Grand Island, NY, Chamber of Commerce Website 2001 News
Chamber Office: 1980 Whitehaven Road, 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.
Jacquie Walker To Present Citizen of the Year Awards 2003
Sponsor Package Information Announced News 4 Anchor Jacquie Walker
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has again invited Jacquie Walker of WIVB-TV to serve as Master of Ceremonies for its 37th annual Citizens of the Year Award Banquet on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at the Holiday Inn Grand Island. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner tickets for the event are $35 each.
The Citizen 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 to the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 1980 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.
The Citizen of the Year Award promotes and honors an individual, business or organization that has dedicated time and energy toward making Grand Island a better place to live, work and play. As volunteers in this community, they have gone the extra mile, taken the extra step, above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities.
The Awards dinner will be covered by Adelphia Cable, televised 4-6 times on various days and times and all sponsors will be listed in the credits at the end of the televised program. Sponsor Packages:
Platinum Sponsor - $2,000
Gold Sponsor - $1,000
Silver Sponsor - $500
Bronze Sponsor - $300
All sponsors of this event will be showcased on the "Citizen of the Year" page in the Chamber's yearly telephone book and will have their ad placed in the "Citizen of the Year" program booklet. The sponsors package also includes special recognitions, photos, etc. Program Book ad prices are $100 for a full page, $80 for a half (1/2) page, $60 for a quarter (1/4) page and $15 for patron (name & business name only).
Contact the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce at 773-3561 or just click
Chamber E-Mail for more information about sponsorship, ads and dinner reservations.
Chamber Christmas Party & Election 2002 The Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Christmas party and election from 5-10 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2002 in the Holiday Inn. Voting will be held from 5-8 p.m. A cash bar and hors doeuvres will be available and members are invited to bring a guest. A Chinese auction will be featured. Reservations should be made by December 13, 2002 by calling the Chamber at 773-3651.
Members are asked to bring an unwrapped new toy or canned good for donations to the Neighbors Foundation. Voting will also be set up at the Chamber Office on December 17, 2002 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Chamber Board of Directors To Meet Nov. 19, 2002 A Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for 7 pm. Tuesday, November 19 in the Holiday Inn. The meeting is open to all members and the general public.
Chamber of Commerce Youth Ambassador Carly Jo Hudson is shown second from right at the School Business Alliance booth during the Chamber's Community Trade Show held Sunday, November 3, 2002 in the Holiday Inn. From left are Sandy Burns, Bobbie Frisoni, Miss Hudson and Aimee Anderson.
Community Trade Show 2002 At Holiday Inn The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a Grand Island Community Trade Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 3, 2002 in the Holiday Inn, Grand Island. To become a part of the show and for booth information, call the Chamber of Commerce immediately at 773-3651. The admission free event, formerly known as the Business Expo, will feature local business exhibits, a Chinese auction, art, entertainment, food and door prizes.
For sponsorship and all exhibit information, contact the Chamber, 773-3651 (fax: 773-3316) or Chairperson Rod Reisdorf, 773-2989.
Sesquicentennial Grand Ball 2002 Click Sesquicentennial Ball Page for photos and story on the Grand Ball held at the Holiday Inn Grand Island on Saturday, September 28, 2002.
Island Treasures Festival 2002 Winners Announced Island Treasures Festival winners have been announced by Chamber of Commerce Treasures Festival Chairman Betty Harris. The winner of the split club was Mary McMahon. Gift Basket winners were Jack Bates, Janet Fraas, Carol Jones, Betty Hollinger, Dick Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Hammond, Rich Milkas, Mike Hilliker and Kathy Pytel. Mrs. Harris' Metro Realty winners were Diane Nesbitt (American flag afgan), Eileen Minton (welcome fall door plaque), Dan Robillard (leaf basket).
Up-to-date Map of Grand Island Available Through Chamber of Commerce
A new, up-to-date map of Grand Island with an easy-to-read key to street locations is now available throughout the town, compliments of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. The map is 35" x 23 1/2" and clearly shows advertising businesses, churches and schools. It also includes important telephone numbers and a brief history of the Island. The maps, at absolutely no charge, are available in all businesses including the Isledegrande.com office at GIECOM.net, 1871 Whiteahaven Road.
