Chamber of Commerce News Web Page 2008 Grand Island, NY, Chamber of Commerce Website
President John L. Bonora
First Vice President Tony Brindisi
Second Vice President Diane Thompson
Treasurer Judy Schmidt
Secretary - Dr. Sherry Bradford
Chamber Office: 2257 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: (716)773-3651 Fax: (716)773-3316
This Chamber is organized for the purpose of advancing the economic, industrial, professional,
cultural and civic welfare of Grand Island; to encourage the growth of existing industries
and business, while giving all proper asssistance to any new firms or individuals seeking to
locate in Grand Island; to support all these activities believed to be beneficial to the
community and area, and in general to promote the welfare of all area citizens following always
those policies intended to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Brochures, Maps, Videos and Post Cards (viewed on opening page of website) available through the Chamber
Office. Feel free to email us and we will forward your request to the Chamber Office or call (716)773-3651.
Thank you for your interest in Grand Island.
Chamber Elections - 2008
(left) Fran McMahon, Liz Wilbert, Eric Fiebelkorn, John Bonora, Jim Sharpe and Skip Mazenauer
Click photo for larger view
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce re-elected two incumbents to the Board of Directors and three newly elected directors during the December 9th Holiday Party. Incumbents re-elected were Skip Mazenauer of Niagara Frontier Publications and Jim Sharpe of Sharpe Associates. Eric Fiebelkorn of Toshiba Business Solutions, Fran McMahon of McMahon’s Day by Day Family Restaurant and Liz Wilbert of Century 21 Winklhofer were elected as new board directors. All five director seats will serve three-year terms.
Joanne Kud will remain on board as past president; John Bonora of AIG- Adivsor Group was re-elected as president, Tony Brindisi of The Keller Group was re-elected to 1st vice president, Diane Thompson of Emerson/Control Techniques was re-elected to 2nd vice president, Dr. Sherry Bradford of Oncology Research Therapeutics will remain as Chamber secretary and Judy Schmidt was elected to treasurer.
Other directors include Sam Aceti of Aceti’s Wine & Spirits; Andy Beyer of AJ Beyer Mechanical; Dawn Bonora, Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics; Teresa Costello from the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort & Conference Center; Beverly Kinney of Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions; Rob Ratajczak, Jr. P.C.; and Michael Anthony Rossi, Esq. The Chamber looks forward to another productive year. The Chamber’s Board meetings are open to all members and the general public at 7 p.m. at the Buffalo Launch Club on Grand Island each third Tuesday of the month. The installation of directors and executive officers will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Members are encouragd to attend meetings and show support for the business community.
Semi-finalists from left are Kevin Gibas, Hannah Cliff, Jenna Hutzler, Lauren Fermoile, Marwa Eltagouri and Benjamin Soos.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announced the semi-finalists and finalists for its 2008-2009 Youth Ambassador Scholarship Program.
Semi-Finalist are Kevin Gibas, Hannah Cliff, Jenna Hutzler, Lauren Fermoile, Marwa Eltagouri and Benjamin Soos. Finalists for 2008-2009 Program are Lauren Fermoile and Benjamin Soos. Lauren Fermoile is currently a senior at Grand Island High School and is very active in many school organizations. She is vice president of Student Council, current Yearbook Editor and a DECA representative. Next year, Lauren plans on attending college majoring in Fashion Design. She is very thrilled to have been chosen as the Youth Ambassador for Grand Island and is looking forward to participating in upcoming community events. Benjamin Soos, a junior at Grand Island High School, participates in various high school sports, Art Club, Student Council and the Boy Scouts of America. Through this, he has served the community, explored the business field, and held leadership positions. He is a member of the High School Men’s Swim team and was voted NYS Scholar Athlete. Benjamin intends to major in Science with the hopes of becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon. He is very excited to have been chosen as one of this year’s Youth Ambassadors for Grand Island and is ready to take on the responsibilities and help build the Grand Island community.
Cinderella Island Available At Chamber Office - 2008
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has been working on two separate projects over this past year and have finally completed both publications. The Grand Island Street Maps have been updated as of June 2008 and available at no charge. Cinderella Island, a publication of Grand Island's history by Rob Roy McLeod and first published in 1950, is also available at the Chamber office. The cost of the book is $7.50. Last published in 1988, this is a great gift idea for the someone new to the Island or for someone who has left Grand Island. Skip Mazenauer, Grand Island Chamber Committee Chairman, would like to thank the following individuals for their hard work and dedication in getting this project off the ground and ready for publication: Laura Anderson (design and layout), Judy Schmidt (editing), Jim Linenfelser (Supervisor photos) and Teddy Linenfelser (Town Historian).
Ribbon Cutting: Dana's Stylin' Pets - 2008
(left) Ester Caffatt (mother to Dana Carver), Town Councilman Gary Roesch, Chamber Director Rob Ratajczak, Town Councilwoman Mary Cooke, Chamber Director Dr. Sherry Bradford, Owner/Groomer Dana Carver, Chamber Director Skip Mazenauer, Town Clerk Pattie Frentzel Town Councilman Dick Crawford, Chamber President John Bonora and Town Supervisor Peter McMahon.
