The Grand Island Chamber Of Commerce held a press conference Thursday, August 9 and members expressed their views on the Seneca Nation Lawsuit and the Governor’s response. Tom Cusak, a local real estate expert, defined the Chamber’s position as supporting Casino gaming, and the Governor. The Chamber and other local politicians including, Erie County Legislator Chuck Swanick, Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, and New York State Senator Byron W. Brown, all stated that there will not be land for a casino deal.

The Chamber wants to close a loophole incase that the Seneca Nation wins the lawsuit. The Chamber wants to make sure that what has happened in Sherrill, a town in Central NY does not happen to Grand Island. The Town Sherrill lost its lawsuit with the Oneida Indian Nation. As a result Indians could buy land in the town and not have to pay taxes on the land. The Indians thus purchased 8 out of 10 gas stations and the town of Sherrill has lost 10% of its tax revenue. Even though any kind of settlement talks did not involve land, the Chamber still wishes to close up this loophole. They are going to petition that a trust fund be established so, if necessary, any lost tax revenue would be reimbursed.

   The Chamber of Commerce summer picnic will be held from 6 p.m. to ? on Wednesday, August 8 at 2920 Stony Point Road. For information, call the Chamber office, 773-3651.

Island Treasures Update
   The Chamber of Commerce will present its Island Treasures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2001 along Whitehaven Road near the Chamber building and the Town Commons. Groups and individuals are invited to display anything and everything for sale or for interest (crafts, business brochures, food vendors, entertainment, etc.). Island organizations and local businesses are encouraged to be a part of Treasures 2001. Parking is free and there is no admission.
   Registration forms are available at the Chamber office. Discounted pre-registration ($30) must reach the Chamber office by July 31, 2001. Fee for table 'space' (participant to provide table) will be $40 after that date. Those interested in being a part of the "2001 Island Treasures Annual Festival" should send registration and check payable to GICC-Island Treasures, 1980 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072-1800. There are no refunds and no rain date.
   The Festival will feature entertainment, drawings, special presentations, Coast Guard, Sheriff's Department, and Kids Biz (designed especially for "kid vendors.")
   For further information, call Chairman Betty Harris, 716-773-1774 or Diane Dinsmore, 716-773-9184 or the Chamber office, 773-3651.

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Chamber Names
Independence Day Float Winners

Barbi Lare Photo

The 4-H and St. Stephen School floats took first and
second in the Chamber's float judging.

The Rod & Gun Club float took first in the "unique"
category.
Isledegrande photos

The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its annual float contest, judged by its members during the Island's Independence Day Parade 2001. In first place is the 4H Club float; 2nd place, St. Stephen's; and 3rd, the Russ Thompson float. The Grand Island Garden Center and Golden Age Club floats were given an honorable mention. In the "Unique" category the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club took first and Tim Phillips Garage/Double D. Construction was named the second place winner.

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Zo Ann Schwabel, Guest Speaker at Chamber Meeting
Zo Ann Schwabel, Tourism and Travel Manager for Six Flags Darien Lake, will be the guest speaker at the 7 p.m. June 19, 2001, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting. The meeting will be held in the Holiday Inn and is open to all Chamber members and the general public.

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Applications Being
Taken For Island Treasures
The Chamber of Commerce has set Saturday, September 15, as the date for its Island Treasures 2001 event on Whitehaven Road. The road will be closed to traffic between Baseline Road and Grand Island Boulevard; and a "street festival" of vendors, entertainment, crafts, and more will be featured from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Treasures Chairperson Betty Harris at 773-1774 or Diane Dinsmore at 773-9184 for complete reservation information. Before July 31, discounted pre-registration is $30 per table space. The charge for reservations made on or after July 31 will be $40. Participants must supply their own tables.