The Island Treasures Festival, in its fourth year and sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, drew a nice crowd Saturday (Sept. 14, 2002) to view and support the many booths of crafts, goodies and information. Safety was a big issue with the New York
State Police and Erie County Sheriff's Deputies on hand to talk to the
public about those issues. An addition
to this year's event was the U.S. Border patrol helicopter, where children could sit inside and have their pictures taken.
Back again this year to promote safety were representatives from Prax Air. With help from Fuccillo, they were able to demonstrate the safety of driving on the roads along with truck
drivers. A demonstration was set up in the street to show
visitors in what locations on the highway are "blind spots" for the truck
drivers. Transportation Director Jack Burns spoke to visitors
who toured two of the Grand
Island School District's newer busses, a "Flat nosed"
bus and a wheelchair bus.
The Festival, held at the Town Commons with Whitehaven Road closed to traffic, was chaired by Betty Harris.
Chamber Offers Grand Ball Ticket Information
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce announced this week that tickets for the Sesquicentennial Ball are on sale at the Chamber Office and may be paid for by check or credit card. Seating is limited. The $75/person ticket includes the following:
5-6pm – Cruise on the Grand Lady. Reserve early – limited space.
6-7pm – Cocktail hour/hors D’oeuvres in Riverview Room
7pm – 1 a.m. – Grand Ball – sit down dinner, live music by the Pyramid Dance Orchestra
Hotel packages available, includes all of the above and Breakfast Cruise the next day on the Grand Lady
Tuxedo discount tickets from Burns Bros., 2786 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda. Call the Chamber (773-3651); hours: 8-4pm daily, or leave a message.
Scroll down for other Sesquicentennial Ball features.
Sesquicentennial Grand Ball committee members Linda Isenhart, Joanne Kud, Jim Sharpe, Beverly Kinney and Chair Kathleen Graves admire the art print that has become the theme of the formal dinner dance being planned by the Grand Island Chamber. Missing from the photo are Judy Schmidt, Dolly D'Orazio, Sue Hillock and Kathleen Pytel.
The following press release from the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will give the residents of Grand Island as well as readers of Isledegrande.com across the nation, a good idea of just how fantastic the Chamber of Commerce Sesquicentennial Ball will be. Tickets to the ball are limited so read on for details on this once in a life time event and make your reservation.
As a grand finale to the many festivities presented in celebration of Grand Island's 150th birthday, the Grand island Chamber of Commerce is hosting a formal dinner dance on September 28, 2002 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center.
The night begins at 5 p.m. with a champagne reception and press conference in the Media Room. Also offered at the same time is a one-hour cruise aboard the Grand Lady compliments of Captain Rick Deegan.
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served on silver trays in the Riverview Room at 6 p.m. accompanied by a jazz trio.
Special effects and spectacular lighting provided by Jackson Music will take your breath away as you enter the Grand Ballroom for dinner at 7 p.m. Holiday Inn Chef Jeffrey Miller, whose culinary talent has taken him all over the world as the corporate chef for NASCAR, Rolling Stones, U2, Joe Cocker and others, has put a fabulous menu together. The evening's menu includes a dual entree of seared filet mignon with sauce bearnaise and chicken Franchise with artichoke cream served with baby vegetables, truffeled celeriac, and Yukon gold duchette potatoes. Dessert will be a premium pastry display to include tortes, flans, mousses, and bombes fresh cut fruit and berries with chocolate fondue along with a fancy coffee station of flavored creamers, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and fancy teas.
Whirl around the dance floor to the music of The Pyramid Dance Band - an eighteen-piece orchestra that has performed regularly in the Northeastern United States and South Ontario, Canada. The Pyramid library contains everything from ballads to be-bop, rock n' roll to rumbas, cha-chas, fox trots, jazz, polkas, swing, tangos, waltzes and more.
Treat yourself to an all-inclusive overnight package at the Grand Island Holiday Inn. Included in the $269 couple package are two Grand Ball tickets, room, and morning breakfast cruise aboard the Grand Lady. Individual Grand Ball tickets are also available at $75 per person.
Reserve early as seats are limited. For more information call the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce at (716) 773-3651.
4th Island Treasures Festival 2002 The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its 4th Island Treasures Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2002 at the Town Commons between Whitehaven, Grand Island Blvd. and Baseline roads. Spaces ($40) are available at for crafters and vendors who must provide their own tables.
Black Rock Roofing will host a raffle for a playhouse, donated by Home Depot. Treasure Chest drawings will also be featured and the "Whatsie" Band will perform from 1-3 p.m. at the Town Hall Gazebo.
