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Paisleypeach/sandbox
File:Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr., 1996.jpg Gernatt at Spirit of Gowanda Awards Dinner, 1996
Born	(1940-07-14) July 14, 1940 Gowanda, New York, United States
Occupation(s)	Chief Executive Officer, Gernatt Family of Companies
Spouse	Roseann Gernatt
Children	Daniel R. Gernatt, III; Dianna Gernatt Saraf; D.R. Timothy Gernatt; Donald Gernatt
Relatives	Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr.; Flavia Gernatt

Daniel R. "Dan" Gernatt, Jr. (born July 14, 1940) is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and dairy farmer, born in Collins, New York. Gernatt is the top executive of his family's businesses, the Gernatt Family of Companies. He was recognized with a unanimous proclamation by the New York State Assembly in his receipt of the 1996 Spirit of Gowanda Business Award. He has also been active in community, political, and personal endeavors, including being a trustee of the Daniel and Flavia Gernatt Family Foundation, donating to various charities, holding various leadership positions in the Classic Car Club of America, and serving as a member of Chris Collins' Erie County executive transition team. Gernatt currently resides in Dayton, New York.

Background and career

File:Gernatt's Richardson Road Pit During Expansion, Collins, New York, July 2005.jpg

Gernatt's Richardson Road Pit During Expansion, Collins, New York, July 2005

Born in Gowanda, New York on July 14, 1940, to Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. and Flavia C. Gernatt, Gernatt's grandparents were of German and Austrian heritage. Gernatt's first employment was in his family's Collins, New York dairy farm Dan Gernatt Farms, once known as having the largest dairy herd in Erie County and held Sir Taurus as stud. Later, Gernatt began working in his family's mining business, now known as the Gernatt Family of Companies. In his career with the companies, Gernatt has held nearly every employment position that he has required of his employees. Currently, he serves as the chief executive officer of the companies, recognized as the largest New York State-approved supplier of aggregates and one of the largest supplier of crushed stone in the United States.

Largely responsible for the expansions and growth of the companies, Gernatt began such growth by purchasing the former John L. Benz plant, located in Springville, New York, in 1979. Today, the corporate businesses span a radius of about 70 miles, and include Dan Gernatt Gravel Products, Inc.; Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc.; and Country Side Sand and Gravel, Inc., with headquarters at Taylor Hollow Road in Collins, New York. Other businesses are in Gowanda, Freedom, Irving, Great Valley, Springville, Chaffee, West Seneca, Delevan, South Dayton, and Westfield, all in the New York State counties of Erie, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua.

Gernatt is also owner and manager of the Gowanda Airport, identified as D59 by the Federal Aviation Administration and open to the public.

Leadership and memberships

Gernatt is a founding director of M&T Bank's Vision Group of Funds, and is one of four of its outside directors. He is also a member of the boards of directors of the Erie County Republican Leadership Council; Congressional Leadership Council; Erie County Chairmen's Association; and Collins Volunteer Fire Company. He has further served on the boards of directors of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Hilbert College. Gernatt is a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Classic Car Club Museum and is the national director of the Classic Car Club of America.

Honors

The New York State Assembly recognized Gernatt for receiving the Business Award from the Gowanda Chamber of Commerce in 1996, with a unanimous proclamation regarding it in his honor; the proclamation was presented to him by Thomas M. Reynolds. In 1999, Gernatt received the Distinguished Service Award from the Classic Car Club of America, the highest award bestowed by the organization. In 2011, Hilbert College bestowed upon Gernatt an honorary doctorate of humane letters. The college also issued Gernatt the Hilbert College Franciscan Values Award in 2013 in recognition of his financial support to the institution.

Community involvement

File:Dan Gernatt, Jr. as St. Joseph Parish Santa Claus, 1977.jpg

Dan Gernatt, Jr. as St. Joseph Parish Santa Claus, 1977

Active in his community, Gernatt was a member of former Erie County Executive Chris Collins' executive transition committee in 2007. He has also been a supporter of causes for charity, which includes donations and fundraisers for the Boy Scouts of America, Buffalo Children's Hospital; March of Dimes; American Heart Association; Leukemia Society; American Lung Association; and the Buffalo Museum of Science Magnet School.

Gernatt is a trustee of the Daniel and Flavia Gernatt Family Foundation, a foundation established by his parents and named for his family that provides financial assistance to people in need, as well as to charitable organizations that assist those in need. Gernatt has served as Santa Claus for St. Joseph Parish in Gowanda, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, for more than four decades.

Personal life

Gernatt has been a life-long resident of Western New York, and life-long parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Gowanda. He is father to four children; and is married to his wife, Roseann. They live in Dayton, New York.

In his spare time, Gernatt enjoys playing tennis, piloting his Cessna Turbo airplane, taking aerial photographs, and showing his antique and classic cars.

External links

• Company website

Cat:1940 births Cat:Living people Cat:American businesspeople Cat:American philanthropists Cat:American Roman Catholics Cat:New York Republicans Cat:American miners Cat:American aviators Cat:American people of German descent Cat:American people of Austrian descent

Paisleypeach/sandbox
File:Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr., 1996.jpg Gernatt at Spirit of Gowanda Awards Dinner, 1996
Born	(1940-07-14) July 14, 1940 Gowanda, New York, United States
Occupation(s)	Chief Executive Officer, Gernatt Family of Companies
Spouse(s)	Dolores (Stelmach) Gernatt (first spouse); Roseann (Morgano) Gernatt (second spouse)
Children	Daniel R. Gernatt, III; Dianna Gernatt Saraf; D.R. Timothy Gernatt; Donald Gernatt
Relatives	Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr.; Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt

Daniel R. "Dan" Gernatt, Jr. (born July 14, 1940) is an American entrepreneur, businessman, and dairy farmer. Born in Gowanda, New York, Gernatt's first employment was in his family's Collins, New York dairy farm, once known as having the largest dairy herd in Erie County.

Later, Gernatt began working in his family's mining business, now known as the Gernatt Family of Companies. Currently, he is chief executive officer of the companies, recognized as the largest New York State-approved supplier of aggregates, and the 34th largest supplier of crushed stone in the United States. The companies have been doing business for nearly 60 years.

Active in his community, Gernatt was a member of former Erie County Executive Chris Collins' executive transition committee in 2007. He has also been a supporter of causes for charity, including the Boy Scouts of America, and for business interests, including the Buffalo Bills. He is father to four children; and is married to his wife, Roseann.