Click photo for larger view
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and Town Board members welcomed Dana Carver of Dana’s Stylin’ Pets with a ribbon cutting on Monday, October 20, 2008. Dana took over the location where Tender Touch Pet Grooming was located at 1879 Whitehaven Road (next to Flower-A-Day Florist). Dana’s Stylin’ Pets is an all breed dog and cat grooming facility with the hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Dana at (716) 773-5958.
Chamber To Choose Youth Ambassadors Scholarship Opportunity - 2008
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Youth Ambassador Program to promote interaction and goodwill between local students and the Island's business community. The program is designed to recognize the youth of this area, and to select two Youth Ambassadors who will represent Grand Island at town and school functions, and community and business events. Now in its twelfth year, the program is open to all Grand Island residents attending grades 10, 11, and 12 in high school on/or off the Island, for the 2008-2009 school year.
The Chamber of Commerce appreciates the following contributions received so far for the benefit of the Youth Ambassadors Program:
• Platinum Sponsor Greater Buffalo Track Club
• Gold Sponsors, Town Councilman Dick Crawford, Grand Island American Legion #1346, Christian Home Companions, and Rockwood Brothers Collision
• Silver Sponsors: Island Dental (Dr. Thomas Lepenven), Sam Long’s Landscaping and Excavating, and Elderwood Health Care at Riverwood
• Bronze Sponsor Simplified Living at Home.
Scholarship applications are available in the Guidance Office at all area schools, and the Chamber of Commerce, 2257 Grand Island Boulevard, 773-3651. All completed applications must be submitted to the Chamber Office by Friday, October 3, 2008.
Youth Ambassadors Are Bid Farewell - 2008
2007-2008 Youth Ambassador Brittany Stallard (Youth Ambassador Ciara Morreale not pictured) with Chamber Past President and Youth Program Chair Joanne Kud and Chamber President John Bonora
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Area business members had a chance to bid farewell to outgoing Youth Ambassadors, Ciara Morreale and Brittany Stallard, at the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors summer outing, held on the Grand Lady Cruise Ship. Both young ladies will soon be leaving for college. Ciara will attend Canisius College, and Brittany will be going to Niagara University.
Selection for the 2008-2009 Youth Ambassador is now in progress. Grand Island residents who will be attending 10th, 11th, or 12th grades in September are eligible to participate. Applications will be distributed by each grade’s homeroom teachers. They may also be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce office, 2257 Grand Island Boulevard. TWO Youth Ambassadors will be chosen this year and will be awarded a scholarship thanks to contributions from local businesses.
The two winners will represent the youth of Grand Island at special town, school and Chamber events. All completed applications must be received by Friday, October 3, 2008. For further information, contact Joanne Kud at the Chamber of Commerce Office at 773-3651.
Chamber Awards Scholarship - 2008
(Left) Chamber Past President and Youth Program Chair Joanne Kud is shown with Scholarship Winner Sara Kurpiewski and her mother and father, Joanna and Zig Kurpiewski
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Sara Kurpiewski was selected as this year’s recipient of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Award, presented at the Chamber office on July 23, 2008. Sara was selected for her academic achievement, leadership and community involvement.
Sara will be attending Niagara County Community College for one year then Niagara University and will major in Early Childhood Education & Special Education. Sara was an active member in Student Council and served as president of the Grand Island High School Class of 2008 in her freshman and sophomore year. In her senior year, she was elected president of Student Council and asked to serve on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council. During her time at Grand Island she received several school awards: The Pride of the Island, Scholar Athlete, Rotary Student of the Month, and placed in the top 10 at the regional DECA competition with first place in Public Speaking at the New York State competition. Sara volunteered in the mentor program at Kaegebein School. The program helps give young children an opportunity to stay after school and receive assistance with schoolwork rather than going home to an empty house. She has been involved in Young Life, a nondenominational church organization for the past four years. Young Life is designed to help teens explore their relationship with religious beliefs and interact in constructive group settings.
Chamber Property Improvement Award - 2008
(Left) Chamber Program Chair Skip Mazenauer, Russ Certo, owner MOG & GI Physical Therapy and Chamber President John Bonora
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The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Property Improvement Award was given to Russ Certo of the M.O.G. - Grand Island Physical Therapy, 1801 Grand Island Boulevard, on Wednesday, July 23rd. Grand Island Physical Therapy was opened in 1988 on Stony Point Road. Eventually Russ felt it was essential that his patients have a place to go after they completed physical therapy, where they could continue exercising. Thus the concept of the medically orient gym was born, and the M.O.G. opened in January 2005. The 12,000 square foot facility contains state-of-the-art exercise equipment, country-club style locker rooms, individual rooms with plenty of space for classes, and a completely separate area in which physical therapy services are provided. The vision of the M.O.G. was to deliver a fitness service that was a valuable and life altering experience. It had to appeal to the healthy motivated population and at the same time define a culture and an image that would attract and retain the unmotivated and unhealthy members of the community. Centrally located in the business district of Grand Island was the most convenient and easily accessible for its members and the community.