Applications may be picked up at the Chamber Office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily or at the literature rack outside of the building any time. For further information, call the Chamber Office, 773-3651, Betty Harris at 773-1774, Diane Dinsmore at 773-9184 or e-mail to
info@gichamber.org.
Chamber Announces Community Trade Show - November 2002 The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a Grand Island Community Trade Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, November 3, 2002 in the Holiday Inn, Grand Island. The admission free event, formerly known as the Business Expo, will feature local business exhibits, a Chinese auction, art, entertainment, food and door prizes.
For sponsorship or exhibit information, contact the Chamber, 773-3651 (fax: 773-3316) or Chairperson Rod Reisdorf, 773-2989.
Chamber Announces Board Meetings The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce announces the following 7 p.m. Board of Directors meetings in the Holiday Inn:
August 20
September 17
October 15
November 19
The meetings are open to all members and the general public.
Chamber Recognizes Three Businesses - July 2002
Handyman Services of WNY; Dawn Bonora Advantage Capital Corporation
Click each photo for larger view. The Grand Island Chamber recognizes the following members, each shown with Chamber Membership Chairperson Kathy Graves:
Handyman Services of WNY is a home repair business located at 1504 Bedell Road, phone: 773-6255. Handyman is owned and operated by Larry Chism.
Dawn Bonora is an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics. Dawn works out of her home at 71 Pin Oak Circle, phone 773-7559.
Advantage Capital Corporation is owned and managed by John Bonora, an investment broker. Advantage Capital is located at 338 Harris Hill Road, Suite 104 in Williamsville, NY, phone: 741-9030.
Chamber Accepts Credit Card Payments The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is now able to receive credit card payments, effective immediately. Payments for membership, events, sponsorships, etc. may be paid with a credit card. Sesquicentennial Ball tickets may be paid by credit card as well.
Chamber Member Recognition - June 20, 2002
Casa D’Italia Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School Positively You
Click each photo for larger view. The Grand Island Chamber recognizes the following members:
Casa D’Italia is an Italian restaurant located at 2800 Grand Island Boulevard. The business is owned by David Morrone and specializes in Italian dishes including pizza, subs and warm lunches each day. His partner is Mike Noritz. To call Casa D’Italia, dial 773-3200.
Grand Island Cooperative Nursery School is located at 2100 Whitehaven Road. The Co-op is not only a nursery school but provides child care as well. Maura Rustowicz is president and can be reached at 773-3670. Treasurer is Marge Robillard.
Positively You, located at 67 Island Park Drive, is owned and operated by Mary C. Edson, a licensed massage therapist. She provides massage therapy as well as counseling, coaching, color analysis, and a full-line of clothing. For information, call Positively You at 774-8509. Mary is pictured above with Chamber Membership Chairperson Kathy Graves (right).
Diane Lawrence, pictured left with Chamber President Jim Sharpe, is a consultant in the Residential Mortgage Industry. Her business is located at 1972 Harvey Road, Grand Island. Mrs. Lawrence may be reached at 775-3510.
Long’s Electrical Contracting is located at 2490 Long Road, Grand Island, and specializes in electrical contracting and computer services. Tom Long is the President and John C. Gramlich (pictured with Chamber President Jim Sharpe) is Vice President. For more information, call Long’s Electrical Contracting, 870-9040.
The Grand Island Chamber is proud to publicize its members and their businesses. Each week the Chamber hopes to advertise two new or existing members in the Grand Island e-News at Isledegande.com. Featured this week are Select Business Services and Anderson Funding.
Select Business Services is owned and operated by Deborah M. Henry (pictured with Chamber President Jim Sharpe) who offers administrative and clerical services. 'Select' joined the Chamber in August, 2001. Its business address is P.O. Box 663, Grand Island and the phone number is 773-7302.
Anderson Funding is a mortgage broker in Orchard Park, NY. Anderson Funding President Brooke Anderson-Tompkins (second from left) and Vice President Charlene W. Carson are pictured with Chamber President Jim Sharpe. Anderson Funding, located at 3800 North Buffalo Road, Orchard Park, joined the Chamber in August, 2001. The business phone number is 662-8924.
KidBiz Training Session to be Held at Library
The Chamber of Commerce has announced that training for the annual KidBiz Sidewalk Sale 2002 will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2002 at the Grand Island Memorial Library. Young entrepreneurs will learn various aspects of running a business. Topics such as pricing, marketing and customer service are covered at the training event.