Chamber Expo 2001


Fred Claus photos

Expo 2001 attendees enjoyed the music of the Golden Age Club Choral Group (top), under the direction of Carol Laskey (standing front). Organist for the group is Lucy Helbig and pianist is Wanda Nixson. Shown front left are: Yvonne Martin, Kay Lexsel and Rose Sutherland; (back) unidentified, Florence Duignan, Stella Hess, Ned Lee, Mae Adams, Paul Adams, (Hank Carroll is hidden behind the music stand), Ann Tubin and also hidden is Wanda Nixson. Kristina Tetkowski (bottom), Grand Island's Youth Ambassador, took charge of the Chamber's booth at the Expo 2001.

The American School of Karate students demonstrated the various techniques they have learned from instructor Tom Joseph.

The Grand Island High School woodwind ensemble entertained Expo 2001 visitors.
GIECOM photos

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GICC Board of Directors Meeting
Zo Ann Schwabel will be the guest speaker at the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors' meeting at 8 p.m., June 19, 2001, in the Holiday Inn. Ms. Schwabel has been a Tourism and Travel Manager for five years at Six Flags Darien Lake. She recently received the Hometown Hero Award from the Niagara Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau for her efforts in promoting tourism in the Greater Niagara Region. The event is open to the public.

Chamber Honors Its Citizen of the Year



Barbi Lare photos
(Top photo) Bev Kinney, dinner chair, is shown on the left and Chamber President Jim Sharpe is on the right with Citizen of the Year Award recipients. (Bottom) Jackie Walker (right) recognizes Maisie Dommell for her Community Service to Grand Island.
   The Holiday Inn ballroom was the setting for this year's Citizen of the Year Dinner April 7, 2001. The Grand Island High School String Quartet performed during the cocktail party. Jackie Walker, Channel 4 Anchor, introduced each recipient, and Erie County Executive Joel Giambra was the speaker for the evening, chaired by Bev Kinney of the Chamber.

Chamber Sponsors Student Job Search

   The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a student "Job Search 2001" from 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 3 at the high school, 1100 Ransom Road. The Event offers a practical approach to job readiness where students will gain hands-on experience and receive immediate feedback.

Citizen of the Year 2000 - David W. Jayme - Service to Youth


   David W. Jayme has been named by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for 2000 for Service to Youth. He is being recognized for his contributions to the youth in our community.
   David moved to Grand Island with his family in 1983 to accept a scientific position with GIBCO (Life Technologies) to initiate a cell culture research and development effort. During the course of his 17-year career, Dr. Jayme has presented scientific lectures in 25 different countries on five continents. He has published over 50 journal articles and holds three patents associated with novel nutrient formulation technologies.
   Together with Rosemary Verteegen and Barbara Puleri, Jayme inaugurated a group within Life Technologies called the Corporate Citizenship team. This group (now called the Volunteer Corps) encourages employee participation in charitable activities both within their communities and at company-sponsored events, such as the Festival of Trees, Special Olympics, Kaegebein Math/Science Room, Abate School and Corporate Bowl. Fundraising activities, coupled with corporate sponsorship, have contributed to many local, charitable agencies that focus their efforts on human health and on children.
   David first suggested the “Corporate Bowl” at a meeting of the Volunteer Corps as a mechanism for improving the level of corporate involvement in supporting learning programs with the Grand Island school system. Based upon the GE College Bowl of yesteryear, David presented the idea to Dr. Paul Fields who enthusiastically endorsed the concept and volunteered himself and Dr. James Dempsey to assist. David also presented the idea to the Grand Island School/Business Alliance (GISBA) and the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and received their encouragement and support. After program development by a small team of Life Technologies employees and GIHS faculty, the initial year generated sufficient corporate contributions to award $3,000 in financial scholarships to the winning teams. Last year, Fujisawa Healthcare became a co-sponsor and added great insights and enthusiasm to the event. Scholarship targets were exceeded and the residual donations were contributed to GISBA for allocation to other advanced learning programs. This year’s Corporate Bowl was co-chaired by Fujisawa Healthcare & American Pharmaceutical Partners, with support from HSBC & Life Technologies employees. David is pleased that his initial idea has grown to a perennial event with broadened, joint participation by high school faculty, students and the corporate community, and he has expressed his sincere appreciation for their support.
   David has been actively involved in serving community youth in scouting & church activities. He has served on the executive board of the Greater Niagara Boy Scouts of America for over 12 years. He has served as chairperson of the Polaris District, initiated strategic planning efforts, and provided leadership to the council training committee. He also serves as an adult advisor to the council junior leadership training course. A Distinguished Eagle Scout, he has assisted other young men along the trail to the Eagle Scout rank, including his four sons.
   David and his wife, Donna, agree that ultimately their greatest contribution will be in raising a strong, healthy, and respectful family.

