R.A.V.E.

Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs

In the spirit of celebrating Entrepreneurship Week each year in November, RAEDI hosts a R.A.V.E. Event to recognize and award innovative entrepreneurs in the Rochester area. This event allows RAEDI and its partners in the entrepreneurial community to shine a spotlight on our entrepreneurs and the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Rochester area.

Join us for the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. Event

Join RAEDI in celebrating the 11th Annual R.A.V.E. (Recognizing Awarding Valuing Entrepreneurs) Event on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Two Discovery Square, Rochester. The festivities will run from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., starting with networking, appetizers, and refreshments, followed by the awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Each award recipient will be honored with a special video tribute.

This year, we are excited to present entrepreneurial awards to Dr. Andre Terzic and Dr. Atta Behfar, co-founders of RIONFrancisco and Maria Lopez, co-founders of Lopez and Son Construction and owner of La Michoacana Purépecha, Michelle Hamilton, co-founder of Dandelion Naturals. We will also honor Benike Construction with the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing the company’s 87 years of excellence since its founding by Alvin E. Benike. Additionally, the Warrior Award will be presented to Bucky Beeman for his advocacy and work on the digital Market Update Series, which highlights new businesses in the Rochester area.

2024 R.A.V.E. Lifetime Achievement Honoree

Benike Construction

2024 R.A.V.E.
Warrior Honoree

Bucky Beeman

2024 R.A.V.E. Entrepreneur Honorees

Michelle Hamilton
Co-Founder of Dandelion Naturals

Dr. Atta Behfar and Dr. Andre Terzic
Co-Founders of RION

Francisco and Maria Lopez
Co-owners of Lopez & Son Construction and La Michoacana Purépecha