This year's KidBiz Sidewalk Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2002 along Whitehaven Road and is in conjunction with the many activities planned in celebration of Grand Island’s 150th birthday.
KidBiz, developed by the Small Business Development Center at Buffalo State College and Forever Elmwood, was launched in 1996. It was designed to give children in the third through sixth grade the experience and excitement of running their own business.
KidBiz made its debut on Grand Island in 1997 as part of the “Plaza Happening.” Mike Heftka and Sue Hillock coordinated the event with over 30 children selling their products along the sidewalks under the canopy of the Grand Island Plaza. Articles sold included old books, toys, crafts, baked goods, and a whole lot more. The young business owners particularly got a sense of running a business as they had to pay a fifty cent rental space fee and received a “license” to sell at the site after the rent was paid.
KidBiz is an excellent opportunity for children to engage in a real-life business experience. For more information, call Sue Hillock at 773-6723 or Mike Heftka at the Small Business Development Center at 878-4030.
2002 Citizens Of Year Presentation On Adelphia Cable TV The Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year Awards presentation 2002 will be shown on Adelphia Cable Channel 13 on the following dates:
Monday, April 29 - noon
Wednesday, May 1 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 4 - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 5 - 4:30 p.m.
Monday, May 6 - noon
A formal procession of uniformed members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 marched into the dining room as the Grand Island High School Madrigals sang "God Bless America" and other patriotic songs.
Chamber President Jim Sharpe stands with Citizen of the Year Committee members (left) Andy Chambers, Kathleen Pytel, Phil Buchanan, Joanne Kud, Dolly D’Orazio, Corrine Simon, Judy Schmidt, Kathy Graves, Sue Hillock and Dinner Chair Beverly Kinney.
Master of Ceremonies News 4 Anchor Jacquie Walker with Sue Hillock and Beverly Kinney Fred Claus photos (above)
2001 Citizens of the Year pictured from left: Vaughn R. Keller and Dennis Walsh, Service to Youth; Michael Hachee, Business Person; Louise Lipp & RuthAnn Burl for Ruth Blickley, Civic; Charles Rader, Dale Kunze, Edward Rowe for IsleChem LLC, Business; Peggy Koppmann, Education; Kathryn Lommer for the Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post 9249, Community Service; Eric Reimann, Special Recognition.
Barbi Lare photo
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce held its annual Citizens of the Year Banquet Thursday, April 11, 2002 in the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. The evening, which started off with an outstanding buffet of hors d'oeuvres and music by the Grand Island String Quartet, is being billed as the best in the the 37-year history of the testimonial event. Dinner Chairman Beverly Kinney and her committee are to be commended for a job well done, right down to the last detail.
Outstanding citizens of 2001, Vaughn R. Keller, Dennis Walsh, Michael Hachee,Charles Rader, Dale Kunze, Edward Rowe, Peggy Koppmann, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post 9249, Eric Reimann and Louise Lipp & RuthAnn Burl standing in for Ruth Blickley will be shown on Adelphia Cable TV over the weekend. The exact date and time, if available, will appear in the "Between the Bridges" column.
Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet Two Weeks Away
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will host its 36th annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet on Thursday, April 11, 2002 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. A cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served promptly at 7 p.m. The evening will commence with News 4 Anchor Jacquie Walker serving as Master of Ceremonies, entertainment by the Grand Island High School String Quartet and the Madrigals singers and the introduction of the Award recipients. Also on the program will be members of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249.
Winners of the prestigious Citizen Of the Year awards for 2001, as announced last month, are Mike Hachee (Business Person), IsleChem LLC (Business), Peggy Koppmann (Education), Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 (Community Service), Ruth L. Blickley (Civic), Vaughn Keller and Dennis Walsh (Service to Youth) and Eric Reimann (Special Recognition).
To purchase tickets ($32/adult, $15/child's dinner) for the Citizen of the Year Banquet, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
Drawing To Benefit Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund
"Take a chance at winning 24 fabulous prizes by purchasing a raffle ticket from the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce," a spokesman for the group said this week. Prizes include airline tickets, overnight stays at Grand Island Holiday Inn, Niagara on the Lake, Buffalo Radisson and Toronto Four Seasons. Also on the prize list are tickets for the Shaw Festival, Artpark, Alleyway Theatre, as well as rides on The Grand Lady, Maid of the Mist, Whirlpool Jet Boat and Miss Buffalo II, and dinner at River Oaks, Applebees, Salvatore’s, and Timberlodge. The endless prize list also offers a "get fit at Island Fitness Center" certificate, Buffalo Athletic Club certificate, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Super Gas certificates, Firth’s Jewelers clock, and more. For a $10 donation, those entering will have twenty-four (24) chances to win these great prizes.