Citizen of the Year 2000 - Leo and Betty Hopkins – Business


   Leo and Betty Hopkins are being honored as Grand Island Citizens of the Year in the area of Business. The Hopkins family operates E. H. Enterprises Nursery on Ransom Road - boasting the largest greenhouse on Grand Island!
   The family owned and operated business was established in 1984 with a small greenhouse and nursery. Added in 1986 was a field of strawberries where you can take the family and harvest your own crop. The Hopkins' intent was to use all of their sixteen acres for producing agriculture and soon they began planting evergreens. Today their once barren fields are filled with mature spruce trees that are dug and sold for use in landscape designs and foundation plantings. They continue to replenish their fields each year and have started to add other types of trees and shrubs.
   As the neighborhood business grew, Leo and Betty knew an expansion would be necessary to satisfy their growing customer base. And unlike many nurseries, the Hopkins grow all their own plants from seeds and cuttings. With their growing season beginning in early February, the need for a more efficient facility that would maximize sunlight was eminent.
   It was in the spring of 2000 that they put the finishing touches on a 6,000 square foot, state-of the-art greenhouse providing more growing space for their top quality hanging baskets and bedding plants and allowing them to service their customers in a more convenient manner. A concrete floor and pushcarts make it easier for shoppers to make their selection and a special ventilation system keeps the temperatures at bay.
   The property is lavishly screened and landscaped with large spruce trees grown on site and a decorative pond, complete with waterfall, is on display at the front entrance. E. H. Enterprises was presented the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Property Improvement Award in 2000 in recognition of their expansion and investment in the community.
   Since its opening in 1984, the operation has grown both in size and family members. Currently assisting Leo and Betty are sons, TJ and Jim, and daughter, Kathleen. TJ and Jim specialize in residential and commercial landscaping and plantings, install decorative concrete and Unilock pavers, and custom design and install landscape ponds and aqua-scape. Daughter Kathleen Pratt is a talented flower arranger and shows her skill in beautiful silk and dried arrangements for weddings and special occasions. Grandson Charlie is much too young to contribute to the family business but is the pride and joy of Leo and Betty.
   Future plans at the nursery include a selection of fall plants, Christmas trees and firewood.
   The Hopkins are members of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension Service, and the New York State Flower Growers, Association.

Citizen of the Year 2000 - Maisie Dommell – Community Service


   Maisie Dommell has been named Grand Island Citizen of the Year 2000 for Community Service. She has worn many hats throughout the years, helping Grand Islanders and belonging to many different organizations as well as caring for her family and everyone she comes in contact with.
   As a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, was a member of the Couple’s Club and currently serves on the Alter Committee. She was also a past member of the Town and Village Court Clerks Association until her retirement from the court in 1996. She has remained very active in the Ferry Village Association to keep the quaint village as is.
   Community service as well as being a member of several organizations has been a big part of Maisie’s life. She joined the Republican Women’s Club, where she is a charter member and served as past president, past vice president and past treasurer. As a member of the Grand Island Golden Agers she served as secretary for two years and on the Ways and Means Committee for two years. She has taken an active role in decorating and riding in the floats every year for the Fourth of July parade.
   Friends say she is a lady who never stops raising her hand, constantly volunteering to take on a job to help someone, or to be part of a group or organization. She has taken care of ailing neighbors and is considered somewhat of a Florence Nightingale.
   Maisie, and her husband Merle, moved to their Orchard Road residence in 1955 where they raised three sons Bob, Gary and Bill.

