Chamber Office: 2257 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: (716)773-3651 Fax: (716)773-3316
This Chamber is organized for the purpose of advancing the economic, industrial, professional,
cultural and civic welfare of Grand Island; to encourage the growth of existing industries
and business, while giving all proper asssistance to any new firms or individuals seeking to
locate in Grand Island; to support all these activities believed to be beneficial to the
community and area, and in general to promote the welfare of all area citizens following always
those policies intended to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Brochures, Maps, Videos and Post Cards (viewed on opening page of website) available through the Chamber
Office. Feel free to email us and we will forward your request to the Chamber Office or call (716)773-3651.
Thank you for your interest in Grand Island.
Chamber Of Commerce Announces Island Happenings, KidBiz - 2007
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announced that the annual Island Happenings Business Expo will be held on Saturday, June 30. KidBiz 2007 will also be held on June 30 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at the Town Commons. Youth entrepreneurs in grades 3-6 will participate in this annual event hosted by the Grand Island School and Business Alliance.
Citizen Of Year Awardees - 2007
Pictured with Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel (center) are 2006 award recipients from left Carolyn Lokken, Billie Jean Harper, Norm Hahn (Lions Club), Frank Grebenc (River Oaks), Mary Beth Wrobel, Jim Sharpe, Dr. Robert Miller, and Diane Thompson (Emerson/Control Techniques).
Over 300 people joined the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce when its members honored the 2006 Citizen of the Year award winners at a dinner in the Holiday Inn on April 25, 2007. Recipients of the annual award are River Oaks Golf Club, Emerson/Control Techniques, Lions Club of Grand Island, Dr. Robert H. Miller, Billie Jean Harper and Carolyn Lokken. James R. Sharpe also received a special award. Time Warner Channel 13 will televise the event at 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5th.
Chamber Of Commerce Citizens of the Year Dinner On Time Warner Channel 13 - 2007
The 41st annual Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Awards Dinner will be aired on Time Warner Channel 13 on the following dates:
Sunday - April 29, 2007 - 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Monday - April 30, 2007 - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday - May 1, 2007 - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday - May 2, 2007 - 8 p.m.
Saturday - May 5, 2007 - 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Time Warner will also provide tapes for each of the recipients.
Chamber Of Commerce Citizens of the Year Dinner - 2007
The 41st annual Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award Banquet will be held on Wednesday, April 25th at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center. Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies. This year’s event will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place.
To purchase dinner tickets call the chamber office at 773-3651. Scroll down for further information
Chamber To Honor River Oaks Golf Club - 2007
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that River Oaks Golf Club will be awarded Business of the Year at the 41st annual Citizen of the Year Banquet. This year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:00 p.m. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be the Master of Ceremonies.
River Oaks Golf Club - Business of the Year (front left) Terry Stiltner and Gayle Piershalski; (back) Tom Link and Frank Grebence
Click photo for larger view.
River Oaks Golf Club was founded in 1972. The golf course, designed by world-renowned architect Desmond Muirhead, is known throughout the region as a championship golf course from start to finish. Acres of undulating greens, rolling fairways, large and diverse tee boxes make for a challenging layout for all calibers of players.
River Oaks Golf Club has a great tradition of excellence in golf. The challenging and picturesque golf course has been twice host to the LPGA Tour and has been honored to have Gary Player as past resident touring professional.
River Oaks has hosted several state and national tournaments, the largest of which was the LPGA in 1973 and 1974. Most recently the Club hosted the NYS Women’s Amateur and is a regular stop on the WNY PGA and BDGA events as well.
The clubhouse totals 12,000 square feet and boasts large beams reaching to the sky with ceiling height of over 30 feet. The main dining room has been recently renovated and seats up to 200 for receptions and private parties. The grille room is done mainly in rich oak woods and features a 30-foot bar with delights to suit everyone's fancy. The deck stretches the entire length of the club and overlooks one of the prettiest views on Grand Island. The clubhouse has both men's and ladies' full service locker rooms.