Background, early life, and early career

Born in Gowanda, New York in 1940, Gernatt was raised with his two sisters on the family farm in Collins, New York. Gernatt is of German and Austrian heritage, as his grandparents, John and Martha Gernatt, immigrated to the United States from there.

Dan Gernatt Farms

The family farm was Dan Gernatt Dairy Farms, later simply known as Dan Gernatt Farms, which held Sir Taurus as stud. As a youth, Gernatt worked on his family's dairy farm. The duties that he performed on the farm, once known as the largest dairy farm in Erie County, were his first employment responsibilities.

Career

Gernatt Family of Companies

File:Gernatt Gravel Pit, Collins, New York, June 1996.jpg

Gernatt Gravel Pit, Collins, New York, June 1996

File:Gernatt's Richardson Road Pit During Expansion, Collins, New York, July 2005.jpg

Gernatt's Richardson Road Pit During Expansion, Collins, New York, July 2005

In 1946, Gernatt's father, Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr., began marketing gravel from the family's property, thereafter cofounding the Gernatt Family of Companies, now a group of 11 mining companies, headquartered in Collins, New York, with his mother, Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt.

Gernatt began working at the companies as a gopher, and afterwards, as plant and equipment operator. In his career with the companies, Gernatt has held nearly every employment position that he has required of his employees. Within the past 20 years, Gernatt has held positions of vice president, executive vice president, president, chief financial officer, and chief executive officer in the companies. In 2004, Gernatt was listed in Volume 2 of Ward's Business Directory of U.S. Private and Public Companies as President of Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc., a company with $9 million in sales that year. He is further identified as the President of the company, providing business services in Pennsylvania, in the 2006 Harris New York Manufacturers Directory.

In the February 1996 issue of the Spirit of Gowanda 1995 Annual Report by the Gowanda Chamber of Commerce, Gernatt is quoted, stating about the companies:

We try to find people who know more than we do...being very selective in recruitment in order to employ people with a perpetual positive attitude and the willingness to accomplish their jobs has been a major factor in the company's success.

Largely responsible for the expansions and growth of the companies, Gernatt began such growth by purchasing the former John L. Benz plant, located in Springville, New York, in 1979. Today, the corporate businesses span a radius of about 70 miles, and include Dan Gernatt Gravel Products, Inc.; Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc.; and Country Side Sand and Gravel, Inc., with headquarters at Taylor Hollow Road in Collins, New York. Other businesses are in Gowanda, Freedom, Irving, Great Valley, Springville, Chaffee, West Seneca, Delevan, South Dayton, and Westfield, all in the New York State counties of Erie, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua. The companies have been doing business in New York State for nearly 60 years.

Gowanda Airport

Gernatt is manager of the Gowanda Airport, identified as D59 by the Federal Aviation Administration and open to the public, an airport that is owned by the Gernatt Family of Companies. He has had a civil aircraft registered to him since 1969.

Philanthropy

Daniel and Flavia Gernatt Family Foundation

Gernatt is a trustee of the Daniel and Flavia Gernatt Family Foundation, a foundation established by his father and named for his family that provides financial assistance to people in need, as well as to charitable organizations that assist those in need.

Community involvement

File:Dan Gernatt, Jr. as St. Joseph Parish Santa Claus, 1977.jpg

Dan Gernatt, Jr. as St. Joseph Parish Santa Claus, 1977

Volunteer work

Gernatt has served as Santa Claus for St. Joseph Parish in Gowanda, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, for more than four decades. Bringing cheer to children and youth at Christmas, Gernatt has annually visited St. Joseph School students and given them candy canes on Saint Nicholas Day.

Charitable and business donations

Gernatt has been involved in many fundraisers for charity. Among some of those fundraisers have included monies donated to charities and entities such as Buffalo Children's Hospital; March of Dimes; American Heart Association; Leukemia Society; American Lung Association; and the Buffalo Museum of Science Magnet School. He has also been a donor to Hilbert College in Hamburg, New York.

Political contributions

Gernatt has regularly made financial contributions to many individuals' political campaigns and political action committees (PACs) since 1987.

Memberships

With M&T Bank in Buffalo, New York, Gernatt is a founding director and one of four outside directors of the Vision Group of Funds. He is or has been a member of the boards of directors of the Erie County Republican Leadership Council; Congressional Leadership Council; Erie County Chairmen's Association; and Collins Volunteer Fire Company. He has further served on the boards of directors of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Hilbert College. Gernatt is a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Classic Car Club Museum; and is a national director of the Classic Car Club of America, while also being chairman of its Caravan Committee.

Honors

From the Gowanda Chamber of Commerce in 1996, Gernatt received the Business Award. The New York State Assembly recognized Gernatt for this award with a unanimous proclamation regarding it in his honor; the proclamation was presented to Gernatt by Thomas M. Reynolds.

In an article included in the February 12, 1996 edition of the Gowanda Penny Saver News, former New York Attorney General Dennis Vacco is quoted, stating about Gernatt's receipt of Gowanda's Business Award:

The state sometimes forgets about the small business leaders and the things they do for their communities.

In 1999, Gernatt received the Distinguished Service Award from the Classic Car Club of America. It is the highest award bestowed by the organization. Gernatt and his involvements in the car club as a life member and in his many positions held within the association are described in detail in Volume 8, Issue 49 of Classic Car.

In 2011, Hilbert College bestowed upon Gernatt an honorary doctorate of humane letters. The college also issued Gernatt the Hilbert College Franciscan Values Award in 2013 in recognition of his financial support to the institution.

Personal life

Gernatt has been a life-long resident of Western New York, and life-long parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Gowanda.

Gernatt is quoted, crediting his education and family for guidance, in the February 1995 issue of the Spirit of Gowanda 1995 Annual Report:

Without the guidance of my parents and a good parochial school education, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Gernatt is father to three adult children, and one son who died in infancy; these offspring are with his former wife, Delores. Gernatt is now married to his wife, Roseann, and they live in Dayton, New York.

In his spare time, Gernatt enjoys playing tennis, piloting his Cessna Turbo airplane, taking aerial photographs, and showing his antique and classic cars.