Citizen of the Year 2000 - Chie Doring – Art


   Chie Doring has been named Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for 2000 in Art. She is being recognized for her many accomplishments as an artist, in particular, her award winning porcelain art.
   She has won state awards and national recognition for two of her recent works. In 1998, a 12” water pitcher on which Mrs. Doring painted bunches of grapes in four colors was selected from the New York State Convention display table to be exhibited for one year at the Porcelain Art Museum in Oklahoma City. A picture of the art work has been published in the World Organization of China Painters Magazine. In 2000, a 10 ½” plate containing the portrait of two young girls took first place statewide and is on permanent display at the Oklahoma City museum.
   Mrs. Doring says her passion has always been art although she became a registered nurse in her native Japan. She did so because her father wanted her to have a profession. She painted in different media for many years before discovering porcelain art, also known as china painting, which she describes as the love of her life.
   “You can paint and create anything you want with this fine porcelain art," Mrs. Doring says about china painting. "You can show scenery, flowers, portraits, fruits, animals, and display different techniques and materials. There is no end to it,” she says.
   She attends Cazenovia College every year to keep up with new ideas and techniques and teaches her craft one day a week from her home. Mrs. Doring is a longtime a member of the Grand Island Art Society, Great Lakes Porcelain Art Teachers and Associates, and the Country Porcelain Artists.
   She came to Western New York 41 years ago as a newlywed from her native Wakkanoi Hokkido, Japan. It was there while nursing at a U.S. military hospital she met and married her young medic husband, Airman Floyd R. Doring, in 1958. That same year the Dorings returned to Niagara Falls living there for two years before moving to the Island and eventually settling on West River Road. They have a son, Kevin, a resident of Chandler, Arizona. Kevin and his wife, Dawn, plan to be with his parents when his mother is presented her award April 5, in the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom.

Citizen of the Year 2000 - Ellie DeGowin – Senior Citizen


   Eleanor (Ellie) DeGowin is being honored as Grand Island’s Senior Citizen of the Year. She is an active member of the Grand Island Golden Age Center and is being recognized for her many years of volunteer work.
   Ellie is a talented seamstress. Each year she uses her talent to sew doll dresses and knit booties for sixty to seventy dolls. She purchases the dolls at area garage sales and washes them and fixes their hair. She then dresses them in her beautiful, hand made creations. The dolls are donated to organizations such as the Neighbors Foundation and Salvation Army where they are distributed to needy children. She says her husband, Robert, deserves some of the credit, as he is the one to drive her to all the garage sales.
   Ellie also sews cancer caps and has made and donated over 1500 of them to Roswell Park. Ellie said that when her sister was going through chemotherapy, she wore a bandana on her head. She remembers how uncomfortable the knot in the back of the head was as her sister tried to rest. Someone gave her a pattern for the caps, which gives the same appearance as the bandana, but is smooth and comfortable at the back. Ellie has been making them every since. She uses soft, beautifully patterned material that is sure to brighten someone’s day.
   Friends describe Ellie as a sweet, helpful and generous person who continues to use her talents to help others even after suffering her second stroke. Ellie says she is just happy that she can bring some joy into the lives of others.
   Ellie resides on Grand Island Blvd. with Robert, her husband of 58 years. They have a daughter, Barbara Rondeau and son-in-law David who also reside on Grand Island. Their son Robert lives in Germany. They also have grandchildren Joseph, Randi and Kristen and great-grandchildren.