Chamber of Commerce Kids Have Fun At Kidbiz - June 2008
(left photo) Peresies Patriotic Pitch: Ashley Peresie, Deven Bonvissuto, Zack Peresie - (right photo) Cassie Shickluna (pillow cases and pencils) and Morgan Finn (snack and lemonade) donated their profits to "Hearts for the Homeless"
(left photo) Julia Lawley, Leah Jasek, and Maya Harper - (right) Alyse Borelli at her Alyse's Bargain Outlet
Mary Stewart Photos - Click for larger view.
Sixty participants took part in the Chamber of Commerce KidBiz event held Saturday, June 28, 2008. For more information and photos see "KidBiz/Island Happenings"
Youth Ambassador Brittany Stallard (left) Joanne Kud, Youth Program Chair and Youth Ambassador Ciara Morreale
Bands set up for the competition - Corey McGowan standing down in front of the band, The 3rd Dimension
Chamber of Commerce Photos - Click for larger view
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Island School and Business Alliance hosted Island Happenings featuring the Grand Island Business Expo / Kid Biz / Battle of the Bands on Saturday, June 28th in Klingel Town Commons. The event drew over 40 business vendors, 60 Kid Biz participants and nine bands. The weather was unpredictable at first, but then turned out to be a fabulous day.
Sixty youth entrepreneurs participated in KidBiz. They were: Tara-Ann Amyot, Tori Aronica, Lillee Bellia, Elaina Bolles, Alyse Borelli, Brian Brennan, Alex Brenna, Madison Brown, Joey Casullo, Abby Chambers, Natalia Christiano, Connor Cinelli, Mikayla Claus, Jane Cooke, Jenna Corrao, Lillian Cultrara, Gabriel D’Addario, Lindsey Diehl, Julia Diehl, Shannon Driess, Eliza Dudziak, Emily Dudziak, Noah Fuller-Delmont, Jacob Gilcard, Cassie Gilcart, Nicolette Golden, Morgan Goris, Maxwell Grenda, Maya Harper, Natalie Henderson, Leah Jasek, Katlyn Jennings, Nicholas Jennings, Erika Ewert, Frankie Koch, Sara Kwarciak, Julia Lawley, Travis LeFevre, Ethan Lynch, Kelsey Mahoney, Austin Mahoney, Thomas Major, Julianna Major, Colton McGraw, Quinn Mikulski, Travis Mikulski, Catherine Navagn, Carissa Parsons, Julianna Passarelli, Ashley Peresie, Zack Peresie, Julie Pino, Brandon Rivers, Shannon Robillard, Chelsea Robillard, Alexa Rogers, Maggie Schultz, Cassie Shickluna, Breanna Stedman-Pate, Lindsey Supparits, Christina Sutton, Collin Tolsma, Melissa Ullrich, Camille Watt, Caitlin Watt, Hannah Wessner, Timothy Winder, Dakota Wolf, Gillian Worrall, Kevin Minton, Brian Minton, Brandi Burgard, John Sosnowski, Katie Gentz, Hevyn Dreher, Brandon Surdi, Jared Hale, Kyle Burns, and Mallory DelSignore.
Nine of Grand Island’s finest teen bands competed in the 2nd Annual Battle of Bands: The 3rd Dimension, Inlite, Tim Franklin, Rising Anthem, Gramdma’s Cookies, VARNA, Wildebeast Wontabeast, One on One and Evan Carey. Battle Of The Bands Winners
1st Place – One on One
2nd Place – Inlite
3rd Place – Evan Carey
See also "KidBiz"
For future events and information, visit the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce website at: www.gichamber.org, or call our office at 716-773-3651.
Summer Expo 2008 - 2008
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Island School and Business Alliance are hosting the Summer Expo to include Island Happenings, KidBiz and Battle of the Bands scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2008 from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. in Marion Klingel Town Commons off Whitehaven Road between Baseline and Grand Island Boulevard. This event is in its 12th year with the Battle of the Bands in its 2nd year. The community is urged to support the Grand Island community, area youths and local businesses. The event will feature over 40 booths and 80 Grand Island students participating this year!
Sponsors include: Niagara Frontier Publications, Cakes You Can’t Eat, Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions, First Investors Corporation (Patrick O’Connor), First Niagara Bank, Creative Leather Concepts/FedEx Shipping Center, Robert M. Ratajczak, Jr., PC, Eggertsville/Grand Island Lodge #1138 F&AM, Keller Insurance Group, Grinders Skatepark, Simplified Living At Home, Mary Kay Cosmetics (Dawn Bonora), St. Stephens School, and Bleich, Inc. (Miracle Ear).
For more information on the event please contact the Chamber office at (716) 773-3651.