River Oaks Golf Club has supported many local organizations including Olivia’s Journey, Corporate Bowl, Make a Wish Foundation, Sidway PTA, St. Stephen's Church, Relay for Life, Urban League, Zonta Club and the Keith Classic for Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
In 1989, Niagara Associates Group purchased the golf club and surrounding residential development parcels. Since the purchase the golf club has completed numerous improvements and renovations, making it rated as the #1 toughest golf course in WNY. On the development side, Oakwood Estates was developed as a single family, residential development and more recently patio home development has started with the “Golf Villas at River Oaks” backing onto the golf course. Other developments are also in the works for the River Oaks project.
Owner Frank Grebenc and his wife, Denise, along with their children, are long time residents and enjoy all that Grand Island living has to offer.
Chamber to Honor Lions Club, Dr. Robert H. Miller, Billie Jean Harper - 2007
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the Lions Club of Grand Island will receive Organization of the Year, Robert H. Miller, M.D. will receive Community Service Person of the Year and Billie Jean Harper will receive Civic Person of the Year at the 41st annual Citizen of the Year Banquet. This year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be the Master of Ceremonies.
Lions Club Of Grand Island - Organization of the Year Lions Club of Grand Island - Click photo for larger view.
(front left) Mike Steinagel, Shelia Ferrentino, Norm Hahn, Diane Dubiel, Kathie Norris, Dave Chervinsky; (middle) Dick Crawford, Paul Bassette, Bert Wixson, Ann Fahning, Annette Lobl, Jerry Dubiel, Larry Furnia, Earl DeGlopper, Dan Morabito; (top) Fred Ruocco, Ross Kaiser, Tom Rusert, Dick Planavsky, Tom Witkowski, Floyd Doring, John McCarthy.
As the Grand Island Lions Club celebrates its 50th anniversary it is important to note the commitment and professional service of the Club’s membership. Not once has the office of president ever been held by the same person. A father and son have served as president, two members were elected as District Governor, many have served on the cabinet for the Lions' District 20N and the members of the Grand Island Lions have paid tribute to their members as Robert Uplinger and Melvin Jones Fellowship Recipients. In 1981 a relationship was formed with the Lions Club of Merritton, an association that has strengthened under the Lions Motto, “WE SERVE”.
The Lions Club of Grand Island has continually benefited from the strong support of the community. This synergy in effort has allowed the Club to run its annual spaghetti dinner, White Cane sale, Special Kids Picnic, loan closet, and donations to over 25 charities and college scholarships. The Club has been very active participating and supporting programs through Lions Club International.
The groundwork has been laid for the next fifty years to continue the work of helping those who are in need.
Dr. Robert H. Miller - Community Service Person of the Year Click photo for larger view.
Robert H. Miller was born and raised in Riverside, attending public school and Buffalo Technical High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and served for two years before entering Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio for undergraduate studies. Following graduation from the University of Buffalo Medical School he completed internship and residency on OB/GYN, and opened his private practice in family medicine on Grand Island in 1955.
By 1958 he was joined in practice by Ted Rayhill, and in 1973 by Tom Sheehan. The professional and personal relationship between these three men grew through the years and theirs became one of the most well-respected and enduring partnerships in the Buffalo area lasting over 35 years. As the “country docs” of Grand Island, they cared for parents, grandparents, kids, delivered babies and even followed patients into surgery, usually with Dr. Gustave Milkey, another Grand Islander well known to many.
Dr. Miller was the first medical director of the Grand Island Manor Nursing Home, now Elderwood, and Miller, Rayhill and Sheehan were the Grand Island School physicians until their retirement. They were the impetus behind the Grand Island Fire Company Rescue Squad, teaching many of the new recruits. During all of these busy years. Dr. Miller found time to become the founding member of the Grand Island Rotary Club and he and Larry Runions, the Sr. Andy Beyer, and the entire Rotary Club were instrumental in forming the Neighbors Foundation. In addition, he was the founder and chair of the Grand Island Narcotics Guidance Council from 1969-1979.
Dr. Miller retired from his Grand Island practice in 1999; however by 2000 he was invited to return to practice at Wende Correctional Facility, as the physician of the Regional Medical Unit in Alden, NY, and continued in this role until 2003.
During his professional career, Dr. Miller was Board Certified by the American Academy of Family Practice. He was an Associate Professor at the University of Buffalo Medical School and was designated a Professor Emeritus in 1999. As well, he was a certified FAA Flight Examiner from 1972 until 1997 and as a licensed private pilot, flew his own airplane.