Citizen of the Year 2000 - Michele Harris – Business Manager of the Year


   Michele Harris has been named Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for 2000 Manager of the Year. She is being recognized for her efforts to give the community the shopping experience it has long awaited and deserves. Her unique understanding of the importance of diversity in the workplace has helped her develop a very diverse team, which is representative of the community it serves.
   Michele's rapport with her customers and her willingness to get involved in the community has assisted in fortifying the level of confidence the Island residence and the business community have in her.
   As a Tops Friendly Market employee for 15 years, Michele has held positions of cashier, payroll clerk, customer service manager, asssistant store manager, management training team member, and co-manager. She has truly worked from the ground up in this organization. As she was working her way up, Michele never lost sight of what the local business must give back to the community that supports it.
   She has shown her dedication to Grand Island by donating her personal time to many local events and charities including the Lion's Club annual spaghetti dinner, Chamber of Commerce Taste of Grand Island, judging (DECA) the State Speaking Competition held at Grand Island High School, Dick Bessel Independence Day Run, working with the YMCA After School Program, and helping the students in their yearly Easter candy making program. She is a committee member of the Connections Group and has been actively involved in all Grand Island school projects and events.
   Michele has worked hard to acquire sponsorships for a wide variety of events from her store. Some of the events she has supported are Chamber Citizen of the Year, Chamber Business Expo, Rotary Club Picnic, Little League, Hockey, GIFTS Program, Boy Scout troops, Girl Scout troops, annual Tops Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween parade for children, and Tops Kids Days.
   Michele lives with her husband, John of 25 years. She has two sons, John and Jeffrey and two grandchildren, Dathan and John.

Citizen of the Year 2000 - Jane Stanley – Education


   Jane Stanley has been selected Grand Island’s Citizen of the Year in the area of Education. Jane is known as a loving and caring educator who is deeply respected by teachers, students and parents at St. Stephen School.
   She has served the School in an administrative capacity for more than 13 years, first as an administrative assistant, and for the past 10 years as assistant principal. During this time she has demonstrated tireless dedication to the school and its students.
   Although three different principals served St. Stephen School during her tenure, Jane’s presence has provided the stability needed to ensure the school’s smooth operation. Her strong organizational skills and interpersonal skills have earned her the respect of other staff and faculty members, as well as parents.
   Jane coordinates communication with the 170 families who have children attending St. Stephen School, having responsibility for the weekly formal communications with parents, as well as always being available to address specific concerns. In dealing with the parents’ organization, Jane goes above and beyond her job description, always willing to provide assistance with projects and correspondence.
   Jane is most appreciated for her compassion. No matter how hectic her day is, Jane never neglects to address a parent or student’s problem in a sympathetic manner. Jane strives to build good character in the children at St. Stephen School, to have them accept responsibility for their actions and always encourages them to do their best as individuals, as well as students.
   Jane moved from Rutland, Vermont in 1987 and made Grand Island her home with her husband, Mark, and two children. She considers Grand Island a truly wonderful community to raise a family and work, and is grateful that her children have now made Grand Island their home.

Chamber of Commerce Announces Spring Raffle

   Tickets for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce spring raffle are available at the Chamber office at $10 per ticket. Each ticket puts you in the running for twelve fabulous prizes. Winners will be announced at the Citizen of the Year dinner April 5 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. You do not need to be present to win.
   Prizes include two (2) roundtrip tickets anywhere is the U.S. on Southwest Airlines; two (2) roundtrip tickets anywhere in the U.S. on Shuttle America; Bed & Breakfast at Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center, Holiday Inn Select, and Four Points Sheraton; $25 dinner certificate at Salvatore’s; 1 year membership at Island Fitness; two (2) - $25 gas certificates from Super Gas/Sunoco; Saturday night and brunch at Adams Mark; four (4) day passes at Martin's Fantasy Island; and Bed & Breakfast at Holiday Inn Niagara Falls Blvd.
For more information, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.

