Inc. eventually advanced to its current product line of eLocalLink Online Video Tours for its municipal partners, and the businesses who support these programs.
Our Story
1987
Community Graphics Inc. Was Founded
On the eve of Thanksgiving in 1987, Bob Bartosiewicz, Frank Buono and Hank Vinick made the move from Connecticut to Rochester, NY. The company launched with hand drawn “personality maps” as the flagship product. For more than 10 years, businesses in small towns across the country proudly displayed a CGI map in an act of support for their community. The original spirit of Community Graphics Inc. continues to permeate the halls of CGI Communications to this day.
1997
Banner Division Introduced
Near the end of 1996, CGI traveled to the United States Conference of Mayors and signed up the city of Wilkes Barre, PA as the first banner client. The banners served to enhance ordinary street poles with beautiful artwork and build a sense of community with the local businesses who supported their town.
2004
eLocalLink becomes leading video provider!
eLocalLink is the cornerstone division of CGI Communications, Inc. The division produces tens of thousands of cost-free videos for municipalities across the country and supports those programs through local business sponsorships, bringing the community together around this widely-viewed showcase.
2004
CGI moves to Downtown Rochester
After operating out of smaller offices in the Rochester Area, CGI Communications owner Bob Bartosiewicz decided to move the company into the Granite Building on East Main St. in Downtown Rochester. With only 35 employees, CGI moved onto the 8th floor of the building, spreading to other floors as the company grew.
2005
CGI Partners with USCM
With the success of eLocalLink, CGI formed a partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors. This agreement echos the spirit of community and provides a resource for towns across the country to have their stories told in a professional way through online video.
2006
CGI Opens Chicago Office
In addition to the Rochester, NY headquarters, CGI opens a satellite office in Chicago, IL.
2008
CGI Partners with NLC
With the continued success of eLocalLink, CGI formed a partnership with the National League of Cities. This agreement put the Community Showcase Video Program on more municipal websites than ever before.
2010
NEXT! Ad Agency Founded
CGI formed a division dedicated to premier marketing and advertising for Main Street businesses. Through personalized service and client-focused strategy, NEXT! employs the experts so clients can maximize the return on their online reputation and search engine optimization. Specialized Account Managers work closely with the customers of their clients to aggregate real reviews in real time, providing these satisfied people easy avenues to have their story told.
2010
Community Video Network Created
Relocate.org maintains a library of more than 10,000 videos showcasing communities across the United States and Canada. The site hosts the largest library of informational community videos in the United States. With a network of videos that includes Quality of Life overviews, messages from Mayors and municipal leaders, and education and health care reviews, Relocate.org’s scope is unparalleled.
2013
Indianapolis Office Opened
Adding to the CGI presence in Rochester and Chicago, an Indy office is opened.
2014
CGI Gains Aerial Video Technology
Completely changing the face of CGI’s video technology, aerial video and in-house operated drones are now part of CGI’s repertoire. This technology adds a new layer of innovation to CGI’s unparalleled video force. Aerial allows the Community Showcase Video Program to capture the unique elements of towns, cities, counties, and businesses in a way that tells a much grander story!
2015
CGI Communications Rebrand
For 28 years, the CGI brand endured without much evolution. But, with the company on the verge of so many new things, CGI unveiled a new identity through a much-needed rebrand. After years of constant evolution through product lines, a redesigned logo was created to reflect that.
2015
Two New Buildings Purchased
CGI purchased the long-vacant Gateway and Atrium buildings on Main Street in Rochester, NY. These buildings are adjacent to the Granite building, that CGI is currently occupying. The Atrium building is now the home to Bob’s collection of rare muscle cars and changing the face of downtown Rochester with the Rochester Auto Museum.
2017
Richmond Office Opened
Once again, CGI has spread our roots to another city, Richmond, VA.
2017
Louisville Office Opened
CGI’s expansion to rapid growth cities continues as the Louisville office joins our family.
2017
Knoxville Office Opened
Another office planted it’s roots in Knoxville where CGI welcomed another eager group of dedicated employees to our ranks.