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.
1989-1990
The journey begins!
After training in Massachusetts, CEO Bob Bartosiewicz started CGI from the basement of this house in February of 1989. Bob is pictured here with Bob Greenebaum, lifelong friend, business partner, and first believer in CGI.
Fun Facts: CGI Vice President Hank Vinick also lived in this house with Bob in ‘89, while President Frank Buono was living in Buffalo on Creekside Drive.
1990-1991
CGI’s Second Location
CGI officially moved to its second location and first legitimate office in June of 1990. At 945 East Henrietta road Bob met Bob Greenebaum and began a lifelong partnership with President Frank Buono. The company had a grand total of eight employees, including 2 full time artists drawing Community Graphics posters.
1991-1994
CGI’s THIRD Location
CGI’s third location, bringing on legacy employees like Lee Hastings, Executive Vice President Rich Madafferi, and Vice President Chris Sokal. The company expanded to 4 artists and 10 sales people.
1994-1998
CGI Expands Further
CGI expanded to a larger office marking the beginning of the careers of President Bob Forys, Randy Sanford, Al Forys, and Liz Mallane.
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.
1998-2000
CGI’s fourth Location
Closing out the 1990’s CGI moved into the entire basement floor of this building in Toby Village, utilizing a nearly 8,000 square foot space.
2000-2002
CGI’s Fifth Location
Going big-time! CGI had the whole building here in the early 2000’s. The company expanded to 50 employees but experienced the same economic fallout from September 11th as other companies. CGI did gain Vice Presidents Tim Corcoran, Kevin Baer, and Greg Thoen at this office. It was here that Greg first patented CGI’s OneClick technology.
2002-2004
CGI is debt-free
Briefly downsizing in office space, CGI exploded in capital; going debt-free during the company’s 2 ½ year run here. These incredible years of growth were where the magic of CGI really happened. Vice President Jim Podanoffsky and Bob Bartosiewicz recruited hard, setting the company up to move in the Fall of 2004.
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.
2005
CGI Moves to the granite building
The Granite Building becomes CGI’s world headquarters in late 2004. Starting with one floor, eventually, CGI took over the entire building, and has expanded to the rest of the city block to accommodate explosive growth. CGI’s Vice Presidents now include Eric Winegard, Nicole Rongo, Paul Linton, Brandon Bartz, Nicole Hunt, Greg Thoen, and Tom Doran.
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.
2020
Big Plans
CGI’s World Headquarters won’t be moving, but it will be growing. Following the purchase and renovation of the adjacent Atrium Building and Gateway Center, CGI’s size will increase and its influence on Downtown Rochester will continue to evolve. Big plans for the block in the heart of Rochester will be revealed as CGI presses on into the future.