Expo 2001 Is Coming

   Expo-2001, a major Grand Island Chamber of Commerce event, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the Bible Presbyterian Family Life Center, 1780 Love Road.
   Now in its 10th year, Expo 2001 is an annual trade show, sponsored by the Chamber to spotlight local and area businesses. The show is free to the public and offers large scale advertising and exhibiting opportunities for businesses of all kinds. Booth space is now available on a first come first serve basis. Discounts are available to Chamber of Commerce members. Food vendors and local entertainment groups are now being secured for the day-long event as well.
   Tom Torbjornsen of WBEN's "The Car Show" will do a four-hour live broadcast from the Expo site, to answer any automotive questions visitors may have.
   Corporate sponsorships for Expo-2001 are also available beginning at $50.00, allowing businesses to have a presence at the event with or without a display booth.
   If you or your business would like to exhibit or sponsor this event, contact the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce at (716) 773-3651.

Grand Island High School String Quartet
To Perform At Chamber Citizen Of Year Dinner


   The Grand Island High School string quartet will perform at the Citizen of the Year Awards dinner 6:00 p.m. April 5, 2001 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort & Conference Center. Tickets for the awards dinner may be purchased at $30 each from the Chamber office. For more information call 773-3651.

Chamber Citizen Of Year Recipients Announced

   The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, this week, announced its Citizen of the Year Award Recipients for 2000. They are: Business People of the Year, Betty & Leo Hopkins; Business Manager of the Year, Michele Harris; Community Service, Mary (Maisie) Dommell; Service to Youth, Dr. David W. Jayme; Senior Citizen, Ellen DeGowin; Education, Jane Stanley; and Art, Chie Doring.
   Honorees will be recognized at the Chamber's 35th Annual Awards dinner April 5, 2001 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. Dinner tickets are $30 each and are on sale now at the Chamber office. The event begins with cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. For more information call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
   Major sponsors for this year’s event include: Fuccillo Chevrolet (Platinum), Holiday Inn (Gold), and HSBC (Gold). Bronze sponsors are: Sunoco/ Super Gas, Mr. Best Wrench, First Niagara Bank, The Rose Liquor Store, Metro Town Center Realty, Inc., Carol Ann’s Hair Fashion, Life Technologies, M&T Bank, Tops, VIP Pharmaceuticals, VFW Post 9249, Viatran Corp., and Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc.

Chamber Business/Community Exposition Set for May 19

   The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will hold its 10th annual Business/Community Exposition on Saturday, May 19, 2001. The Expo, which will be run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Bible Presbyterian Family Life Center, 1780 Love Road, is expected to draw over 2000 people.

Chamber Installation

(Barbi Lare photos)

Grand Island Chamber of Commerce officers and board of directors installed by Town Justice Sybil Kennedy January 23 are (top left) President James R. Sharpe, 2nd vice president Beverly Kinney, Secretary Judy Schmidt, Treasurer Diane Dinsmore, 1st vice president Gary Astridge; (bottom left) Directors Ed Pfohl, Kathy Graves, Dan Robillard, John Simon, and Andrew R. Chambers.

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Fuccillo Chevrolet Takes Top Spot

Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney and Fuccillo
Chevrolet General Manager Carmen Petrocco
with Chamber of Commerce President James R. Sharpe.

Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney, HSBC Branch
Manager Mike Samland and Chamber President Jim Sharpe.
Holiday Inn General Manager Larry Demme presents a check to
Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney as Chamber director
Joanne Kud looks on.
   The Grand Island Chamber Of Commerce will host its 35th annual Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 5 in the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort & Conference Center. This year's event will once again honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made Grand Island a better place to live, work and play.
   The Citizen of the Year Committee is proud to announce that Fuccillo Chevrolet Inc. has signed on as the platinum sponsor of this year's event. HSBC Bank will once again be a gold sponsor with Branch Manager Mike Samland supporting this prestigious event for the third consecutive year. Holiday Inn Grand Island will also be a gold sponsor. This is the second year that Holiday Inn General Manager Larry Demme has supported this community event aimed at recognizing Grand Island's finest.
   Other sponsors to date include Fujisawa Healthcare Inc., Super Gas/Sunoco, Viatran Corp., Metro Town Center Realty Inc., VIP Pharmaceutical, VFW Post 9249, Mr. Best Wrench, First Niagara Bank, M&T Bank, Tops Friendly Market, Carol Ann's Hair Fashions, The Rose Liquor Store, and Life Technologies.
   Call the Chamber office at 773-3651 for more information about the event.