Proceeds will fund two scholarships awarded annually to Grand Island seniors, the GICC Youth Ambassador Program, and the Corporate Bowl sponsorship.
Winners will be announced April 11, 2002 at the Citizen of the Year Dinner. Tickets may be purchased at the chamber office. For more information call 773-3651.
Eric Reimann will receive special recognition at the 36th annual Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year Award dinner April 11 in the Holiday Inn. Serving as Grand Island Town Justice for the past 28 years, Reimann will receive the lifetime achievement award for his many contributions to the Grand Island community.
Eric is a member of the NY Bar Association, Erie County Bar, NY State Magistrates Association and past member of many local organizations. He established the morning Small Claims Court and was founder of the Youth Court Program. He is a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Sidway Elementary School.
He attended Allegheny College and Cornell Law School and is a retired partner of Jaeckle, Fleischmann & Mugel Law Firm.
Eric is a life long resident of Grand Island and resides with his wife of 34 years, Elizabeth. He enjoys golf, skiing, woodworking, bicycling, fishing and traveling.
To purchase tickets ($32/adult, $15/child's dinner) for the Citizen of the Year Banquet, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
The Chamber of Commerce is honoring Huth Road Elementary School Principal Peggy Koppmann for her contributions in the area of Education. Peggy Koppmann has been principal of Huth Road for the past 17 years. Prior to that, she taught at Grand Island Middle School and in a variety of positions for Erie 1 BOCES, including teaching self-contained special education classes, SETRC Trainer, staff development specialist, and Helping Teacher. Mrs. Koppmann became the model for the Resource Room program now found in every school district. She was also a contributing author to a book on the diagnosis of children with educational disabilities and several journal articles.
Mrs. Koppmann holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree from Buffalo State College in Special Education. She completed additional graduate work in Educational Administration at Canisius College. A member of the Erie County Elementary Principals and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, Mrs. Koppman attended the National Principals Academy in 1995 and 1996. She is a long time member of the Huth Road PTA and has been the recipient of an Honorary Life Membership and the Distinguished Service Award from the New York State PTA. Other memberships include the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Phi Delta Kappa, School Administrators Association of New York State, and the Grand Island Administrative & Supervisory Council.
Mrs. Koppmann considers herself fortunate to have the daily inspiration and challenge of working with children, the support of a wonderful community, and the opportunity to work alongside the great group of teachers and staff members at Huth Road School whose dedication to children is matchless. She is very proud of their accomplishments and hopes that they all understand the depth of her admiration and regard. Peggy lives on Grand Island with her husband, Paul. They are parents of two sons, Peter, who lives near Canandaigua Lake, and Carl, a resident of the Town of Tonawanda.
To purchase tickets ($32/adult, $15/child's dinner) for the Citizen of the Year Banquet, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
Dennis Walsh and Vaughn Keller
The Chamber of Commerce will honor Dennis Walsh and Vaughn Keller for their years of service to youth through the Special Olympics Program.
Dennis Walsh is a 1970 graduate of LaSalle Senior High School, Niagara Falls and graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Research. He has been employed by Saint-Gobain Abrasives in various capacities for the past 29 years. He is currently a Senior Product Engineer-Transportation Group with worldwide responsibilities for product design and development.
A resident of Grand Island since 1979, Dennis is an active member of the Grand Island Lions Club and has been involved with its annual handicapped picnic since joining. His interest in the Grand Island Special Olympics began in the early 1990’s in order to spend time with his son, Jim, who was born with learning disabilities. Dennis has coached the local club with Vaughn Keller since 1996.
He and his wife Debbie, have two children, Jim, a 2001 graduate of Grand Island High School, and Lindsay, a junior at Holy Angels Academy in Buffalo.
Vaughn Keller, a graduate of Depew High School, enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 spending four years as a Fire Control Technician aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7. A graduate of Erie County Community College with an Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Vaughn worked for Honeywell as a Field Service Engineer, Dataserve as a Service Engineer, and is currently employed by Brown & Sharpe.