Chamber Honors Its Own - 2008
Director and Past President Beverly Kinney, President John Bonora, Directors Dawn Bonora and Andy Beye
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At the Tuesday, June 17 Board of Directors meeting, Chamber President John Bonora recognized Director and Past President Beverly Kinney and Director Andrew J. Beyer IV for their dedication and contribution as Chairs of the Citizen of the Year Awards committee. Beverly said, that without the support of the whole committee this event wouldn't be as successful. She thanked the following committee members: Jim Sharpe, Joanne Kud, Judy Schmidt, Dr. Sherry Bradford, Jennifer Peresie, Deborah Mann, Sybil Kennedy, Phil Buchanan and Laura Anderson.
Dawn Bonora, an integeral part of the Relay for Life fundraising, also received a Certificate of Appreciation as Chair of the Relay for Life team, Chamber Challengers.
Youth Ambassador Hot Dog Sale - 2008
For a $2.50 donation, you will receive a mouth-watering hot dog and refreshing beverage. All proceeds will go towards the Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassador Scholarship program. Pre-sale tickets are currently being sold at the Chamber Office, 2257 Grand Island Boulevard, or may be purchased from any Chamber Director. For more information, contact the Chamber at 773-3651.
YOUTH AMBASSADOR HOT DOG SALE
Saturday, June 28, 2008
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Town Commons
In Conjunction with Island Happenings/Kid Biz
"Issues Affecting Grand Island Businesses" - 2008
A Business Breakfast Series on "Issues Affecting Grand Island Businesses" will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 21st at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort & Conference Center. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. where a continental breakfast will be available. RSVP by Friday, May 16th to Laura at the Chamber Office, 773-3651. See "Complete Information.
Citizen Of Year Recipients - 2008
(left) 2007 Citizen of the Year Award Recipients, Tony Brindisi, Zonta Club of Grand Island President Debbie Spencer, Gary Miller from Cannon Design, Dolly D’Orazio, Mary Beth Wrobel (Master of Ceremonies), Carol Horrigan and Mary Dunbar-Daluisio.
Click photo for larger view
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who attended the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet held on April 24 at the Holiday Inn Resort & Conference Center. Over 200 people joined the Chamber in honoring the 2007 award winners.
Citizens of the Year Televised - 2008
The annual Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Awards Dinner held Thursday, April 24, 2008
at the Grand Island Holiday Inn and Resort will be shown at 8 p.m. on Cable Channel 22 on the following dates:
Saturday, May 10
Saturday, May 17
Saturday, June 14
And every Saturday thereafter in June and July.
Citizens of the Year Dinner Tickets - 2008
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. The recipients of the 2007 Citizen of the Year Awards are:
Cannon Design - Business of the Year Tony Brindisi, Keller Insurance Group - Business Person of the Year Zonta Club of Grand Island - Organization of the Year Delilah (Dolly) D’Orazio - Community Service Relay for Life Chair, Mary Dunbar-Daluisio - Civic Award Carol Horrigan - Educator of the Year.
Dinner tickets are available at the Chamber office, 2257 Grand Island Blvd. or by calling 773-3651.
Chamber Updating Island Street Map - 2008
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is in the process of updating the Grand Island Street Map for 2008. Advertising spaces are filling up fast, so don’t miss the opportunity to get your business name out to the buying public. The cost to advertise on the map is $200 for Chamber members and $250 for non-members. The Chamber will have 8,000 maps printed, to be distributed FREE for everyone. For more information, contact the Chamber office at (716) 773-3651. The deadline for advertisements is April 28, 2008.
Community Service Person of the Year Dolly D’Orazio and Educator of the Year Carol Horrigan will be honored by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce at the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet. This year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will return as Master of Ceremonies.
Dolly D'Orazio ~ Community Service of the Year
Dolly, as a former Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Director,has served on numerous committees; Youth Ambassador, Island Happenings, judge of the July 4th Parade, and the Grand Island Chamber Scholarship & Grand Island Chamber Awards. The Chamber has not been the only recipient of Dolly’s hard work and caring heart. She has volunteered many hours in the Island community as well as other communities, for many other causes.
Before returning to Western New York in 1991, she and her husband, Tony, resided in Connecticut where she volunteered as a Hockey Team Mother, serving on the Board of Parents and hosting exchanged hockey team members. She actively lobbied for ‘Gifted Education in Connecticut Schools' and was school representative to ‘Gifted Education Board' for three years, serving one year as chair.
In March of 1993, Dolly started working at Huth Road School as a monitor. She began volunteering at Reality Café in 1995 and was hired in July of 1999 as a part time recreation attendant, which led to her present position as P.T. Recreation Leader. The facility was open to 8th graders and in early 2000’s and in October of 2007 it was also opened up to 6th & 7th graders as an eight-week experiment. This has now been added to the program till the end of the year.
Dolly volunteered 21 years to the Boy Scouts of America, holding positions of; Den Leader, Committee Chair Leader, District Executive Board member, Trainer of new scout leaders, National Trained Religious Coordinator (serving eight years and covering all Religions for six towns), National Trained & Certified Camp Director, Scout Master Training, Scouting for the Handicapped and Charted Daisy Scout Leader. As a former member of Island Presbyterian Church, Dolly served as ‘Charter Representative’ for Boy Scout unit 254, and served as an ‘Elder’ to the church. She arranged ‘Scout Sunday’ programs for the church. Dolly is the recipient of the Sparks Plugs Award & the District Award of Merit.