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Chamber Seeks Nominations For Citizens Of The Year
   The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announced that its 35th annual Citizens of the Year Awards Banquet will be held Thursday, April 5 in the Holiday Inn Grand Island.
Letters of nomination, being accepted through February 9, 2001, should be addressed to the Chamber at 1980 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.
   Those deserving to be honored may be recognized in a long list of categories including but not limited to business/business person, senior citizen, civic/community service, recreation/sports, youth, education, religion and government.
   The evening will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. with awards presentations by Jacquie Walker of WIVB-TV immediately after dinner.

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Island Memorabilia? Look No Further
A wide variety of Grand Island memorabilia in the form of postcards, pins, ties, mugs, t-shirts sweatshirts and even "Cinderella Island," the popular history of Grand Island is available at the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce office at 1980 Whitehaven Road which is located directly across from the Town Common, our town park adjacent to the town hall.
   A sweatshirt with a small Grand Island logo, the highest price item at $20, is a bargain. The Chamber office is open five days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, call 773-3651.

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Chamber Postpones Installation

Justice Sybil Kennedy
   The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce installation of officers and meeting has been moved to Tuesday, January 23 when Town Justice Sybil Kennedy will be the installing officer. The meeting, previously scheduled for January 16, is open to Grand Island Chamber of Commerce members and will begin at 7:30 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn, Niagara Room.

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Jacquie Walker to present Citizens of the Year Awards
   The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce 35th annual Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet is being held Thursday, April 5 at the Holiday Inn Grand Island. This year’s event will once again honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made Grand Island a better place to live, work and play.
   Jacquie Walker of WIVB-TV will be the awards presenter of this prestigious event. Jacquie joined News 4 in the fall of 1983 and has won numerous journalism awards and earned Emmy nominations. In addition to her reporting, she is also involved in many community service projects. She is a board member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a frequent guest speaker for community and charitable organizations. She has been named an honorary lifetime member of the PTA, a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club, 1996 Humanitarian of the Year by New York State Junior Chamber of Commerce, recipient of the 1997 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Communications and the recipient of the 1999 Service to Mankind award from the Leukemia Society of America.
   The Citizens of the Year Committee is now seeking nominations of those individuals and businesses deserving recognition. Categories for consideration include business/business person, senior citizen, civic/community service, recreation/sports, youth, education, and government. The community is encouraged to forward letters of nomination by February 9th to the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 1980 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island.

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Reflections of Light Winners Announced



The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its fifth annual Reflections of Light contest. Residential winners in first, second and third place are Judi and Jim Bartolotta, 1732 Whitehaven Road (top), Dave and Elaine Hollingworth, 1755 Whitehaven Road (bottom); and Gordon Anderson, 2346 Long Road (not shown). Isle businesses in first, second and third place are American Pharmaceutical Partners, Staley Road; the Grand Island Garden Center, Alvin Road; and Wheelfind, Grand Island Blvd. Photos will appear here next week.

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Chamber Phone Directories
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announced that the new 2001 Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Telephone Directories are in and are being distributed this week.

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Chamber announces holiday lighting contest
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will again sponsor its annual Christmas lighting contest, now in its 5th year. The contest, "Reflections Of Light 2000", is open to all Island residents. For more information contact Chairman is Mike Sendlbeck, 773-2844 or call the Chamber office, 773-3651.