In the spring of 1981, Vaughn, and his wife Deborah, were told that their son William (Bill) was diagnosed as mentally retarded. In 1989, Vaughn and Deborah encouraged Bill to participate in the Grand Island Special Olympics. In 1994 Vaughn himself starting spending his Sundays at the high school as a volunteer, helping train and encourage other athletes like his own son. In 1996, he took over as head coach, working side by side with Dennis Walsh.
Residents of Grand Island since 1987, the Kellers are also parents of a daughter, Heather.
The Island's Special Olympics has traveled to the NYS Special Olympic meets in Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, and Rochester where Dennis has been a county coach for the State games. The club meets Sundays from November through May at the Grand Island High School where they train for swimming, basketball, track and field, and cross-country skiing. Dennis also participates yearly in the Erie County swimming, bowling and track and field events. Dennis is a certified coach in the areas of swimming, track and field, bowling and cycling. Vaughn has run the Erie County Youth Bowling Tournament for the past three years. Dennis and Vaughn also started the only cross country and special athletes cycling team in Erie County. Both are also volunteers with the Helping Hands Bowling League at Transit Lanes.
Ruth L. Blickley is being honored by the Chamber of Commerce for her many contributions to the Grand Island community.
Ruth, with her husband John, has been a resident of Grand Island for more than 50 years, raising three daughters here and remaining a vital part of the community. Ruth has been involved in a number of efforts, including activities in her church, volunteering with the Grand Island Golden Age Center and RSVP, and caring for her friends, family, and community. Many Islanders may know her best through her tireless and valuable work with the Girl Scouts on Grand Island.
Beginning as a leader when her own daughters were scouts, Ruth has continued on and has been a Junior and Cadet Consultant, Registrar, Delegate to Council, worked at Encampments, and currently acts as Organizer, placing more than four hundred girls in troops each year. She has given almost fifty years of completely volunteer service, and continues her commitment to the girls of Grand Island. Ruth’s dedication to these young people is central to the success of the program, as well as a service to families on the Island. Parents and scouts may recall the kindness, and attention she has given to addressing their concerns, without knowing that she gives this consideration to so many families throughout Grand Island each year.
The time, work, and commitment Ruth has given to the families and members of Girl Scouts over the years has been tremendous, but it is her kind support of her colleagues, ease with working with people, and her dedication to the organization, the young people, and her community that make her such an invaluable part of our lives here on Grand Island.
Ruth enjoys fishing, knitting, crocheting, traveling and spending time with her daughters RuthAnn Burl, Maria Goldberg, Louise Lipp and her seven grandchildren.
For more information about the Citizen of the Year Banquet or to purchase tickets, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
Pictured from left: President Kathy Lommer, Sr. Vice President Sam Woodfine, Jr., Vice President Nina Goss, Conductress Mary Becker, Secretary Lorraine Criddle, Barbara Coady, Marilyn Burak, Chaplain Terry Majewicz, Guard Pat Allen, Leane Dahlberg, Treasurer Pat Kratz, and Cindy Bindics.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor the Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper VFW Post 9249 for their service to the community.
The members of the Ladies Auxiliary are dedicated and hardworking individuals who spend many hours organizing and planning various fundraising events. They are also responsible for planning the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.
The proceeds from their fundraising efforts are distributed throughout the Western New York community. Recipients include the American Cancer Society, Leukemia Association, Lupus Association, Arthritis Foundation, Buddy Poppy Drive, Grand Island Neighbors Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Grand Island Senior Center, and the Special Olympics of Grand Island.
For more information about the Citizen of the Year Banquet or to purchase tickets, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has selected IsleChem LLC, a research and technology center located on Long Road, as Business of the Year. Local businessmen Charles Rader, Edward Rowe and Dale Kunze will be honored for their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community at the Citizen of the Year Banquet on April 11 at the Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center.
The formation of IsleChem LLC and IsleChem Business Center LLC has given the former Occidental Chemical Corporation site a new lease on life. The 32-acre parcel offers 88,000 square feet of quality office space and furnishings, 34 individual laboratories, video teleconferencing boardroom, and state of the art fiber optic phone line system.
IsleChem LLC currently employs 35 people and provides contract research and development, analytical services, sales and marketing representation in the US for foreign countries, manufacturing of small-scale chemicals and scale-up work on ideas that start out in the lab.