During his years of service, Dr. Miller raised three children on Grand Island. Scot lives in Syracuse. Jim and his wife, Kristin, live in Orchard Park and have presented him with his perfect grandchildren, Jake Robert, 5; Carson James, 3; and Grace Killeen, almost three months. Daughter Jordan is attending graduate school at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and engaged to marry Adam in June 2008.
Dr. Miller continues to live on Grand Island with his wife, Shari, and his constant companion, Gus, the Wonder Dog. He is a forty-year member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, a voracious reader, and not only builds golf clubs but also plays at River Oaks. He enjoys the Mighty Niagara River year round and fishes both the Upper and Lower Niagara River with his personal guide, Ron Case.
Billie Jean Harper ~ Civic Person of the Year
Click photo for larger view.
Billie Jean Harper has spent the last 28 years monitoring the halls of Grand Island High School and doling out kindness to the many students who have crossed her path. She will be the first to say that her employment at the school ranks right up there with her children and six grandchildren.
She has had the opportunity to comfort, console, and mentor thousands of students. Her compassion, dedication and love for each and every one of them is the greatest contribution she has made to the Grand Island community.
Billie Jean was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She moved to Buffalo in 1953 with her husband, the late Arthur Harper. They were married for 38 years and had four children - Yvonne, Arthur Jr., Kimberly and Brian.
After moving to Grand Island, Billie Jean became active in the Grand Island Community. She joined St. Stephen’s Church and the Alter Society and has been an active member since 1972.
She was also a volunteer for the Grand Island Jr. Football League working the concession stand called the Blue Goose and eventually became a board member of the league.
Billie Jean sat on the board of the Grand Island Dispatch and the Grand Island Democratic Committee. She was voted Democrat of the Year in 1984 and 1987. She was also a member of the Town of Grand Island Architectural Review Advisory Board and the Human Rights Commission.
Other honorees to be recognized this year are Emerson/Control Techniques-Industry; Carolyn Lokken-Education; River Oaks Club - Business of the Year. To purchase dinner tickets call the chamber office at 773-3651.
James R. Sharpe To Receive Chamber’s
Distinguished Directors Award - 2007
The Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Directors Award will be presented to James R. Sharpe at the Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet Wednesday, April 25, 2007. The Distinguished Directors Award is given to a past or present director who has proven over the years his/her commitment to the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Island community and its residents. This director has always demonstrated the desire and willingness to work tirelessly for whatever committee, cause, chairmanship or event they are involved in. He or she sets the standard for volunteerism in the community. It is that director who always steps up, volunteers, leads and does so expecting nothing in return. The Distinguished Directors Award is considered the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce' highest honor.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize Jim Sharpe as this years Distinguished Director’s Award recipient. Anthony A. Brindisi, award committee chairman, said, “The Executive Board has unanimously selected Jim who is unparalleled in his commitment, dedication, leadership and volunteerism. He has shown through the years that he cares about Grand Island’s business community, residents and its students. He is always one of the hardest workers on every board, committee, and chairmanship he sits on.” There will be a special presentation to Jim at the 2006 Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 25th.
Chamber to Honor Control Techniques and Carolyn Lokken - 2007
Carolyn Lokken
Click photo for larger view.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Control Techniques will receive the Industry Award and Carolyn Lokken will be honored as Educator of the Year at the 41st annual Citizen of the Year Banquet. This year’s event will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:00 p.m. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will return as Master of Ceremonies.
Carolyn Lokken is in her twenty-fourth year of teaching music. She has taught vocal music in the Grand Island School District for the past fourteen years where she directs the Choir, Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, The Dominant Force, and Vocal Jazz ensemble as well as classes in voice, Music Theory and AP Music Theory. Her other teaching experience includes appointments in Rome, Dansville and Clarence. She was recently named director of the Grand Island Community Chorus.