External links

• Company website

Cat:1940 births Cat:Living people Cat:American businesspeople Cat:American philanthropists Cat:American Roman Catholics Cat:New York Republicans Cat:American miners Cat:American aviators Cat:American people of German descent Cat:American people of Austrian descent

Paisleypeach/sandbox
Born	Gowanda, New York, United States
Alma mater	Georgetown University, University at Buffalo Law School
Occupation(s)	Attorney, businesswoman
Spouse	Richard T. Saraf
Children	Christina Saraf
Relatives	Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr. (father), Delores Gernatt (mother), Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. (grandfather), Flavia C. Gernatt (grandmother)

Dianna Gernatt Saraf is American attorney and businesswoman. Saraf has been an attorney since 1987, and has been employed as a legal consultant with the Gernatt Family of Companies in Collins, New York, recognized among the top producers of crushed stone in the United States.

Active in the construction industry, she was recognized with an award by the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association; and she participated in a national roundtable discussion with United States Department of Labor and Employment Training Administration Secretary Emily Stover DeRocco. She was also a Republican party committee member that searched for and decided upon Chris Collins to represent the party as a candidate for County Executive in Erie County, New York.

A graduate of both Georgetown University and the University at Buffalo Law School, Saraf lives in Hamburg, New York with her husband, Richard, and daughter, Christina. Gernatt and Saraf were married at St. Joseph Parish in Gowanda in 1989.

Background

Saraf was born in Gowanda, New York, the daughter of Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr. and Delores Gernatt. Saraf is the granddaughter of Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr., Flavia C. Gernatt, John Stelmach, and Mary Ann Stelmach. She is sister to three brothers, including Daniel III, Donald, and D.R. Timothy. She is of German and Austrian heritage, as her great grandparents, John and Martha Gernatt, immigrated to the United States from there. She is also a former resident of Williamsville, New York.

In the 1979 Eden Corn Festival, an annual celebration held in Eden, New York, Saraf (then Dianna M. Gernatt) was a participant in the queen contest. Saraf was a representative of Gowanda, and one of twenty-one young ladies who were judged on their poise and talents in being considered for the title. That same year, as a student at Dunkirk, New York's Cardinal Mindzenty High School, Saraf won the annual Voices of Democracy oratorical contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) there. She was also named valedictorian of the school that year.

Education

Saraf graduated from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in 1984, and from the University at Buffalo Law School (UB Law School) in 1987. At Georgetown, Saraf was a United States congressional intern, and she was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu national honor society. Members of Alpha Sigma Nu are among the top 15% of their class, and are committed to excellence in scholarship, loyalty, and service, including a commitment to a Jesuit education. At Georgetown, Saraf was a Rotary scholar. She was the first woman to graduate from Georgetown with a baccalaureate degree in science, technology, and international affairs. At the UB Law School, Saraf was an honor student, member of the Entertainment Law Society, and participated in the annual Law Review.

Career

Saraf clerked for two summers at the law firm of Saperston & Day in Buffalo, New York before becoming employed there. Thereafter, Saraf was employed as a compliance manager with M&T Bank in Buffalo. Later, she was a legal consultant at Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc., one of the businesses that is part of the Gernatt Family of Companies. Gernatt is also a shareholder with the companies. Most notably, Saraf was a representative for the companies during a multi-million dollar Industrial Development Agency (IDA) bond issue in 1998 in which the companies expanded their ability to fulfill contracts and obligations by ten times.

With Department of Labor and Employment Training Administration Secretary Emily Stover DeRocco and construction industry representatives, Saraf participated in a national construction industry roundtable discussion in 2004.

Memberships, honors, and political involvements

In 2004, Saraf was awarded the Silver Medallion by the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) for her community relations work. She received the award at the annual meeting of the Association in Phoenix, Arizona. Saraf has served as chairwoman of the NSSGA's national committee, the Small Producers' Council. In 2006, as the NSSGA Small Producer's Council chairwoman, Saraf spoke at the NSSGA's annual Young Leader's Conference. She has also been a monetary donor to the association.

Saraf has been a regular donor to the political campaigns of government leaders, as well as the NSSGA. She has contributed to the campaigns of Thomas M. Reynolds, Jack Quinn, and Chris Lee.

In 2007, Saraf was one of several members of a committee created by Buffalo area Republicans to search for a candidate to run for the position of Erie County Executive. The committee decided on Chris Collins, who became the county's executive, and thereafter, a United States Congress member representing New York State.

Additional board memberships of Saraf include Compeer West; the American Red Cross, Buffalo chapter; and the New York State Associated General Contractors. Saraf has been a member of the executive committee of the group, Fair Allocation of Infrastructure Resources (FAIR); and she is a founding member of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's Western New York Roadway Coalition.

Saraf has also been active with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo as an elementary school volunteer.

External links

• Company website

Dianna Gernatt Saraf Cat:University at Buffalo Law School alumni Cat:American businesspeople Cat:American women lawyers Cat:American Roman Catholics Cat:American miners Cat:New York Republicans Cat:Year of birth missing (living people) Cat:American people of German descent Cat:American people of Austrian descent

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Gernatt Family of Companies

File:Gernatt Family of Companies logo.png
Company type	Privately held family business
Industry	aggregate mining and distribution
Founded	Collins, New York (1946 (1946))
Founder	Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. and Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt
Headquarters	Collins, New York , United States of America
Area served	Western New York
Key people	Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr.; Donald R. Gernatt; Randall Best; Bill Rebmann; Bill Schmitz; Mark Smith; Ken Ziccarelli
Products	sand, gravel, asphalt
Owner	Gernatt Family
Number of employees	200+
Website	www.gernatt.com

The Gernatt Family of Companies, also known simply as Gernatt's, is a group of 11 businesses located in Western New York State that market sand, gravel, soil, crushed stone, rocks, asphalt, aggregate, and cement. The corporate businesses include Dan Gernatt Gravel Products, Inc.; Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc.; and Country Side Sand and Gravel, Inc., with headquarters at Taylor Hollow Road in Collins, New York. Other businesses are in Gowanda, Freedom, Irving, Great Valley, Springville, Chaffee, West Seneca, Delevan, South Dayton, and Westfield, all in the New York State counties of Erie, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua. The companies have been doing business in New York State for nearly 60 years.

Background

File:Gernatt Gravel Pit, Collins, New York, June 1996.jpg

Gernatt Gravel Pit, Collins, New York, June 1996

Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr., 2007

File:Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr., 1996.jpg

Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr., 1996

The Gernatt Family of Companies haul sand, gravel, stone, asphalt, and cement throughout Western New York State and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Marketed by the companies are various aggregates and materials, including hot mix asphalt, asphalt millings, crushed stone, coarse aggregates, fine aggregates (sand), subbases, landscape rocks, and cold patch material.

The companies employ more than 200 people, and use dozens of cement and semi-trucks to haul materials. Trucks used by the companies for hauling include a stone slinger, tri-axles, single-axles, tractor-trailers, and live bottom trailers. The companies also have a rail loading facility in Great Valley.