Other activities she has been involved in are: Day of Caring, Santa Lights Gazebo, Lion’s Club Picnic, Meet the Easter Bunny an National Night Out. She has worked with hearing impaired students, wheelchair students working on their P.T, Resource Room and mainstreaming special needs students.
Dolly has served as co-chair of Logistics for Relay to Life with Jim Milne. Presently, she assists in any area of Relay to Life that Mary Dunbar-Daluisio and her committee needs her.
Currently, Dolly is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, serving on the ‘Worship Committee.’ She has been an usher for four years, the past two serving as Head Usher. Dolly and her husband, Tony, reside on Grand Island. She is the mother of two children, Dawn, Tony III. She is also step mom to Tony’s five children, grandmother to 13 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Carol Horrigan - Chamber of Commerce Educator Of The Year Award
Carol Horrigan moved to Grand Island in 1986 and has been the vocal music teacher at Huth Road Elementary School for 22 years. She received her Bachelor of Music Education from the State University at Fredonia, where she also received her Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction and Reading. She is an accomplished pianist and has played piano for numerous Island and Western New York events.
In addition to her classroom music assignment, she directs four choral groups at Huth Road, that meet before or after the school day. Carol is the regular accompanist for the high school choral groups and has taught private piano for well over 30 years. At Huth Road she is also a Technology Instructional Facilitator and assists with the incorporation of technology into grade level based units of study.
She is a member of Erie County Music Education Association and has conducted the Erie County Elementary Chorus at Kleinhans. She has received the Huth Road PTA Lifetime Membership Award, Celebration of Inspiration, Who’s Who Among American Teachers, National Honor Role of Outstanding American Teachers, and has been nominated as a Disney American Teacher of the Year.
Carol is a member of St. Stephen’s Church and the Cinderella Isle Garden Club. In her spare time she enjoys walking, gardening, and traveling. She has two sons and resides on Grand Island with her husband, Chuck.
Other recipients are Cannon Design/Business of the Year; Tony Brindisi/Business Person of the Year; Zonta Club of Grand Island/Organization of the Year; Mary Dunbar-Daluisio/Civic.
Join Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce in honoring these businesses and individuals who have made Grand Island a better place.
Dinner tickets are now available at the chamber office, 2257 Grand Island Blvd. or by calling 773-3651.
BluesRoot, Dollars For Scholars Fundraiser - 2008
GRAND ISLAND, NY – For the second consecutive year, BluesRoot, international recording act with Grand Island roots, has teamed up with the Grand Island Chapter of Dollars for Scholars to raise money for scholarships for deserving local students. BluesRoot will perform in a special “BluesRoot Concert for Dollars for Scholars” from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center Grand Ballroom. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Prizes will be given away during the show. Advance tickets are $20 for admission. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
Ticket reservations are available from: Grand Island Chamber of Commerce (773-3651); Grand Island Dollars for Scholars Chapter President, James Sharpe (553-1100); and BluesRoot Entertainment (631-2043).
BluesRoot includes two veteran musicians and Grand Island residents, John D. Moore and Arthur Borgeson. The retired businessmen grew up, and played music, in the 1950’s and ‘60’s. Today, they perform the foundation blues, rockabilly and rock and roll songs from that era; paying historical tribute to that Golden Era of American music. BluesRoot also performs original music built on ‘50’s and ‘60’s model.
For more information call John at 631-2043, Jim at 553-1100, or the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce at 773-3651.
Seated are Dawn Bonora, Beverly Kinney, Karen Widman-Dick, ; (standing) Captain Rick Deegan, John Bonora, AIG, and Anne Fahning
Not pictured are Bronze Sponsors, Sam Aceti of Aceti's Wine & Spirits, Bob & Tim Rockwood of Rockwood Brothers Collision, and Mike Hachee of Rose Liquor Store.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Aceti’s Wine & Spirits, AIG-Advisor Group (John Bonora), APP Pharmaceuticals (Rich Nassar), Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions (Beverly Kinney), Creative Leather Concepts/FedEx Shipping Center (Fahim Mojawalla), First Niagara Bank (Deborah Mann), Grand Lady Cruises, Inc. (Captain Rick Deegan), Mary Kay Cosmetics (Dawn Bonora), Realty USA (Anne Fahning), Rockwood Brothers Collision (Bob & Tim Rockwood), and Rose Liquor Store (Mike Hachee) are Bronze Sponsors for the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Award.
This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24th and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies.
Platinum Sponsors include Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Inc., Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center and Niagara Frontier Publications. Gold Sponsors to date include HSBC Bank USA, AJ Beyer Mechanical, and Invitrogen Corporation. Silver Sponsors are Fuccillo Auto Park, Keller Group Insurance, and Tops Market.
Dinner tickets may be purchased at the Chamber office, adults are $42.00 and children $16.00. For more information call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
The Zonta Club of Grand Island and Mary Dunbar-Daluisio will be honored by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce at the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet. This year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will return as Master of Ceremonies.
