M&T Bank’s late Chairman and CEO Robert Wilmers was a big fan of biking to work. Not only was it a preferred mode of transportation for the CEO, it was also another way that he felt that he could lead by example. In a world where it was too easy to hop in a car and drive to work, Wilmers identified that the bike was the best way to get around town. He enjoyed being outdoors. He also liked getting healthy while out on the road. Not to mention the convenience.
Now, to further honor the legacy of Wilmers, M&T has teamed up with Seneca One to display Wilmers’ iconic bike, which now sits proudly in the lobby of the Tower, which is home to the M&T Tech Hub. The bike not only represents Wilmers’ commitment to philanthropy and community involvement, it also represents an ever-changing world – a world that has become so complicated that “getting back to the basics” is almost considered revolutionary.
As a way to celebrate the installation of the bike, which is representational of Wilmers himself, upwards of 175 M&T employees and partners came together to assemble 50 youth bicycles. Since Wilmers was a big supporter of the educational efforts of such organizations as Buffalo Prep and Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, it was only fitting that this gesture be made.
The bike itself was donated to M&T by the Wilmers family, to remind people that sometimes the simplest and most rewarding pleasures in life come from the most unexpected places. Wilmers lived life to the fullest, but funnily enough, it was a bike that immeasurably spoke for him. Not a Porsche. Not a Riva Rivamare. But a classic bike. Now that’s classy.
“I never knew my dad not to ride his bike to work,” said Chris Wilmers. “He even did so during an ice storm in the 80s that turned Central Park into one big ice rink. He wound up on the 6 o’clock news that day. His bicycle is a symbol of perseverance and commitment to doing the right thing, always. He was a fierce advocate for Buffalo and wanted the very best for the children of this great city. Our family is proud of the work M&T employees are doing and grateful they’re continuing his legacy into the next generation.”
This new installation will help the building’s new residents and visitors reflect on the character and impact of one of the most important figures in the city’s banking history.
“It’s been nearly five years since Western New York lost a great leader and community advocate, but Robert Wilmers’ legacy of leadership and generosity lives on,” said Eric Feldstein, M&T’s Regional President for Western New York. “Bob was passionate about making sure children across Buffalo had equal opportunities for education and personal growth. It’s an enduring impact that continues to live on through our bank’s determined efforts to make a difference in people’s lives. Bob helped shape a culture of community involvement at M&T Bank, and I’m confident he would be proud of our great employees who volunteered today to build bikes for local youth.”
“Riding a bike is a rite of passage for most children, but not every kid has a bicycle of his or her own,” said Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director at the International Institute of Buffalo. “We’re grateful to get these bicycles into the hands of local kids who will not only have a new way to get to school, but they’ll also experience the simple joy of riding a bike. With every block that these kids ride, Robert Wilmers’ legacy rides along with them. Buffalo’s non-profit organizations are fortunate that our city was so heavily influenced and inspired by a tremendous philanthropist and advocate, not only through today’s bicycle donation but in the ways that local businesses champion causes and give charitably.”
“It means so much to have Robert Wilmers’ iconic bicycle hanging here permanently in our lobby at Seneca One,” said Douglas Jemal, founder and president of Douglas Development. “History and preservation are the driving forces behind our many development efforts here in Downtown Buffalo, which is why this important piece of history is the perfect addition to our space. We’re honored to be chosen to help preserve Bob’s bicycle — and his legacy — for years to come.”
M&T executives and employees were joined at the podium by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Patti Stephen, executive director of Buffalo Prep and George Johnson, founder of East Side Bike Club, which will be accepting some of the donated bicycles and distributing them to local children. Other recipients of the bicycles, who were also present at the ceremony, include the International Institute of Buffalo and the Buffalo Police Athletic League.
M&T worked with Bert’s Bikes & Fitness to purchase the bicycles for this project. Additional Seneca One tenants, including 43North, Odoo and Lighthouse Technology Services, also volunteered to help build the bicycles. Members of MTB Fit, an M&T Bank employee resource group, were also present and played a large role in shaping the community bike build. This voluntary, employee-driven group has become a powerful force for good, supporting M&T’s work to advance healthy lifestyle and habits for its employees.
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