Also included in the companies are additional mining and excavation sites, including the Vail Road gravel pit in Gowanda, New York; the Richardson Road and Sara Lane pits in Collins, New York; and others, operated separately, from the actual business locations. The companies also own and operate the public Gowanda Airport.

History

The companies were cofounded in 1946 by late Chairman of the Board Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. and his late wife, Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt; and are family-owned and operated. Gernatt, a successful, former dairy farmer and horse breeder, and cofounder of Dan Gernatt Farms with his wife, began marketing gravel from his property in 1946, establishing Dan Gernatt Gravel Products, Inc. in 1955. In 1961 and 1964, Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. and Country Side Sand and Gravel were established, respectively.

Leadership

Today, the companies are headed by Chief Executive Officer Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr. In 1996, Gernatt, Jr. was recognized by the New York State Assembly with a unanimous proclamation for his receipt of the Spirit of Gowanda Business Award as head of the companies.

In an article included in the February 12, 1996 edition of the Gowanda Penny Saver News, former New York Attorney General Dennis Vacco is quoted, stating about Gernatt's receipt of Gowanda's Business Award:

The state sometimes forgets about the small business leaders and the things they do for their communities.

Donald Gernatt is executive vice president of the companies,while Randall Best, Bill Rebmann, Bill Schmitz, Mark Smith,and Ken Ziccarelli are vice presidents.

Expansions

In 1979, Gernatt, Jr. purchased the former John L. Benz plant in Springville, furthering business expansions of the companies.

In 1995, the companies were one of several to apply with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for expansions.

In 1998, then-legal consultant Dianna Gernatt Saraf stated in The Buffalo News that an expansion of the company's Great Valley operations would increase production by ten times to reach an increase in demand for asphalt, blocks, and aggregate needed for fulfillment of construction and roadwork contracts that the company had in the Southern Tier. In 1999, a revision to the expansion proposal added another $170,000 for consideration of approval. The expansion was required to be approved in Great Valley since the town does not maintain any zoning ordinances.

Size, acreage, and sales

Mining operations of the businesses are performed on 100s of acres of company land throughout Western New York State.

Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. was the sixth-largest sand and gravel mine operator in New York State in 2008 with 450 permitted acres. In 2008, Country Side Sand and Gravel, Inc. was the second-largest sand and gravel mine in New York State with 236 permitted acres. Country Side Sand and Gravel, Inc., in Dayton, New York, occupies 625 acres. Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. modified its mining permit in 2008, affecting 175 acres. The companies were New York State's largest aggregate supplier of sand and gravel approved by the state in 2009.

In 2009, the Harris New York Services Directory identified Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. with making $10 million to $25 million in sales. In 2006, the D & B Million Dollar Directory reflected Countryside Sand and Gravel as having made $1.1 million in sales. Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. was also recognized with having made $10 million in sales in the 1994 edition of the D & B Million Dollar Directory.

Innovations and developments

In 2009, the companies were successful in integrating cost-reducing and energy-saving green environmental technology in asphalt production and paving with low emission asphalt (LEA); the companies were the first to do so in Western New York State and were recognized for it with an award from the New York Construction Materials Association.

Also in 2009, Executive Vice President Donald Gernatt expressed that the Companies have improved safety for their equipment operators. He stated that there is more climate control available in today's excavators and wheel loaders, contributing to operators having more energy, and also being healthier and happier, following their work. He stated that it is the Companies' responsibility to use current technology to ensure greater safety for equipment operators. Gernatt, who owns his own trucking company, also stated that the Companies are using current technology to improve communications, as well as maps in their yards for enhanced directional awareness, for drivers and customers entering their businesses to get loadouts.

The companies are also involved in oil and natural gas exploration, maintain a real estate division, and are copartners in an electric cogeneration plant.

Memberships and honors

The companies maintain a membership with the Construction Exchange of Buffalo and Western New York, a commercial construction industry group. In 2001, the companies were awarded an honorable mention for the design of the company website in the annual Pit & Quarry awards competition that selects top producers in the industry and recognizes companies for other accomplishments.

Gallery

Winter scenes of the Collins, New York facility, 2007

• File:Gernatt Scene 1, Collins, NY, 2007.jpg
• File:Gernatt Scene 2, Collins, NY, 2007.jpg
• File:Gernatt Scene 3, Collins, NY, 2007.jpg
• File:Gernatt Scene 4, Collins, NY, 2007.jpg

Projects and public involvement

File:Gernatt Semi-Trucks, Collins, New York, June 1996.jpg

Gernatt Semi-Trucks, Collins, New York, June 1996

Roadway and construction projects

The companies have been involved in major projects in Western New York State, including the New York State Thruway, Southern Tier Expressway, First Niagara Center (formerly HSBC Arena), Ralph Wilson Stadium, and Coca-Cola Field (formerly Dunn Tire Park). The companies have also donated materials for community projects, including hauling and providing soil for a recreational facility in Gowanda, New York, for redevelopment of a former Peter Cooper Corporation glue factory. Materials and labor were donated for Aldrich Street School, a public primary school; and for the former Tri-County Memorial Hospital helipad, both in Gowanda, New York.

Restoration and conservation projects

In 2005, the DEC completed its second tagging session of geese on the companies' property in South Dayton at what is now known as Lake Flavia. In that outing, 285 geese were logged, with 70 having reflected tags from prior DEC captures. In 2010, the companies, along with an unrelated company in Akron, New York donated 150 tons of stone to the Gooseneck Hill Waterfowl sanctuary in northeastern Cattaraugus County, after flooding had damaged the sanctuary. In 2014, the companies, in conjunction with the DEC, worked with McMahon & Mann Consulting Engineers, P.C. in developing and implementing a stream bank regrading and restoration plan. The plan was carried out on the companies' Chaffee location, along the Cattaraugus Creek in Sardinia, New York to help protect from erosion.

Sponsorships and monetary donations

File:Gernatt Little League Baseball Jersey 1970s.JPG

Gernatt Little League Baseball Jersey, 1970s

The Gernatt companies have been active in donating to the community. The companies donated the historical Hollywood Theater to residents of Gowanda, New York in 1996. Contributions have also been made to and in sponsoring sports teams and youth groups, including the Boy Scouts of America. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association have been recipients of $14,000 in donations from the companies. Additionally, Gernatt companies have donated $10,000s to Catholic endeavors, including Catholic Charities, Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, education, schools, colleges, and churches.