Zonta Club of Grand Island ~ Organization of the Year
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Zonta Club of Grand Island will receive the Organization of the Year Award. From left are Secretary Linda Isenhart, Director Dawn Means, Vice President Barbara Nowakowski, Treasurer Andrea Moreau and President Debbie Spencer.
Click photo for larger view
Zonta is a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions working to improve the legal, political and economic status of women through service and advocacy. Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, Zonta International has grown to include more than 1,000 clubs in 58 countries with more than 38,000 members.
The Zonta Club of Grand Island was founded in 1958 and elected Kay LaBrake as its first President.
Since that day, the organization has granted $70,000 in academic scholarships to young women and women reentering the work force. Each year the scholarship committee selects four women from three categories: high school seniors, young women ages 18 to 25, and those over 25, who receive career advancement scholarships.
The Zonta Club's most recent project was the donation to Carolyn's House, a facility with temporary apartments for abused and economically disadvantaged women and their children who are making a new start to a better life. The Club provided personal grooming packages for each of the 19 women in the program.
Zonta members have also supported the efforts of Haven House, Kevin Guest House, Every Women’s Opportunity Center, Neighbors Foundation, Elderwood at Riverwood, Child and Family Services, Read and Seed, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, Relay for Life and many other organizations.
Funds are raised through a chicken barbecue and hot dog sales at the National Night Out and the annual town sponsored summer concert by Ramblin’ Lou’s Family Band.
Each Christmas, Zontians have a poinsettia and wreath sale to raise funds, as well as basket raffles, a fashion show, garage sales and lotto drawings throughout the year.
Mary Dunbar-Daluisio - Civic Award
Mary Agnes Dunbar was born in June 1954, the fourth of Ted and Betty Dunbar's five children. She grew up on Whitehaven Road in the home her father built on land given them by her grandparents, Patrick and Agnes Stack. "I feel very fortunate to reside there today with my husband Jim Daluisio," Mary said.
Mary attended Huth Road Elementary and moved on to what was then the Island's Junior/Senior High School. It was while in high school that she had her first taste of fundraising in a group effort. Following high school, she became employed in the automotive industry and lived in various Western New York communities. Returning to Grand Island in 1980 Mary gave birth to a daughter, Erin. While raising Erin on Grand Island she became involved with several organizations and committees. "My family are members of St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church where my great grandparents were founding members. I have been a member and past president of the Altar Society since 1992," Mary said. She is also a member of the Mission Team and is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Stephen’s. Mary, along with daughter, Erin, was active on the Grand Island Young Life Committee for several years.
Mary became involved with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life in a rather round about way. In 2003 her employer was asked to be a corporate sponsor for Relay. "My employer passed the baton to me, and the rest as they say, was history!"
That first year saw 18 teams that raised $12,000. "We were so inspired with the idea that together we were going to make a difference!" Being co-chair for Relay for the past four years has been an incredible, life-altering experience for Mary. "Losing my dear sister, Margaret, to breast cancer at age 47, coupled with my own battle with cancer in 2005 has only strengthened my resolve to make a difference to as many people as I can!"
Other recipients include Cannon Design/Business of the Year; Tony Brindisi/Business Person of the Year; Dolly D’Orazio/Community Service; and Carol Horrigan /Educator.
Join Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce in honoring these businesses and individuals who have made Grand Island a better place.
Dinner tickets are now available at the chamber office, 2257 Grand Island Blvd. or by calling 773-3651.
Tony Brindisi ~ Business Person of the Year
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Tony Brindisi will receive the
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD at the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Banquet. This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will return as Master of Ceremonies.
Tony is a 1976 graduate of Niagara University and has been a Grand Island businessman for the past 20 years. He was employed by General Motors and Motors Insurance Corp for 12 years in various management positions in Buffalo and New York City; he than was recruited by HSBC as Vice President in National Marketing. In 1988 he purchased the Keller Group, a small independent insurance Agency, with his closest friend and partner Bob Fahning. Together they have acquired 15 other agencies, opening four offices and employing 25 people. The Grand Island office was established with the acquisition of such reputable agencies as Island Associates, David Stone, Holly Agency, Bob Bonsack, and the Ed Pfohl Agency, Ed Pfohl.
Tony’s community involvement in Grand Island and Niagara Falls includes the following:
• Past President Pine Avenue business Association
• Small Business Council Rising Star Award Recipient
• Pine Avenue Business Association Business of the Year
• Mt. St. Mary’s Board of Associates, past board member
• USA Niagara Development Board of Directors Advisory council
• Tops Good Neighbor Award Recipient
• Grand Island School Board member, past Vice President & Trustee
• Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 1st. Vice-President
• Dollars for Scholars director. (Scholarship for Grand Island Students)
Tony’s greatest community commitment and accomplishment has been his involvement with our business community and school district. Tony is co-founder of the Grand Island School & Business Alliance, formed in 1993 with former Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Fields. This organization was created to bring the business community, the Island's Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Island school district together. Since its inception GISBA has created, sponsored and administrated many successful and enriching programs such as the Grand Island Shadow Day where students spend the day shadowing companies or careers they may be interested in pursuing. Another successful program is the Job Search Program where students complete applications and resumes as if they were applying for a job. Businesses set up at Holiday Inn and conduct actual job interviews and the students are then given feedback and recommendations on how well they did. This is one of the only programs of its kind, where the school district and business community have joined together to prepare students for the transition from school to work. The third program is Corporate Bowl, a program that allows students to earn scholarship money for academics and is the fundraiser for all of GISBA programs. These three programs have involved 1235 businesses, and 3140 students, and they have conducted 4800 job interviews, as well as giving almost $70,000 in scholarships to Grand Island students. It has been a success story for the business community, the school district and most of all, the students.
