Celebrate Amherst’s Business Community

Spring is in the air. You can see it when the green peeks out around the edges of the snow-you can tell it’s near when the sun makes the days just a little longer. But what really signals the season of growth and rebirth for us here at the Chamber is the opportunity to recognize and honor the small business community for their diversity, growth and sustainability throughout our region.

On Friday, May 21, 2010, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce will pay homage to our small business community as we kick-off “National Small Business Week,” May 23^rd through May 25^th, with the 2010 Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon, sponsored by First Niagara Bank. This year it will be held at Classics V Banquet Facility; 2425 Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be served promptly at 12:00 p.m. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this exciting affair as we ask you to nominate a worthy person or business to be honored at this year’s event. Nominations are now being accepted in the categories of:

•Small Business Person of the Year

•Business Advocate of the Year

•Champion Award

•Community Stewardship Award

•At Your Service Award

•Award for Excellence

•President’s Award

Additional information and award descriptions can be found on our website at www.amherst.org. Small Businesses are the backbone of our national economy and they deserve our support and praise. You can show your support for local business by filling out a nomination form and telling us who you think should be honored. Nominations must be received by Tuesday, April 20, 2010 to be considered for recognition. The Business Resource Council will review nominees and determine 2010 Awards Luncheon honorees. Award recipients will be contacted prior to the luncheon and will be announced at the May 21, 2010 reception.

So, start off the season of growth by showing your support for Western New York’s small business community and share in supporting our region’s economic growth and prosperity by attending the 2010 Small Business Awards Luncheon. For more information concerning the 2010 Luncheon, reservations, nominations or sponsorship opportunities, visit us online at www.amherst.org or contact us at 716.632.6905. Email inquiries can be made to Christina M. Lopez at clopez@amherst.org.