Political contributions

The companies, and executives and employees of the companies, have regularly made financial contributions to political campaigns and political action committees (PACs) since 1987. Campaign contributions have primarily been to Republican candidates and organizations, to date, totaling approximately $200,000.

Legal and safety issues

Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. v. Town of Sardinia

There have been legal and safety issues regarding the companies. In 1991, opposition to mining proposed by Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. became obvious in the Town of Sardinia, New York when a mining overlay was passed to the town's zoning laws, showing areas acceptable for mining. The mining overlay was voided by court action, but later upheld. The owner of the privately held Water Works there informed residents that should mining occur, the water company would go out of business; about 70 residents would be affected.

In 1993, the Town Board passed an amendment to its zoning ordinance, providing it with regulatory control of new mining. The amendment was ruled by the State Court of Appeals to be a proper exercise of authority by the Town Board.

Sardinia Town Attorney Anthony DiFillippo, III, stated in a June 14, 1996 article by Bob Buyer in The Buffalo News regarding the Town Board's belief that mining was occurring on the former Gabel-Thomas property purchased by Gernatt's:

We will bring to the attention of the court that mining is being conducted in violation of state law.

That same year in 1993, Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. filed with the DEC for a 100-year mining permit for a 400-acre Gabel-Thomas tract of land it purchased near Chaffee, New York in the Town of Sardinia. The Erie County Farm Bureau and the Erie County Legislature also took issue with the proposed mining due to the DEC's 4-inch thick report that the environment would be significantly affected. The Erie County Legislature offered the services of the county attorney to the Town of Sardinia in the matter. The DEC's Environmental Impact Statement reported that a 276-acre lake would be created throughout the 100-year period due to mining operations. By 1994, the companies had spent more than $1,000,000 to obtain the mining permit.

In 1996, Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. v. Town of Sardinia, Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. challenged the Town of Sardinia when the Town Board rezoned, in part, excluding that piece of land. Residents were concerned that the town's ground water supply would be affected by the expansion of the corporation's mining operations when the DEC informed the town of the company's desire to use the land for mining. The New York State Court of Appeals decided that local zoning laws were not included in the New York State's Mined Land Reclamation Law, and that the Town of Sardinia did not violate Open Meetings Law. Therefore, municipalities in New York State maintain the right to exercise reasonable police powers to completely prevent mining.

Despite the lawsuit, the Town Zoning Board granted Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. a variance for mining after winning the case the involved more than 10 years of legal battles; the Town Zoning Board was sued by the Town Board. Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. offered $200,000 to the Water Works there if the Town Board would drop its lawsuit against the Town Zoning Board. An offer was presented to the Town Board in 1997 by New York State Assistant Attorney General Paul McCarthy, who also represents the New York State DEC, for Dennis Vacco, an attorney and former New York State Attorney General, to mediate the dispute, which the Town Board unanimously rejected.

Interests of the companies in the dispute are to mine the land that was purchased, and the Town of Sardinia seeks to retain its rights regarding mining control within the town, as upheld by the New York State Court of Appeals, and to maintain the best interests of the citizen majority.

Dan Gernatt Gravel Products v. Town of Collins

In 1984, Dan Gernatt Gravel Products sued the Town of Collins for denying it a permit to expand its operations. Reasons for the denial included increased traffic, an unnecessarily enlarged pit area, and others. An argument by the company in favor of the permit's issuance was that community pressure was not a proper reason for its denial.

Additional concerns

File:Gernatt Loader, Vail Road Pit, 2006.jpg

Gernatt Loader, Vail Pit, 2006

File:Gernatt's Richardson Road Pit During Expansion, Collins, New York, July 2005.jpg

Gernatt's Richardson Road Pit, Collins, New York, July 2005

Environmental issues

Ozone pollutant emissions from Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. in 1999 in the production of asphalt paving mixtures and blocks were measured at 30%-40% after one hour, and at 50%-60% after eight hours. The measurement of ozone pollutant emissions by the plant after one hour is considered clean, while the eight hour measurement is ranked as a medium level of harm.

Mining by the companies has also presented concerns for residents of Gowanda, New York near the Gernatt-operated Vail Road pit. The companies' proposed mining operations are to be expanded to an underground level that reaches within 10 feet of the water table, reflecting Gernatt's request for a change to their original 1974 mining permit at that location. Residents such as Elizabeth Reid, and Charles and Ed Grudzien, are concerned that an expansion of mining will affect the environment and water table, particularly the cleanliness of water in an underground spring. They stated that they were promised no expansion of pit mining operations while they were living. Residents, including Tom Robinson and Reid, respectively, have further concerns regarding semi-truck noise that disrupts the natural environment; and that the pit has long been an area for partying by some local teenagers. Several residents recognized the company for generosity in giving to the community, but also stated that it is important to be considerate toward neighbors.

Industrial accident

An industrial accident occurred at one of the companies in August 2013. There was an explosion on a conveyor belt at the asphalt plant in Yorkshire, New York. Thomas Treadway, a company employee, experienced third degree burns and was transported to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York, by helicopter; the plant was also damaged by fire.

External links

• Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc.

Cat:Articles created via the Article Wizard Cat:Cement companies of the United States Cat:Construction and civil engineering companies of the United States Cat:Mining companies of the United States Cat:Companies based in Erie County, New York Cat:1946 establishments in New York Cat:Privately held companies based in New York

In 1998, the companies donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross for Disaster Relief in the Western New York State area due to flooding. The companies were a $4,000 silver sponsor for the HeartBall gala of the Western New York Council of the American Heart Association in 2000. In 2007, the companies were the lead sponsor of the Celebrate Catholic Education Dinner of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, providing $10,000 for the event. In 2008, the companies were identified as having donated up to $2,000 to Immaculata Academy in Hamburg, New York.

Also in 2009, Executive Vice President Donald Gernatt

The companies, and executives and employees of the companies, have regularly made financial contributions to political campaigns and political action committees (PACs) since 1987. Many of the politicians and PACs receiving contributions from employees of the companies have included Bill Paxon in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1996; Jack Kemp in 1988; the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1996, 2010, and other dates; the Republican Senatorial Inner Circle Committee in 1990; the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) Rockpac in 1990, 2012, 2013, and other dates; Daniel Patrick Moynihan in 1992; Susan Molinari in 1994; Bob Dole and Phil Gramm in 1995; Al D'Amato in 1995, 1996, and 1998; Robert Shuster and the Monday Morning PAC in 1996; and Nancy Naples in 1996 and 2004.