Tony is very active in the Chamber, chairing and participating on many committees, functions and events including the very important Audit and Insurance Committee, Youth Ambassador Committee, Island Happenings and more. Tony has been an Island resident for the past 25 years and resides with the love of his life, Sue and their children, Anthony, Dana, Lauren and Ciara.
Cannon Design ~ Business of the Year
Click photo for larger view
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Cannon Design will receive the Business of the Year Award at the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Banquet. This year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24, at 6 p.m. Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will return as Master of Ceremonies.
Cannon Design, founded over 60 years ago by Will and John D. Cannon, is today an international architectural, engineering, and planning firm with a staff of more than 700. Recognized with over 250 awards for design excellence, technological innovation, and thought leadership, Cannon Design is known for performance and dedication to client service.
Cannon Design projects noted for architectural excellence in upstate New York include the restoration of the Guaranty Building, being honored with a National Historic Preservation Award from the President’s Advisory Council in Historic Preservation, design excellence awards from AIA’s New York State and Western New York chapters, and numerous other historic preservation awards. Cannon Design has also been recognized by the Occidental Chemical Corporation Headquarters, recipient of an architectural excellence award from the AIA’s New York State chapter, an Award of Merit from the Illuminating Engineering Society, and the Owens-Corning Energy Conservation Award. The building also received the Environmental Protection Agency’s coveted EnergyStar designation in 1999, 19 years after the building first opened its doors. The firm's unique single-firm, multi-office, or SFMOTM, methodology fully integrates the activities of offices in Grand Island, Boston, New York, Baltimore, Washington DC, Toronto, Chicago, St. Louis, Vancouver, Victoria, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Shanghai, providing clients worldwide with consistent access to the organization’s full resources, irrespective of location.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce announces that Tops Friendly Market, Keller Group Insurance, and Fuccillo Auto Park have signed on as Silver Sponsors for the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Award.
This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24th and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place. Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies.
Platinum Sponsors are Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Inc., Niagara Frontier Publications, and Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. Gold Sponsors to date are HSBC Bank USA, AJ Beyer Mechanical, and Invitrogen Corporation. Bronze Sponsors are Aceti’s Wine & Spirits, AIG-Advisor Group/John Bonora, APP Pharmaceuticals, Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions, Creative Leather Concepts, First Niagara Bank, Grand Lady Cruises, Inc., Mary Kay Cosmetics/Dawn Bonora, Realty USA/Anne Fahning, Rockwood Brothers Collision, and Rose Liquor Store.
For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber Announces Gold Sponsors For Citizen Of Year Dinner - 2008
Photo 1: Chamber Director and Chair for Citizen of the Year, Beverly Kinney with Andy Beyer of AJ Beyer Mechanical, also Co-Chair for Citizen of the Year.
Photo 2: Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney pictured with Mike Samland, Branch Manager at HSBC Bank on Grand Island.
Photo 3: Sherrie Pufpaff (right) of Invitrogen with Beverly Kinney
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce announces that AJ Beyer Mechanical, HSBC Bank, and Invitrogen have signed on as Gold Sponsors for the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Awards presentation.
This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24th and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place. Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies.
Platinum Sponsors to date include Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Niagara Frontier Publications and Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. Silver sponsors include Tops Friendly Market, Keller Insurance Group, and Fuccillo Auto Park. Bronze Sponsors are AIG – Advisor Group, APP Pharmaceuticals, Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions, Creative Leather Concepts, First Niagara Bank, Grand Lady Cruises, Mary Kay, Realty USA, Rockwood Brothers Collision, and Rose Liquor Store. For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber Announces Citizens of the Year - 2008
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the 2007 Citizen of the Year Awards as follows:
Cannon Design - Business of the Year
Tony Brindisi, Keller Insurance Group - Business Person of the Year
Zonta Club of Grand Island - Organization of the Year
Delilah (Dolly) D’Orazio - Community Service
Relay for Life Chair, Mary Dunbar-Daluisio - Civic Award
Carol Horrigan - Educator of the Year
The 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet will be held on Thursday, April 24th at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center. Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies for the honoring of businesses and individuals who have made Grand Island a better place.
Dinner tickets are now available at the chamber office, 2257 Grand Island Blvd., or by calling 773-3651.
See Past Citizens Of The Year Recipients
Chamber Of Commerce Announces Top Sponsors Of Citizen Of Year Event - 2008
Photo 1 - Holiday Inn : Scott Zeplowitz, Hotel Manager, with Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney and Director of Sales, Teresa Costello, of the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort & Conference Center.