Mrs. Lokken is a graduate of Clarence High School and Ithaca College where she received her Bachelor of Music degree. She has furthered her studies at SUNY at Buffalo, Fredonia, and Potsdam as well as Temple University and Westminster Choir College. She is a member of the New York State School Music Association, Music Educators National Conference, the Erie County Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association. Mrs. Lokken has guest conducted All-County Choruses in Western New York and the Finger Lakes region. She has been named in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Who’s Who Among American Women as well as nomination for a Disney Teacher Award. In 2004 Mrs. Lokken received the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra/Erie County Council of Music Coordinators Award for excellence in Choral Music Education. Her choirs at the high school have earned numerous Gold and Gold with Distinction Awards at NYSSMA Major Organization festivals. They have performed for the New York State School Board Association, with The Buffalo Choral Arts Society and the Syracuse University Chamber Singers.
Carolyn resides in Akron with her husband, Terry and their children, Mary and Margaret. Their son, Patrick, lives in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her summertime interests include gardening, reading and needlework, which she pursues with the same passion as teaching. In addition to her own extensive gardens, she has designed and maintained the gardens of the Akron Community residence, where her sister resides.
Control Techniques, a division of the Industrial Automation group of Emerson Electric, has maintained a presence on Grand Island in varying capacities for over 30 years. Some may be familiar with WER Industrial, Emerson Industrial Controls, or ICD Drives – the Emerson division names that Control Techniques has been known as throughout the years. Many of the 28 employees at the Lang Boulevard location have been with the company for 25+ years.
The Americas Service Center on Grand Island is responsible for all After Market Services and Support of Control Techniques products for North and South America. The services and products offered through the Grand Island facility include Product Repair, Technical Support, Spare Parts Sales, Technical Training, and Warranty Claims Processing.
Control Techniques is a world leader in the design, manufacture and support of Electronic Drive products, which includes AC Drives, DC Drives, Servo Drives, Soft Starters, and Packaged Drive Systems. Control Techniques combines extensive industry experience, modular drive design, powerful technology and advanced toolkits to provide complete industrial automation solutions.
With an extensive network of Drive Application and Engineering Centers worldwide, (fourteen of which are in North America), Control Techniques sets the standard for engineering support.
Control Techniques parent company, Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a diversified global technology company that provides products and services for a wide range of industries, commercial markets and end-users, including consumers. Recognized widely for its engineering capabilities and outstanding management process, Emerson has more than 128,000 employees and more than 270 manufacturing locations worldwide.
Accepting on behalf of Emerson Control Techniques will be Diane Thompson. She has been employed by Emerson/Control Techniques for the last 27 years and presently holds the position of Director of the Americas Service Center.
She and her husband, Jim, and daughters, Nicolette and Larissa, have been Grand Island residents for over 25 years. Diane also serves as a director on the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Her deep commitment to Grand Island and willingness to participate in activities that advance and encourage growth of Island businesses make her well suited to represent this long-time Island industry.
Other honorees to be recognized this year are:
River Oaks Golf Club - Business
Billie Jean Harper - Civic
Lions Club of Grand Island - Organization
Robert H. Miller M.D. - Community Service.
Join the Chamber in honoring these businesses and individuals. To purchase dinner tickets call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber Names Bronze Sponsors For Citizens of the Year Dinner - 2007
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has announce that AIG-Advisor Group (John Bonora), Abraxis Pharmaceutical Partners (Rich Nassar), Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions (Beverly Kinney), Creative Leather Concepts (Fahim Mojawalla), First Niagara Bank (Deborah Mann), Grand Lady Cruises, Inc. (Captain Rick Deegan), Mary Kay (Dawn Bonora), Realty USA (Anne Fahning), Rockwood Brothers Collision (Bob & Tim Rockwood), Rose Liquor Store (Mike Hachee), Elderwood Senior Care, and Technology Camp of America (Angelo Grande) are Bronze Sponsors for the 41st annual Citizen of the Year Award.
This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Wednesday, April 25th and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies.
Platinum Sponsors include Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Inc., Fuccillo Chevrolet, and Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. Gold Sponsors to date include HSBC Bank USA, AJ Beyer Mechanical, Invitrogen Corporation, and Niagara Frontier Publications. Silver Sponsors are Emerson/Control Techniques, Keller Group Insurance, MJ Welch Enterprises, and Tops Market.
For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber Announces Citizen Of The Year 2007 Silver Sponsors - March 2007
Pattie Bianco of Tops Friendly Market
Diane Thompson of Emerson/Control Techniques is a Silver sponsor
Chamber President Joanne Kud, Tony Brindisi and Bob Fahning of the Keller Group.