The companies, and executives and employees of the companies, have regularly made financial contributions to political campaigns and political action committees (PACs) since 1987. Campaign contributions have primarily been to Republican candidates and organizations. Also since 1987, political contributions by executives and employees associated with the companies have been Thomas M. Reynolds in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2006; both President George W. Bush and the National Aggregates Association-National Stone Association (NAA-NSA) Sandpac in 1999 and 2000; Rick Lazio and Frederick J. Marshall in 2000; Jack Quinn in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004; Henry Wojtaszek in 2002; Howard Mills III, and Bush-Cheney in 2004; Randy Kuhl in 2006; Rick Santorum in 2006 and 2008; Brian Higgins from 2006 to 2012; the Building, Roads and Infrastructure PAC (BRI-PAC) in 2007; Rudy Giuliani and John McCain in 2008; Chris Lee in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011; the Associated Builders and Contractors PAC (ABC-PAC) in 2009 and 2010; Philip C. Kadet in 2009; Tom Reed and Jane Corwin in 2011; ActBlue, Mitt Romney, Chris Collins, Chris Fahey; and Kathy Hochul in 2012; and John Boehner in 2013. Patrick Gallivan has also received political contributions, both as Sheriff and New York State Senator.

Since 1987, politicians and/or committees receiving the largest amount of contributions from employees associated with the companies, through 2013, are John McCain ($30,000); Chris Lee (about $23,000 in total); Brian Higgins (more than $22,000); Thomas M. Reynolds (totaling about $21,000); the NSSGA Rockpac ($16,000); Chris Collins (more than $14,000); Jack Quinn (more than $13,000); the National Republican Senatorial Committee (about $11,000); John Boehner ($10,000) and Mitt Romney ($10,000); the New York Republican Federal Campaign Committee ($6,000); and the Republican National Committee (more than $5,000). In 2008, one top executive of the companies made political contributions totaling nearly $24,000, and another top executive made $30,000 in contributions for one political candidate, John McCain.

In 2000, the companies made a $20,000 donation to the Republican National State Elections Committee; in 2002, the companies made a political contribution to George D. Maziarz; and in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014, there were donations to Michael Ranzenhofer by the companies. Other political donations by the companies have been to Joseph Giglio; Catharine Young; and Tim Howard from 2007 through 2013. During the 2011–2012 election cycle, Gernatt Asphalt Products was tied for seventh place with three other donors, at $7,500 each, for political contributions within its district. + * 2008 election: Dan Gernatt pours money into Republican congressional campaign: Collins donor makes generous gift to Christopher J Lee (R), The Primary Post, 2008, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Campaign financial disclosure reports: Results for 2009, New York State Board of Elections, Albany, NY: New York State Board of Elections, 2009, Retrieved 19 June 2014.

+ * Collins' personal money is evident in race, Buffalo News, Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 9 October 2007, McCarthy, R.J., Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Collins' personal money is evident in race: At first averse to self-financing, candidate lends himself $300,000, McClatchy - Tribune Business News, Washington, DC: McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 9 October 2007, McCarthy, R.J., Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * U.S. Congress: Chris Collins Republican (Elected 2013), NY House district 27, MapLight.org, Berkeley, CA: MapLight.org, 2012, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Hamburg, New York (NY) political contributions by individuals, City-Data.com, 2012, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Springville, New York (NY) political contributions by individuals, City-Data.com, 2012, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Randall Best political campaign contributions 2012 election cycle, CampaignMoney.com, 2012, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Marshall for Justice Campaign Committee, 2000, Albany, NY: New York State Board of Elections, Retrieved 25 April 2014 from pdf online.

+ * List of all contributors who contributed to recipient(s) whose name is like Fahey for Assembly, New York State Board of Elections, Albany, NY: New York State Board of Elections, 2012, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Patrick Gallivan's campaign finances, Project Vote Smart.com, Philipsburg, MT: Project Vote Smart, 2014, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Dan Gernatt (Jr.): CEO of Gernatt Asphalt, LittleSis.org, Buffalo, NY: Public Accountability Initiative, 2012, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * List of all contributors who contributed to recipient(s) whose name is like Committee to Elect Maziarz State Senate, New York State Board of Elections, Albany, NY: New York State Board of Elections, 2012, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * List of all contributors who contributed to recipient(s) whose name is like Mike Ranzenhofer for State Senate, New York State Board of Elections, Albany, NY: New York State Board of Elections, 2014, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Delegates: Michael H. Ranzenhofer, DemocratandChronicle.com, McLean, VA: Gannett, 2013, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Joseph Giglio. Ballot pedia.org, 2014, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Cathy Young's campaign finances, Project Vote Smart.com, Philipsburg, MT: Project Vote Smart, 2014, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * List of all contributors who contributed to recipient(s) whose name is like Friends of Tim Howard (for Sheriff) County Erie Municipality Erie, New York State Board of Elections, Albany, NY: New York State Board of Elections, 2014, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ * Congressional district fact sheet: cycle fundraising, 2011-2012, OpenSecrets.org, Washington, DC: The Center for Responsive Politics, 2014, Retrieved 25 April 2014.

+ </ref>

Gernatt Asphalt Prods., Inc. v. Town of Sardinia, 87 N.Y.2d 668, 664 N.E.2d 1226, 642 N.Y.S.2d 164 (1996), was an appeal against municipal zoning laws in New York and whether they were addressed by New York State's Mined Land Reclamation Law, decided in the New York State Court of Appeals.

Background

In 1991, opposition to mining proposed by Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. became obvious in the Town of Sardinia, New York when a mining overlay was passed to the town's zoning laws, showing areas acceptable for mining. The mining overlay was voided by court action, but later upheld. The owner of the privately held Water Works there informed residents that should mining occur, the water company would go out of business; about 70 residents would be affected.

In 1993, the Town Board passed an amendment to its zoning ordinance, providing it with regulatory control of new mining. The amendment was ruled by the State Court of Appeals to be a proper exercise of authority by the Town Board. Regarding the Town Board's belief that mining was occurring on the former Gabel-Thomas property purchased by Gernatt's, Sardinia Town Attorney Anthony DiFillippo, III, stated, "We will bring to the attention of the court that mining is being conducted in violation of state law."

Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. filed with the DEC in 1993 for a 100-year mining permit for a 400-acre Gabel-Thomas tract of land it purchased near Chaffee, New York in the Town of Sardinia. The Erie County Farm Bureau and the Erie County Legislature also took issue with the proposed mining due to the DEC's 4-inch thick report that the environment would be significantly affected. The Erie County Legislature offered the services of the county attorney to the Town of Sardinia in the matter. The DEC's Environmental Impact Statement reported that a 276-acre lake would be created throughout the 100-year period due to mining operations. By 1994, the companies had spent more than $1,000,000 to obtain the mining permit.

Brief summary

In 1996, Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. v. Town of Sardinia, Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. challenged the Town of Sardinia when the Town Board rezoned, in part, excluding that piece of land. Residents were concerned that the town's ground water supply would be affected by the expansion of the corporation's mining operations when the DEC informed the town of the company's desire to use the land for mining.

Despite the lawsuit, the Town Zoning Board granted Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. a variance for mining after winning the case that involved more than 10 years of legal battles; the Town Zoning Board was sued by the Town Board. Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. offered $200,000 to the Water Works there if the Town Board would drop its lawsuit against the Town Zoning Board. An offer was presented to the Town Board in 1997 by New York State Assistant Attorney General Paul McCarthy, who also represents the New York State DEC, for Dennis Vacco, an attorney and former New York State Attorney General, to mediate the dispute, which the Town Board unanimously rejected.

Interests of the companies in the dispute are to mine the land that was purchased, and the Town of Sardinia seeks to retain its rights regarding mining control within the town, as upheld by the New York State Court of Appeals, and to maintain the best interests of the citizen majority.

Appellants

Gernatt Asphalt Products, Inc. is a multi-million dollar mining company that is part of the Gernatt Family of Companies, headquartered in Collins, New York. The company was founded by Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. and Flavia C. Gernatt in 1961.

Court's holding

The New York State Court of Appeals decided that local zoning laws were not included in the New York State's Mined Land Reclamation Law, and that the Town of Sardinia did not violate Open Meetings Law. Therefore, municipalities in New York State maintain the right to exercise reasonable police powers to completely prevent mining.

References

The Daniel and Flavia Gernatt Family Foundation, also known as the Gernatt Family Foundation, is a non-profit, non-operating private foundation with 501(c)(3) status. The foundation was established by both the late Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. and the late Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt in 1987 in Collins, New York. It provides charitable and private financial assistance to organizations and entities in Western New York State, mostly in the areas of education, healthcare, Christian-related endeavors, and toward the elimination of poverty, particularly for those in need and those who are homeless.

− − ===Background and trustees===

− The foundation was established in 1987, and has been rated as mid-sized. The former principal manager and trustee of the foundation was Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. Additional trustees are members of his family, including Daniel R. Gernatt, Jr. (son), Patricia Rebmann (daughter), Phyllis Ulmer (daughter), and Cynthia (Rebmann) Peglowski (granddaughter). Rebmann is also caretaker of the books.

− − ===Loans, donations, and grants===

− The foundation regularly provides loans, donations, and/or grants to charitable organizations and private entities. In 1996, the foundation provided a loan in an undisclosed amount to the Amish Valley View Cheese Cooperative Association in Conewango, New York, to help it "regain control of the plant it helped establish in 1960." The loan to the plant benefited 125 farmers, all but four of whom were Amish. The loan helped the plant transport milk to Newberg Cheese Company in Wisconsin and other locations, including Texas and Virginia, so that Muenster cheese can be made there. These actions are credited with helping the Amish re-establish a market for their milk.

− − In 2004, the family's foundation and companies donated $150,000 to TLC Health Network's $1 million campaign to make renovations to and update diagnostic imaging equipment at hospitals in Gowanda and Irving, New York. The donation was identified as a "jump start" to the health network's capital campaign drive.

− − Among the Western New York organizations that received charitable financial assistance from the foundation in 2007 were Hilbert College; St. Joseph School; Love, Inc.; Catholic Charities of Buffalo; Healthy Community Alliance; Tri-County Crisis Pregnancy Center; St. Vincent de Paul Society; TLC Health Network; Bertrand Chaffee Hospital; St. Luke's Mission of Mercy; St. Paul's United Methodist Church; and Kwik Fill of Gowanda, New York.

− − Among institutions and/or organizations that received grants from the foundation in 2009 was Hilbert College. In 2010, receiving donations from the foundation were the Sister Mary Josette Food Pantry through Villa Maria College; and Hilbert College. In 2011, Catholic Charities of Buffalo; and Christ the King Seminary received donations from the foundation. Catholic Charities of Buffalo and Western New York has regularly received donations from the foundation. Organizations and institutions within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo have regularly been the recipient of the greatest amount of donations from the foundation.

− − ===Endowments and assets===

− Annual endowments provided by the foundation have ranged from $100s to about $25,000 per organization or institution. Annually from 2003 to 2008, total endowments from the foundation ranged from approximately $120,000-$140,000. In 2011, the Foundation issued $112,000 in grants and donations. As of 2008, the total assets of the foundation were $2,900,000. Total foundation assets were reported at $2,900,000 in 2012, with $148,500 being dispersed.

− − ==References==

−

− − Cat:Charitable organizations

− Cat:Foundations

Dan Gernatt Farms

Company type	Privately held family business
Industry	agriculture, dairy farming, horse breeding and racing
Founded	Collins, New York (1938 (1938))
Founder	Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. and Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt
Headquarters	Collins, New York , United States of America
Area served	Western New York
Key people	Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr.; Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt; Russell Rebmann
Products	Dairy cows; standardbred horses
Owner	Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr.; Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt

Dan Gernatt Farms is a dairy farming, and horse breeding and racing enterprise, located in the Western New York town of Collins. Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. and Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt co-owned and established Dan Gernatt Farms in 1938. They built up their farming business, being recognized in the 1950s as having the largest milking dairy herd in Erie County.

In the 1960s, the Gernatt's transitioned their dairy farming business to one of breeding and racing Standardbred horses with the purchase of Lieutenant Gray. Many of the Gernatt's harness racing horses had the last name, 'Collins,' reflecting the locale in which they were born. Among some of the Gernatt's top money-winning horses were Gallo Blue Chip, Bye Tsem (formerly Holden S. Collins), Vernon Blue Chip, Roz T. Collins, Adios Bob, Sir Taurus, Lotto S. Collins, and Elitist.

The Gernatt's established themselves in horse breeding and harness racing throughout a period of three decades, and wound down their horse business in the mid-1990s.

