Staff Report / July 6, 2026
PHELPS – In an era where corporate landscapes shift overnight, a homegrown transportation giant is earning widespread acclaim for steering three-quarters of a century of steady economic success right out of the Finger Lakes.
The Finger Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce turned its spotlight toward the transportation sector by hosting its June Business After Hours Networking Mixer at the corporate headquarters of Wadhams Enterprises, Inc. Located at 369 Bostwick Road, the exclusive event opened the doors of the facility to local business owners and civic leaders, tracing the impressive evolution of a family-owned venture that has silently anchored regional logistics since the late 1940s.
Co-owner Rick Wadhams guided guests on an extensive tour of the company’s sprawling campus, which was originally constructed in 1999 to house executive suites, corporate offices, and a high-tech training facility. Reflecting on the company’s humble beginnings, Wadhams detailed how a single milk truck operated by his father laid the groundwork for what would ultimately grow into a massive multi-fleet supply chain engine spanning the Northeast. Chamber officials highly praised the company’s deep-rooted dedication to community values and hard work, emphasizing that its massive footprint has generated vital economic stability across multiple decades.
Today, the logistics powerhouse thrives by operating through three distinct, specialized divisions tailored to separate transportation markets:
- Earl T. Wadhams, Inc.: Serves as the food-grade foundational arm of the company, focusing strictly on high-volume bulk milk hauling.
- RIST Transport, Ltd.: Handles heavy-duty freight operations, providing full truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), advanced warehousing, and brokerage solutions.
- ARG Trucking Corp.: Operates as the company’s fuel transport division, delivering bulk petroleum products safely across regional lines.
With the historic milestone celebrated, local commerce leaders are already looking toward the next opportunity to foster regional business relationships. The FLX Chamber’s upcoming monthly networking mixer is slated for Wednesday, July 8, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Hampton Inn & Seasons on Keuka Lake in Penn Yan.