Charles Rader, Ph.D. is the Chief Executive Officer with responsibility for overall business management. Edward Rowe is Vice President-Commercial, overseeing sales, marketing and technical service for the company. Dale Kunze is Vice President-Operations with responsibility for Research and Development, manufacturing and analytical services.
For more information about the Citizen of the Year Banquet or to purchase tickets, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor Michael Hachee, owner of The Rose Liquor Store and the shopping plaza on Love Road, as Grand Island's Citizen of the Year in the area of business.
Mike grew up in LaSalle (Niagara Falls) and graduated from Bishop Duffy High School. He is a licensed customs broker and has been employed by Tower Group International for more than 35 years. He is currently the Regulatory Editor for the firm. Mike has been a resident of Grand Island since 1970.
Mike has owned and operated The Rose Liquor Store since purchasing it in 1992. He acquired the plaza property, originally known as the Grandyle Plaza and the first shopping plaza built on Grand Island, a short time later. Business at the liquor store has bucked the national trend and grown steadily over the past ten years. Mike attributes that success to the courteous service, knowledgeable staff and fair prices offered by his establishment. He places a special emphasis on providing a wide selection of domestic and imported wines, which has helped boost sales significantly, and he believes the future of The Rose Liquor Store looks even brighter as more information about the health benefits of wine becomes available.
In addition to the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, Mike is a member of the local Moose Lodge No. 180, the Upstate N.Y. Package Store Association, and a two-term director of the LaSalle Yacht Club.
Mike’s favorite leisure activities are golfing and boating.
Mike and his wife Patricia have six children: Mike Jr., Kellie Ann, Sara, John, Eric and Taralyn.
For more information about the Citizen of the Year Banquet or to purchase tickets, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber Announces Citizen of the Year Award Winners
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will host its 36th annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet on Thursday, April 11, 2002 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. News 4 Anchor Jacquie Walker will be the master of ceremonies and entertainment will be provided by the GIHS String Quartet and the Madrigals. Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249 will also play a special part in this community event honoring Grand Island’s best.
Citizen of the Year Chairperson Beverly Kinney announced the winners of this prestigious award that honors those whose contributions have made Grand Island truly the “Jewel on the Niagara.”
Business Person - Mike Hachee
Business - IsleChem LLC
Education - Peggy Koppmann
Community Service - Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249
Civic - Ruth Blickley
Service to Youth - Vaughn Keller and Dennis Walsh
Special Recognition - Eric Reimann
For more information about the Citizen of the Year Banquet or to purchase tickets, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
Record Number of Bronze Sponsors For
Citizen of the Year Event Some of the Bronze sponsors are pictured from left: Citizen of the Year Chair Bev Kinney; Corrine Simon, Super Gas; Rod Reisdorf, Mr. Best Wrench; Dick Piechowiak, First Niagara Bank; Dave Cady, Invitrogen; Gerald Korzen, VFW Post 9249; Mike Hachee, Rose Liquor Store.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will host the 36th annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet on Thursday, April 11, 2002 at the Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. The event will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made Grand Island truly the “Jewel on the Niagara.”
Business Person - Mike Hachee
Business - IsleChem LLC
Education - Peggy Koppmann
Community Service - Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post 9249
Civic - Ruth Blickley
Service to Youth - Vaughn Keller and Dennis Walsh
Special Recognition - Eric Reimann
For more information about the Citizen of the Year Banquet or to purchase tickets, call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
Some of the Bronze sponsors are pictured from left: Citizen of the Year Chair Bev Kinney; Corrine Simon, Super Gas; Rod Reisdorf, Mr. Best Wrench; Dick Piechowiak, First Niagara Bank; Dave Cady, Invitrogen; Gerald Korzen, VFW Post 9249; Mike Hachee, Rose Liquor Store.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will host the 36th annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet on Thursday, April 11, 2002 at the Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. The event will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made Grand Island truly the “Jewel on the Niagara.”
A record number of businesses have joined together this year to sponsor the prestigious event. Bronze sponsors to date include American Pharmaceuticals, Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions, CIR Electrical, First Niagara Bank, Invitrogen, M&T Bank, Metro Town Center Realty, Mr. Best Wrench, Super Gas, Rose Liquor Store, Tops Markets, VFW Post 9249, Safe & Compliant, VIP Pharmaceuticals Metro Real Estate Place, Realty USA, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Advantage Capital.
