Chamber of Commerce News Web Page 2018
Grand Island, NY, Chamber of Commerce Website
President Eric Fiebelkorn
First Vice President Jim Sharpe
Secretary - Dr. Sherry Bradford
Second Vice President Fahim Mojawalla
Treasurer Matthew Grimaldi
Previous News
Chamber Office: 1870 Whitehaven, 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.
Grand Island Light Up the Boulevard Electric Parade & Festival - October 2018
The Holiday Season is quickly approaching; the excitement is building for the 7th Annual Grand Island Light Up the Boulevard Electric Parade and Festival. This annual family event is a joint venture between the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Grand Island, especially the Recreation Department, and will be taking place on Saturday, December 1, 2018.
Please note the family-friendly time table with festivities starting at 12:00 pm. Santa will be at Town Hall 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Holiday movies will be in the courtroom while waiting for Santa! Throughout the day, activities will be held around town. Some of these activities include story time at the Grand Island Library, bowling buy one get one at Mallwitz’s Island Lanes, cookie decorating at Mama D’s and much more. Stay tuned for a full schedule of the day’s festivities as we get closer to December 1st!
Grand Island Boulevard will be closed at 4:30 p.m. in anticipation of the Rudolph Run, which starts promptly at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Electric Parade & Tree Lighting in the Town Commons. A heated tent will be iat town hall for Light-up the Blvd this year. Festival festivities will continue until 8:00 p.m. Within theTown Commons; Food Trucks, Games, Arctic Golf, Maze, Santa Bounce House and more will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
We are looking to make this year’s parade bigger and better than ever! We moved the date into December so everyone is in the holiday spirit. We are looking for all businesses, groups, clubs, teams, and organizations to sign-up to be in our Light-Up Parade. The rules are simple: Lots of Lights, Holiday Music, NO tossing of candy or leaflets and NO Santa’s. Trophies to be handed out this year! Don’t forget to sign-up for the Rudolph Fun Run before the parade!
We are looking for any vendors or organizations that would like to join us in the Town Commons for the event. Please email lightup@gichamber.com to sign-up. Sponsorships are needed to have a successful event. The more generous sponsorships we receive the more we can add to this family fun festival for everyone on Grand Island. If you are a business owner please consider sponsoring this event! Thank you Fuccillos, Pinto’s Trucking, Mallwitz Island Lanes, McMahon’s Family Restaurant, Dana’s Stylin Pets, Island Ship Center, Financial Trust FCU, Grand Island Optical, and New York Life for already stepping up and being a Sponsor of this year’s event! All forms can be found on www.GIChamber.org or the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. For even more details, call the Chamber office at 773-3651. Santa is on his way!
KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs Program - July 2018
Most of the 100+ entrepreneurs. - Click photo for larger view.
Keira Murray - True Colors DYI- Flower Pens.
Ellianna, Caleb, Alicia and Emily - Tait Handmade Shop.
Ella Littere and Adrianna Marinucci - Crafty Kids Bows and Bag and Bath.
Mary Stewart Photos.
The 22nd Annual KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs Program was held Saturday, June 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Commons. Over 100 children, in grades 2 - 8, were selling items under sunny skies. 22nd Annual KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs Program - May 2018
The 22nd Annual KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs Program will be this Saturday, June 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Commons. Over 100 children will be selling their wares at the event. Casey's Cabana will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers.
22nd Annual KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs Program - May 2018
The 22nd Annual KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs Program will be held Saturday, June 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Commons. Young entrepreneurs will learn various aspects of running a business. Topics such as pricing, marketing and customer service are covered at the training event. KidBiz is an excellent opportunity for children to engage in a real-life business experience. The KidBiz Young Entrepreneur Program shows students in grades 2nd through 8th just what it takes to run a business. The kids come up with their own ideas for a product to market, sell and some students even sign a loan agreement with their parents to cover start up costs. For more information contact the Chamber office at 773-3651. KidBiz Application.22nd Annual KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs Program - May 2018
The 22nd Annual KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs Program will be held Saturday, June 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Commons. Young entrepreneurs will learn various aspects of running a business. Topics such as pricing, marketing and customer service are covered at the training event. KidBiz is an excellent opportunity for children to engage in a real-life business experience. The KidBiz Young Entrepreneur Program shows students in grades 2nd through 8th just what it takes to run a business. The kids come up with their own ideas for a product to market, sell and some students even sign a loan agreement with their parents to cover start up costs. For more information contact the Chamber office at 773-3651. KidBiz Application.Chamber Citizen of Year Biographies - April 2018
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has selected the recipients of the 52nd Annual Citizen of the Year Awards. They will be recognized at a dinner to be held at the Radisson, Grand Island, on April 26, 2018. Award categories and winners are:Agricultural Development: GI Farms, Inc. - See bio.
Business: Pink Martini Gift Shop - See bio.
Community Service: Richard Crawford Jr. - See bio.
Educator: Denise Dunbar - See bio.
Organization: Grand Island Fire Co. - See bio.
Lifetime Achievement: James Sharpe - See bio.
Chamber Announces COY Master of Ceremonies - April 2018
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that WIVB CH. 4 News Anchor Dave Greber will once again preside as Master of Ceremonies for this year's 52nd Annual Grand Island Citizen of the Year Awards. Greber anchors the station’s 4 and 6 p.m. newscasts. The event honors Island residents who make Grand Island a better place to live, work and play. This year's recipients are: Grand Island Farms, Grand Island Fire Company, Denise Dunbar, Dick Crawford, Pink Martini Gift Shop and James Sharpe. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 26 at the Radisson Inn on East River. Tickets are available at the Chamber office at 1870 Whitehaven Road or by visiting gichamber.org.Chamber Seeks Youth Ambassador Candidates - March 2018
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is looking for two Grand Island residents in high school to become Youth Ambassadors. As a Youth Ambassador you will gain exposure to the fascinating world of local business and become a liaison between the chamber and the next generation. If you have ever thought that being a local business owner might be for you, we welcome you to come and have direct access to local mentors and entrepreneurs that share that same passion. The role will provide excellent skills for future applications and also comes with a $1000.00 scholarship. All completed applications must be submitted to the Chamber of Commerce by Friday, April 20, 2018. Interviews will be held the week of May 1st to 4th for the 2018-2019 Youth Ambassadors. Application.Chamber Announces Citizen of Year Recipients - March 2018
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has selected the recipients of the 52nd Annual Citizen of the Year Awards. They will be recognized at a dinner to be held at the Radisson, Grand Island, on April 26, 2018. Award categories and winners are:Agricultural Development: GI Farms, Inc.
Business: Pink Martini Gift Shop
Community Service: Richard Crawford Jr.
Educator: Denise Dunbar
Organization: Grand Island Fire Co.
Lifetime Achievement: James Sharpe
