In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Ray Durso—President & CEO of the Genesis Group, community connector, regional ambassador, and one of the most recognizable champions of Central New York. Ray shares the origin story of the Genesis Group, how it grew from a handful of leaders meeting twice a week into a region-wide, volunteer-driven organization, and why bringing people together across county lines is more important than ever.

We talk about what community leadership really looks like day to day, how meaningful events (not just more events) create real impact, and why education, healthcare, first responders, and small businesses all sit at the heart of a thriving region. Ray also opens up about his personal philosophy—choosing positivity every morning, leading with faith, and never giving up on making a difference, even when the work gets hard.

From career days that introduce thousands of students to real-world opportunities, to honoring teachers and first responders, to reminding young professionals why the Mohawk Valley is a special place to build a life—this conversation is a masterclass in optimism, connection, and community pride.

We Cover:
• How the Genesis Group was founded and why regional collaboration matters
• What success really looks like for community organizations
• Why first responders, teachers, and students deserve to be celebrated
• How small businesses can support each other through shared challenges
• Why the Mohawk Valley offers a quality of life you can’t find just anywhere

This one is full of heart, perspective, and real talk about what it takes to build a stronger Central New York—together.

🏛️ Upcoming: 26th Annual Regional Legislative Forum Breakfast
Ray also previews the 26th Annual Regional Legislative Forum Breakfast, the Genesis Group’s first major event of the year and one of the most anticipated gatherings in the region. The breakfast brings together leaders, elected officials, business owners, and community members from across Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, and Otsego Counties for a powerful morning of dialogue, collaboration, and regional vision.

This episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction
(1:15) - Starting with Genesis
(4:00) - Original Core Group Meetings
(5:30) - Day to Day Role & Educating
(7:15) - What Does Success Look Like?
(9:20) - Events to Look Forward to
(11:30) - Appreciating First Responders
(14:25) - Working with Schools
(18:15) - Herkimer County Wide Event
(19:45) - Ray's Optimistic Philosophy
(22:50) - Challenges & Avoiding Controversy
(25:15) - Respecting Time
(26:00) - Small Business Needs & Chamber Alliance
(29:10) - Improve the Quality of Your Questions
(30:20) - Connecting with Ray
(32:55) - Opinion Pieces
(34:45) - Keeping Young Professionals Here
(39:15) - Rapid Fire Questions


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Ray Durso's Links
Website - https://thegenesisgroup.org
Genesis FB - https://www.facebook.com/TheGenesisGroupMV
This Week in the MV - https://wibx950.com/radio-on-demand

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Love Living Local Links:
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