FIRST MONDAY

BY COLLEEN C. DIPIRRO   PRESIDENT/CEO

MARK GAULIN NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Mark Gaulin, Vice President of Personal Computers, Inc. has been elected as Chairman of the Board of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, effective January 1, 2010. Mark, a long time member of the Chamber, will be officially installed at the organization’s Annual Meeting Friday, January 29^th by New York State Assemblyman Jim Hayes.

Three term Chairman, Dennis Elsenbeck will make his final remarks at the luncheon prior to the installation. Under Elsenbeck’s direction, the Chamber solidified a Strategic Plan process that provides both staff and volunteer leadership with a blueprint for program and service development and a process for mobilizing new initiatives. The Chamber membership grew by over 300 members during Elsenbeck’s tenure. He leaves a legacy of strong leadership, vision and process implementation that will serve the Chamber well in the future.

Gaulin, continuing the leadership model provided by Dennis and his predecessors, will share highlights of his vision in his acceptance speech. Growing the Health Insurance Division and partnership with Lawley Benefits Group and expanding marketplace recognition for the products and services available to firms in the region are core goals Gaulin will focus on.

Other individuals being sworn in for Executive Committee positions are:

David Flynn; Phillips Lytle, LLP, Malini Sridhar; Compsys Technologies, Donna DeCarolis; National Fuel, David Donovan; Independent Health, Ralph Jeswald; Dopkins and Co., Eric Kagen, Steven J Baum PC,  Ex-official members will include Gretchen Nichols; Nesper, Ferber and DiGiacomo.

New members of the Board of Directors include:  Jeff Buckley, Next Financial; Jack Colocousis, Bryant and Stratton; Mark Hogan, AAA of Western and Central NY; Nick Magnini, FOX Television Network; TJ Revelas, Lawley Services; Rohini Srirhari, Janya Inc.  Each will be installed for a three year term.

NEWLY ELECTED SUPERVISOR, BARRY WEINSTEIN, TO PRESENT STATE OF THE TOWN AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Town of Amherst Supervisor, Barry Weinstein, will present the State of the Town Address at the Amherst Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon, Friday, January 29^th at Classics V Banquet Facility on Niagara Falls Boulevard. A large crowd is expected to attend in anticipation of the Supervisor’s speech. Supervisor Weinstein previously served as a Councilmember on the Town Board and, prior to that, served many years in the Erie County Legislature. He was also a member of the Williamsville School Board, an attorney and a practicing physician. He brings a wealth of experience to the office of Supervisor. The Amherst Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and members look forward to working with him on a number of community issues, including Redevelopment efforts. 

The event is open to Chamber members. Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling 632-6905 or emailing clopez@amherst.org.

AMHERST, NEW YORK – A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

Amherst has always been a great place to live, work and play. Our town has been a residential community of choice for many years. An important component of our quality of life has been the abundance of services available to our residents. In addition to an outstanding Police Department, an excellent Senior Services Center and a great Recreational Department; we have a wonderful Youth program. The Amherst Chamber of Commerce was proud to sponsor an event at the newly created Independent Health Youth and Family Center of Sheridan Drive last fall. Our members were impressed by both the facility and the commitment of the volunteers who made it happen. One such volunteer, Melissa Reed Chudy, was a dedicated, passionate woman whose desire to help young people, was a driving force in her life. Melissa served as development director for the Amherst Youth Foundation for many years. Even after being diagnosed with breast cancer, Melissa continued to work each day. Sadly, in 2006, Melissa lost her 18 month battle with cancer but her vision remains at the coffee house which bears her name at the Youth Center.

In Melissa’s honor, the Amherst Youth Foundation will be hosting Walk for Melissa Sunday, January 17^th at the Boulevard Mall from 5:30-7:00 pm.  Proceeds from the walk will benefit Melissa’s Coffee House and the Breast Cancer Network of WNY. For registration information, call 633-6773 or go to Amherst.org.

2010 CHAMBER PROGRAM OF WORK DEDICATED TO HELPING OUR MEMBERS

The final details for the 2010 Amherst Chamber of Commerce Program of Work are being completed. Our focus will continue to be to provide tangible benefits to our members. We understand that during these difficult economic times, businesses need to be very practical when making investment decisions. However, our offerings make a membership investment in the Amherst Chamber of Commerce a profitable one. Please continue to read our newsletters, visit our website and communicate with us on Facebook  and LinkedIn, that so we can continue to respond to your needs and make available products and services that supply you with the tools for prosperity.

Happy New Year to each and every member of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. We are currently one of the largest Chambers in New York State, representing businesses in every town throughout Western New York. We pledge to continue to represent you in a professional and strategic manner. Let’s work together to make 2010 a better year for us – individually and as a region.