News 4 Anchor Jacquie Walker will once again be the master of ceremonies and entertainment will be provided by the Grand Island High School String Quartet and the Madrigals. VFW Post 9249 will also play a special part in this community event that honors Grand Island’s best.
Other sponsors include Fuccillo Chevrolet and Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center (platinum sponsors), HSBC Bank and Fujisawa Healthcare (gold sponsors), and Hidden Oaks Development (silver sponsor).
Hidden Oaks Development Signs On As Citizen Of The Year's First Silver Sponsor Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney is pictured above with Hidden Oaks developers Randy and Sue Hillock (center) and Chamber President Jim Sharpe. Photo Courtesy of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Hidden Oaks Development has taken the silver sponsorship for the annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet to be held April 11, 2002 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. Developers Randy and Sue Hillock, owners of the upscale development located off Fix Road, are longtime supporters of Chamber events. Participants in the Island Treasures Festival and Business Expo, Sue is also coordinator of the KidBiz Program and Vice Chairman of the Citizen of the Year event. “The Citizen of the Year award is given to businesses and individuals who have made a positive impact in our community. We are proud to participate in making this a memorable evening for them,” stated Mrs. Hillock.
The Citizen 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 15 to the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, 1980 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072.
Chamber Announces Platinum Sponsors For Awards Dinner Pictured from left are Joanne Kud and General Manager Daniel Gilliland of the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center, Chamber President Jim Sharpe, Holiday Inn Area Manager Mark Lepine, and Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney. Photo Courtesy of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce
It’s a banner year for the Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet hosted annually by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. The 36th annual event will be held Thursday, April 11, 2002 at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made Grand Island truly the Jewel on the Niagara.
Fuccillo Chevrolet and Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center have each taken a platinum sponsorship this year. “The support of the business community has been overwhelming and continues to grow,” said Event Chair Beverly Kinney, noting that Fuccillo Chevrolet and Holiday Inn have both supported the prestigious event in the past. “Their support, and the support of all the businesses involved, allows the Chamber to put on a very memorable evening for the award recipients. This year News 4 Anchor Jacquie Walker will once again be the master of ceremonies” Kinney said.
Other sponsors to date include HSBC Bank (gold sponsor) and Fujisawa Healthcare Inc. (gold sponsor) along with bronze sponsors Mr. Best Wrench, Metro Town Center Realty, M&T Bank, Invitrogen Corp., First Niagara Bank, Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions, The Rose Liquor Store, Sunoco/Super Gas, Tops Markets, VFW Post 9249, CIR Electrical, American Pharmaceutical Partners, and VIP.
News 4 Anchor Jacquie Walker
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce will host its 36th annual Citizens of the Year Award Banquet on Thursday, April 11, 2002 at the Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. The Chamber of Commerce will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made Grand Island a better place to live, work and play.
Master of Ceremonies for the prestigious event will be News 4 Anchor Jacquie Walker. Walker joined News 4 in 1983 and now anchors the number one rated noon and 5:30 p.m.newscasts. Her work has won numerous journalism awards. Walker 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 a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club, 1996 Humanitarian of the Year by the New York State 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. In 2000, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce honored Walker with its first Woman of Distinction Award, and in 2001 Walker accepted the Sister/Brotherhood Media Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice.
Chamber President Jim Sharpe has announced that the VFW, Grand Island String Quartet, and High School Madrigals will play a special role in making the evening a true community celebration.
Chamber Lists Community Activities The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announced its community activities planned for the year 2002 as follows: - Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Dinner (April 11, 2002) - Island Treasures Festival (spring) - Youth Ambassador Awards (July) - Business Community Expo and Taste of Grand Island (Fall) - Chamber Member Christmas Party and elections (December) - Reflections of Light Decorating Contest for Business and Community (December)
Chamber Telephone Directory 2002 Delivered The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has made available its 2002 Official Sesquicentennial Telephone Directory free of charge. Directories were delivered to every home on the Island over this past weekend (Jan. 5-6, 2002). They are also available at the Chamber of Commerce, 1980 Whitehaven Road (773-3651). The book supplies residents with complete information on the Town of Grand Island and also includes a (tentative) Sesquicentennial calendar of events.
The Telephone Book Committee was chaired by Christine Ryshkus with assistance from Chamber President James R. Sharpe and Skip Mazenauer. For further Chamber of Commerce information not found on this Isledegrande.com Chamber Web Page, click
WWW.GICHAMBER.ORG
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.
Barbi Lare photo
