In November of 1971, Intel Corporation officially introduced the world’s first microprocessor, designed as a programmable CPU-on-a-chip which set the stage and is the building block for the modern computing era. In November of 1971, my parents Beverly and Jim Black introduced me to our corner of the world at St. Francis Hospital in Olean, New York. I am the only daughter and youngest of three children, which meant I had a lot of catching up to do. When my brothers (Jim & Jeff) had their first job delivering newspapers for the Olean Times Herald, of course I wanted to tag along and help them. When they started working for my grandfather at Eade’s Standard, I wanted to, as well. I quickly learned what it meant to take an active role in my community through work. I learned from my family how to be respectful, grateful, and humble while working side by side with the best of the best in business. As I recall my childhood, I jokingly say that I grew up in two places in Olean: our house on 2^nd Street, and the business at 307 North Union Street. My days look a little different, but my values are still the same: respectful, grateful, and humble.

My father was a Science teacher at Portville Central School for 30 years and my mother stayed in the family business, managing the day-to-day operations alongside her father, Henry. During that time, my parents invested in apartment houses in Olean. In the summer, my dad would spend his time remodeling and maintaining the rentals, while my mother managed the operations. To this day when I see a person who rented from my parents, I beam as they recall stories of them as diligent and attentive landlords.  It was a busy time for my family, but my parents always managed to provide a stable home for us. We lived in a neighborhood full of Lebanese families that would pick up the slack from time to time. Some of my fondest memories were of playing “until the streetlights come on” and Friday nights at The Palace Theatre with my friends. It was simpler times in Olean, rooted in family values and a bustling city with many cultural traditions. Olean was an innovator in manufacturing with companies like Daystrom Furniture and Dresser Clark, both of which employed family members. One of the most vivid recollections of my youth was when the Olean Center Mall opened in 1976, which as we know, changed the retail landscape of Olean…forever.

Fast forward to 1994. I met my husband, Bob Sherburne, which changed my life…forever. Between 1997 and 1998 we began our journey. Bob landed a job with Cutco. We bought our American Four-Square brick home on Irving Street. Then in August of ’98 we were married at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. We still live in the same house today.  We both grew up in Olean. My husband’s parents, Ron and Kathy Sherburne, had four children: Terri, Michael, Bob, and Linda. Their family lived their entire life on Second Ave. in Olean. Bob’s father Ron, and two uncles, Joe and Ray, worked as firefighters for the City of Olean. Kathy volunteered for the Bartlett House; a place dear to Olean’s history. Our family connections to Olean are equally important contributions in business and in service to our community.

My husband Bob and I have three children. Our daughter April, a beautiful and independent woman, who I grew to love as my own after her dad and I met. April married her husband, Ryan Carr of Portville and made our family all the happier with the arrival of our grandchildren, Aryiana, Mason, and Atticus. They live in Houston, Texas. Grace, our quiet but fiercely strong daughter, assisted communities in Upstate New York, leading local governments with their NY Forward projects, much like Olean’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. She received her master’s degree as an Urban Planner from the University at Albany. She has recently moved to Rochester where she continues her career. Andrew, our compassionate, creative theater kid, has been living in New York City for four years and is graduating in May of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of New York. He will stay in Manhattan with a full-time job at his internship company, assisting in the operations of a wallpaper and fabric design studio.  Each child leads a fulfilling life, with unique experiences at various stages of their journey. We are proud of their achievements and who they have become. Bob and I remained for many reasons, with one being particularly significant. We wanted our children to cherish their community as we do and proudly call it home.

For 85 years, my family has been part of Olean’s history. A granddaughter of immigrants from Lebanon, it was my grandfather who attributed his success in life to this country, this city, this community of people. A community that is responsible for four generations of success in my family alone. Multiply that by thousands and thousands of families and generations. If given the opportunity, you will quickly realize why I am enthusiastic about Olean. I am convinced our greatest days are ahead. I feel a sense of duty, as I cannot imagine any other person fit for the job of leading our future.

In November 1971, an Intel chip revolutionized life. While my influence on the world may be limited, I am committed to being a positive force for change in Olean.