Michael Welch of MJ Welch Enterprises (Young Living Essential Oils)
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Tops Friendly Market, Keller Group Insurance, Emerson/Control Techniques and MJ Welch Enterprise (Young Living Essential Oils) have signed on as Silver Sponsors for the 41st annual Citizen of the Year Award.
This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Wednesday, April 25th and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place. Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies.
Platinum Sponsors include Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Inc., Fuccillo Automotive Group, and Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. Gold Sponsors to date include HSBC Bank USA, AJ Beyer Mechanical, Invitrogen Corporation, and Niagara Frontier Publications. Bronze Sponsors are AIG-Advisor Group, Abraxis Pharmaceutical Partners, Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions, Creative Leather Concepts, Elderwood Senior Care, First Niagara Bank, Grand Lady Cruises, Inc., Mary Kay Cosmetics/Dawn Bonora, Realty USA/Anne Fahning, Rockwood Brothers Collision, Rose Liquor Store, Scheid Architectural and Technology Camp of America.
For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber Names Citizens of the Year - 2007
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2006 Citizen of the Year Award.
River Oaks Golf Club will be honored as Business of the Year. Emerson/Control Techniques will receive Industry of the Year and Grand Island Lions Club will be given the Organization of the Year Award.
Dr. Robert Miller will be recognized for his contributions to the community and will be given the Community Service Award, lifetime resident Billie Jean Harper will be awarded the Civic Award and Carolyn Lokken, a music teacher at Grand Island High School, will be named Educator of the Year.
The 41st annual Citizen of the Year Award Banquet will be held on Wednesday, April 25th at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center. Channel 4 News Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies.
The Chamber invites all to honor these outstanding businesses and individuals who have made Grand Island a better place.
Sponsors of this year’s event include Platinum Sponsor: Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Fuccillo Chevrolet, and the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. Gold Sponsor: AJ Beyer Mechanical, HSBC Bank, Invitrogen, and Niagara Frontier Publications. Silver Sponsor: Emerson/Control Techniques, Keller Group, MJ Welch Enterprises (Young Living Essential Oils) and Tops Market. Bronze Sponsor: Abraxis Pharmaceutical Partners, Aceti’s Wine & Spirits, AIG – Advisor Group (Jonn Bonora) Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions, Creative Leather Concepts, Elderwood Senior Care, First Niagara Bank, Grand Lady Cruises, Mary Kay Cosmetics (Dawn Bonora), Realty USA (Anne Fahning), Rockwood Brothers Collision, Rose Liquor Store, Scheid Architectural, Technology Camp of America.
Dinner tickets are now available at the chamber office, 2251 Grand Island Blvd., or by calling 773-3651.
Chamber Announces Gold Sponsors For Citizen Of Year Dinner - 2007
Photo 1: Chamber Past President and Chair for Citizen of the Year, Beverly Kinney with Andy Beyer of AJ Beyer Mechanical.
Photo 2: Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney pictured with Mike Samland, Branch Manager at HSBC Bank on Grand Island.
Photo 3: Citizen of the Year Co-Chair, Sue Hillock (far right) with Skip and Judy Mazenauer of Niagara Frontier Publications (Island Dispatch/Pennysaver)
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that AJ Beyer Mechanical, HSBC Bank, Invitrogen and Niagara Frontier Publications have signed on as Gold Sponsors for the 41st annual Citizen of the Year Award.
This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Wednesday, April 25th and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place. Channel 4 News meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be Master of Ceremonies.
Platinum Sponsors to date include Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Fuccillo Automotive Group and Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center. Silver sponsors include Tops Friendly Market, Keller Group, MJ Welch Enterprises (Young Living Essential Oils) and Emerson/Control Techniques. Bronze Sponsors are AIG – Advisor Group, Abraxis Pharmaceutical Partners, Aceti’s Wine & Spirits, Carol Ann’s Hair Fashions, Creative Leather Concepts, First Niagara Bank, Grand Lady Cruises, Mary Kay, Realty USA, Rockwood Brothers Collision, Rose Liquor Store, Scheid Architectural and Technology Camp of America.
For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Fuccillo, Holiday Inn and Astellas Pharma Manufacturing
Take Top Spot - 2007
Photo 1: Chamber Past President and Citizen of the Year Chair Beverly Kinney shown with Deanna Arraiz, General Manager of Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center.