Photo 2 - Niagara Frontier Publications: Skip Mazenauer, Publisher of Niagara Frontier Publications, with Beverly Kinney, Chair for 2007 Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet accepting their sponsorship check.
Photo 3 - Astellas : K. Scott Aladeen of Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Inc. pictured with Chamber President, John Bonora (left).
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Inc., Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort & Conference Center, and Niagara Frontier Publications have signed on as Platinum Sponsors for the 42nd annual Citizen of the Year Award.
This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April 24th and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made the Town of Grand Island a better place. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be this year’s Master of Ceremonies.
Gold Sponsors to date include HSBC Bank USA, A. J. Beyer Mechanical, and Invitrogen Corporation. Silver sponsors include Tops Friendly Market and Keller Insurance Group. Bronze Sponsors are AIG – Advisor Group, APP Pharmaceuticals, First Niagara Bank, Grand Lady Cruises, Mary Kay, Realty USA, Rose Liquor Store, Rockwood Brothers Collision, Creative Leather Concepts and Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions.
For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber's Citizen of the Year Nominations Are Due March 3rd - 2008
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will present its 42nd Annual Citizen of the Year
Awards Banquet at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center 6 p.m. Thursday, April
24th when it will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place.
The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for this year’s award. Suggested categories for
nomination include business, businessperson, corporation, civic, education, community service, and senior citizen. Nomination
forms may be found in the 2008 Chamber of Commerce phonebook, by clicking www.isledegrande.com Nomination Form
or on the Chamber website www.gichamber.org or at the Chamber office, 2257 Grand Island Blvd. Deadline for
nominations is March 3rd. For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Grand Island Chamber to host Citizen of the Year Award Banquet - 2008
Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 42nd Annual Citizen of
the Year Awards Banquet.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that WGRZ-TV
Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will return as Master of Ceremonies for the 42nd Annual Citizen of the Year
Awards Banquet. This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Thursday, April
24th at 6:00 p.m. and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place. Mary Beth Wrobel came to WIVB-TV, NEWS 4 in December of 2000 as the weekend evening meteorologist.
Prior to coming to WIVB TV, Mary Beth worked as a meteorologist in Rochester, NY at WROC TV,
St. Louis Missouri at KSDK TV and in Greensboro, N.C. at WFMY TV. Ms. Wrobel received the American Meteorologist
Society Seal of Approval for Television Broadcasting in 1993.
Mary Beth enjoys meeting people and frequently participates in career and science fairs, school lectures,
and numerous other community events. She gives Weather Merit Badge presentations to Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, as
well as promoting weather education among youth in area schools.
Mary Beth graduated Cum Laude from SUNY College at Brockport, and Magna cum Laude, from
SUNY College at Fredonia.
Ms. Wrobel received recognition as vocal soloist with the Rochester Philharmonic in 2000. Mary Beth
studies classical voice and plays the piano and flute. In her spare time, she enjoys step aerobics, baking and traveling.
The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for this year’s award. Suggested categories for
nomination include business, businessperson, corporation, civic, education, community service, and senior citizen. Nomination
forms can be found in the 2008 Chamber of Commerce phonebook, on the chamber website www.gichamber.org or at the Chamber office, 2257 Grand Island Blvd. Deadline for
nominations is March 3rd. For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber Holds Installation Dinner - 2008
The following Executive Officers were sworn in by the Honorable Sybil Kennedy, from left to right: Chamber President John Bonora, AIG-Advisor Group; Past President Joanne Kud, Ramada Inn & Conference Center; 1st Vice President Tony Brindisi, The Keller Group; 2nd Vice President Diane Thompson, Emerson/Control Techniques; Secretary Dr. Sherry Bradford, Oncology Research Therapeutics; and Treasurer Deborah Mann, First Niagara Bank.
The following directors were sworn in by the Honorable Sybil Kennedy (from left) Sam Aceti, Aceti’s Wine & Spirits; Robert M. Ratajczak, Jr. P.C.; Tim Neal, Hyatt Travels.com; Beverly Kinney, Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions; Anne Fahning, Realty USA; Teresa Costello, Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort & Conference Center; and Michael Anthony Rossi, Esq. Newly elected director not in photo is Judy Schmidt.
Click photos for larger view.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce held an Installation Dinner on January 15 2008 in the Buffalo Launch Club, where the Honorable Sybil Kennedy did the swearing in of newly elected Officers and directors.
If you are a member of this organization, we need your help. GIECOM.Net has partnered with the Connections program to help Grand Island as a community "Get it Together." Please visit our website G-I-Together.ORG and fill out our SURVEY. Every group on Grand Island will have its own FREE web page showing: meeting times and location, contact persons, your Mission Statement and a listing of events. We will also be linking your news events that appear in the local media and on IsledeGrande.Com, Grand Island's E-News Source, to your page, maintaining an archived journal of pictures and news. This is the perfect opportunity for your group to connect with potential new members and the community.