Dairy farming

Dairy cows

Dan Gernatt Dairy Farms was established in 1938 by Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr., and Flavia C. (Schmitz) Gernatt in Collins, New York. Both shared equal ownership in the business. In the 1950s, the dairy farming enterprise was recognized as the largest in Erie County. As Gernatt's farming business expanded, it was later known as Dan Gernatt Farms. The Gernatt's left dairy farming in the 1960s. Hauling grain as a result of the farming enterprise led to trucking sand and gravel from the Gernatt's property, thus leading to the establishment of the Gernatt Family of Companies, now a group of 11 mining companies, headquartered in Collins.

Horse breeding and harness racing

A standardbred horse

Background

The Gernatt's partnered with each other in breeding and racing Standardbred horses, beginning in 1962. The harness racing horses were known throughout New York State, New Jersey, and Ontario, Canada. During a golfing vacation to Pinehurst, North Carolina in 1962, Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. bought a half-interest in Lieutenant Gray for $2,750. The horse's good racing performance caused Gernatt to purchase brood mares with foals shortly thereafter, thus beginning the Gernatt's horse breeding and racing ventures. The Gernatt's established themselves in horse breeding and harness racing throughout a period of three decades.

New York horse breeding program

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Gernatt's were active in the New York horse breeding program. In 1984, the Gernatt's horse business included "250 mares, stallions, young stock and race horses; a training facility on Mile Strip Road in the Town of Brant; a broodmare barn in North Collins; a second farm in the town of Dayton;" and stallion barns in Collins. At that time, the Gernatt's had sold more than 1,000 Standardbred horses with the last name, 'Collins,' so dubbed for the town in which they were born. Those who worked with Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. in his endeavors at that time were his grandson, Russell Rebmann, partnering in overseeing operations; Chuck Scibetta, who trained the horses; and Dave Vance, who was the driver at various horse racing tracks.

In a 1984 Buffalo News article written by Harlan C. Abbey, Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. is quoted, stating about his horse breeding interests:

You can't keep every horse you think will be a good trotter or pacer for your own stable. If you sell horses, you have to be pleased when they win for other owners. And you have to keep upgrading your stock...I like to keep the first foal of any mare in our racing stable. That way it'll get the best care we know how to give it, the best training. Then, if it doesn't turn out to be a good race horse, maybe we'll sell the mare...I get partial to a filly every once in awhile that we keep for the broodmare band.

New York Sires Stakes circuit

In the New York Sires Stakes circuit, the Gernatt's broodmare herd produced champions such as Gallo Blue Chip, with $4.2 million in total winnings; Bye Tsem (formerly known as Holden S. Collins) ($515,194), Vernon Blue Chip ($542,816), and Roz T. Collins ($410,653) were the top trotters. In 2000, Gallo Blue Chip won the Meadowlands Pace horse race at the Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey with a time of 1:50.4. The same year, he also won the Breeder's Crown Three-Year-Old Colt and Gelding Pace at Mohawk Racetrack in 1:51.1. In 2005, Gallo Blue Chip retired "as the sport's leading money winning pacer." In 1994, Bye Tsem raced in the second division of the Hambletonian Stakes. In 1982, Roz T. Collins placed third in the Hambletonian Stakes at the Meadowlands Racetrack. Among some of the additional tracks at which Gernatt's horses raced were the Buffalo Raceway, Syracuse Mile, Vernon Downs, Pompano, Greenwood Raceway in Toronto, and Brandywine in Yonkers. At the Yonkers Raceway in 1999, the Dan Gernatt Farms Pace for three-year-old fillies was held on the 10th annual New York Night of Champions.

Sir Taurus

The Gernatt's were Sir Taurus' co-breeders, and stood him as stud for four years before he went to Blue Chip Farms in 1992. As of 1989, Sir Taurus' winnings were $484,810, after racing for only two years in 1986 and 1987. Sir Taurus was co-holder of a world record for three-year-old colt trotters on a half-mile track with a time of 1:57.2h; and had set six track records throughout New York State at that time. Sir Taurus' trainer and driver was Jimmy Takter. An easygoing horse with a gentle nature, Sir Taurus turned 30 in 2014 and remains at Blue Chip Farms, now retired, providing school children and scouts with opportunities to visit him. Of Sir Taurus' nearly 700 offspring, Approved Action earned the most in winnings with $715,676. Sir Taurus' offspring have earned $23.7 million in combined winnings. Of all offspring of Sir Taurus (with Amanda T. Collins, a daughter of Texas), Red Hot Blue Chip sold for the most money at $52,000 in 1999. The Yonkers Raceway annually holds the Sir Taurus Trot for Standardbred harness racing.

Elitist

The Gernatt's also sponsored the privately held $100,000 Elitist Cup from 1987 to 1992. The races were to benefit those horses sired by Elitist when he was held as stud by Dan Gernatt Farms. Elitist was another stallion owned by the Gernatt's, producing some top race times that included 1:56.1; 1:55.3; and 1:54.3. In only two years of racing in the late 1980s, Elitist won $249,363. Elitist was sire to several of the Gernatt's horses, including Walt Collins (1:56.3); Tru Elitist (1:55.4); and Bonny Brook Elitist (1:56.1). Elitist's foals were also eligible to be included in the $12 million New York Sires Program at that time.

Other notable horses

There were other notable horses that the Gernatt's owned, as well. Adios Bob earned $330,364 in five years of racing. Texas was a stallion that stood as stud for Gernatt, being syndicated for $1 million. Inflation Collins, Jolly Roger, Dallas T. Collins, Most Happy Fella (1967) (1:55) ($419,033), What Wheel, and Lotto S. Collins (1:55.4) ($273,055) were also popular horses of the Gernatt's.

Horse sales

In 1984, Daniel R. Gernatt, Sr. stated that all of the horses that were part of Dan Gernatt Farms were for sale. By 1994, he stated that horse racing was "no longer economically viable." He stated that a horse from his farm needed to be sold for at least $4,000 in order to break even, and many horses were not being sold for that amount. Additionally, he referenced that the purse for racing a horse at the Buffalo Raceway had decreased from $1,200 to $1,000 from the 1960s to the 1990s. In 1994, the Gernatt's were making the last of their horse sales, winding down their horse business.

Industry ranking

Dan Gernatt Farms was ranked 59th in the industry in 1995. It was ranked 43rd in North America in 1996 by the United States Trotting Association, being identified with receiving $758,010 in winnings from horse races.

Legal Issues

Iroquois Gas Corporation v. Dan Gernatt Farms

In 1976, the Iroquois Gas Corporation sued Dan Gernatt Farms in violation of underground gas storage pursuant to laws protecting rights of Native American lands.