Photo 2: Beverly Kinney pictured with Christopher Granholm, General Manager at Fuccillo Toyota and Tom Kanaley, General Manager of Fuccillo Chevrolet.
Photo 3: K. Scott Aladeen of Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Inc. pictured in center with Citizen of the Year Chair, Beverly Kinney and Committee Member, Jim Sharpe.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Fuccillo Auto Park, Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center, and Astellas Pharma Manufacturing, Inc. have signed on as Platinum sponsors for the 41st annual Citizen of the Year Award.
This year’s event will be held at Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center on Wednesday, April 25th and will honor businesses and individuals whose contributions have made our town a better place. Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will be this year’s Master of Ceremonies.
Gold Sponsors to date include HSBC Bank USA, A. J. Beyer Mechanical, Invitrogen Corporation, and Niagara Frontier Publications. Silver sponsors include Tops Friendly Market, Keller Group, MJ Welch Enterprise and Emerson/Control Techniques. Bronze Sponsors are AIG – Advisor Group, Abraxis Pharmaceutical Partners, First Niagara Bank, Grand Lady Cruises, Mary Kay, Realty USA, Rose Liquor Store, Rockwood Brothers Collision, Creative Leather Concepts, Aceti’s Wine & Spirits, FX Graphix, and Scheid Architectural.
For more information call the chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber of Commerce Seeks Nominations For Citizens Of Year - 2007
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the 41st annual Citizen of the Year award. Suggested categories for nomination include business, business person, corporation, civic, education, community service, and senior citizen. Award winners will be honored at a dinner on Wednesday, April 25th at the Holiday Inn Grand Island Resort and Conference Center.
Nomination forms may be found in the Chamber of Commerce telephone directory or at the Chamber office, 2257 Grand Island Blvd. Deadline for nominations is March 2, 2007. For more information call the Chamber office at 773-3651.
Chamber Installs 2007 Officers
(left photo: Town Justice, Honorable Sybil Kennedy; Past President, Beverly Kinney; 1st Vice President, John Bonora; President, Joanne Kud; 2nd Vice President, Tony Brindisi; Secretary, Victor Gagliardi, Esq.; Treasurer, Judy Schmidt (right photo) Newly elected Directors for 2007, Dawn Bonora, Andy Beyer, Deborah Mann, Michael Schneider and Tom Kanaley with Town Justice, Honorable Sybil Kennedy.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce on January 16, 2007 held an Installation Dinner at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Resort and Conference Center, where the Honorable Sybil Kennedy did the swearing in of newly elected Officers and Directors.
Mary Beth Wrobel To Emcee Citizen Of Year Banquet - 2007
Channel 4 Meteorologist Mary Beth Wrobel will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 41st Annual Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet.
Mary Beth Wrobel of Channel 4 will be the Master of Ceremonies for the 41st annual Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award Banquet. The event to honor businesses and individuals who have made Grand Island a better place will be held on Wednesday, April 25.
Mary Beth Wrobel came to WIVB-TV, NEWS 4 in December of 2000 as the weekend evening meteorologist. Prior to coming to WIVB TV, she worked as a meteorologist in Rochester, NY at WROC TV, St. Louis Missouri at KSDK TV and in Greensboro, N.C. at WFMY TV. Ms. Wrobel received the American Meteorologist Society Seal of Approval for Television Broadcasting in 1993.
Mary Beth enjoys meeting people and frequently participates in career and science fairs, school lectures, and numerous other community events. She gives Weather Merit Badge presentations to Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, as well as promoting weather education among youth in area schools.
Mary Beth graduated Cum Laude from SUNY College at Brockport, and Magna cum Laude, from SUNY College at Fredonia. She received recognition as vocal soloist with the Rochester Philharmonic in 2000. Mary Beth studies classical voice and plays the piano and flute. In her spare time, she enjoys step aerobics, baking and traveling.
The Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the Citizen of the Year award. Suggested categories for nomination include business, businessperson, corporation, civic, education, community service, and senior citizen.
Nomination forms may be found in the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce telephone directory or at the Chamber office, 2257 Grand Island Blvd. For more information call (716) 773-3651.
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.