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Chamber Mixer - Chamber 2000 Candidates
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce met Thursday, Nov. 30, at the elegant, spacious, and newly built offices of Northeastern Leasing & Finance Corporation, 2695 Grand Island Blvd. About 30 people showed up for the event hosted by NLFC President N. Bruce Allen who led the group on a tour of his new offices and antique car collection. Chamber President James Sharpe thanked Nolan for the use of his facility, welcomed his business to the Chamber, and pledged Chamber support to his business' continued success.
The Chamber will hold its annual holiday party and election of officers from 5-10 p.m. Tuesday, December 12 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. Admission is a new, unwrapped toy which will be donated to charity.
Candidates running for office include the following:
James Sharpe, Sharpe Associates, for president
Gary Astridge, Astridge International, 1st vice president
Beverly Kinney, Carol Ann Hair Fashions, 2nd vice president
Diane Dinsmore, Diversified Management Services,Ltd, treasurer
Judy Schmidt, secretary
For director:
Andrew R. Chambers, A.R. Chambers & Co (Incumbent)
John Lexo, Bore-It, Inc. (Incumbent)
Skip Mazenauer, Niagara Frontier Publications(Incumbent)
Rus Thompson, Thompson’s Contracting (Incumbent)
Dorothy Bitner, Traffic Safety Promotions
Dolly D’Orazio, Independent Fashion Coordinator (Weekenders USA)
Kathy Graves, Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc.
Richard Milkas, Copy Cat Print Center
Ed Pfohl, E.L. Pfohl Insurance Agency
Dan Robillard, Total Landscape Care
Margaret Sano, Nettainment, Inc. CEO of Nettainment, Inc.
Bonnie Sciuk, Brite Ideas Sales & Marketing Inc.
John Simon, Super Gas

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Chamber Election
   The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, on December 12, elected the following officers and directors for 2001: President James Sharpe (Sharpe Associates), First Vice President Gary Astridge (Astridge International), Second Vice President Beverly Kinney (Carol Ann Hair Fashions), Secretary Judy Schmidt, Treasurer Diane Dinsmore (Diversified Management Services, Ltd.).
   Andy Chambers (A.R. Chambers & Co.) was re-elected to his position as Chamber director. Newly elected members of the board of directors are Kathleen Graves (Fujisawa Healthcare, Inc.), Ed Pfohl (E.L. Pfohl Insurance Agency), Dan Robillard (Total Landscape Care), and John Simon (Super Gas).
   Installation of officers will take place January 16th at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. All members are welcomed to attend. Time to be announced.

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GI Chamber Expo 2000

            More than thirty-five businesses and civic organizations displayed their wares at the ninth annual Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Exposition, last Saturday (Oct.28), in the Bible Presbyterian Family Life Center on Love Rd. 
           It was "a good time and a good show" according to Event Committee Chairman Rod Reisdorf, who was very pleased with the event. The Chamber is doing a follow-up survey of exhibitors to see how they can improve the event according to Reisdorf.
            "The Expo was great. Quite a few (exhibitors) want to come back next year," said Chamber member and exhibitor Betty Harris of Metro Town Realty. Click here to see Betty Harris' Letter to the Editor.

            Business was brisk at all the booths, including the one for IsledeGrande.com, the only source for Grand Island E-News. Editor Teddy Linenfelser, Reporter William O'Connor, and Kim Baldassare, president GIECOM.net, were busy showing off Grand Island's newest business. Grand Island E-News was introduced to hundreds of interested people. The staff also handed out coloring contest sheets (contestants, please see rules), the GI-E-News, note pads and raffle tickets for a new 500 MHz computer (all of which are still available at 1871 Whitehaven Rd.).

Teddy Linenfelser and Kim Baldassare show off 
Grand Island E-News at the Expo. (photo by Fred Claus)

            Aside from the display booths there were snacks (including kettle corn), fashion shows, and other entertainment. The Historical Society fashion show featured clothing from the 19th century.

   
Dianne and Layman Jones of Buffalo sport formal wear (foreground); 
Julie Dee of Ransom Rd. wears a 19th century wedding dress. 
Historical Society member Marilyn Randolph was the commentator. (Photo by Barbi Lare)

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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.

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