Meet the Staff
Colleen C. DiPirro, President & CEO
The worst economic downturn in business during my lifetime began in 2009. Even though the Buffalo Niagara region was not hit as hard as many parts of the country, we still experienced the trickle down impact of tightened access to credit, decreases in consumer purchasing and increases in governmental fees for services. While 2010 showed minimal periods of recovery, the overall sense of angst continued as businesses, large and small, struggled with the uncertain future. However, troubled by the economy and dim prospects, businesses turned to the Amherst Chamber of Commerce looking for help, and found it!
In 2010 the Amherst Chamber of Commerce increased our membership, increased business investment in the organization, created new initiatives and experienced huge growth in participation in Chamber events, councils and committees.
The Amherst Chamber of Commerce is a unique organization in the Buffalo Niagara marketplace. We have refined an organizational structure that provides a wide array of business services for the small and medium size businesses that depend on us to grow their prosperity. Simultaneously, we have increased our clout in the region as a result of solidifying our relationship with public officials on both sides of the aisle at the federal, state and local level. This gives us a seat at the table for discussions on policy that impacts our members.
I want to thank the individuals and firms that recognize the value of their participation in the Chamber and continue to grow our Circle of Influence.
Caitlin McNulty- Director of Operations & Special Projects
Caitlin serves as administrative liaison to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, manages the day-to-day operations of the office and manages all of our special events. She is also liaison to the Public Affairs Council, Emerging Business Leaders and one ProNet group. Additionally she oversees our Creative Manager, Information Services Coordinator and Receptionist
She can be contacted at cmcnulty@amherst.org.
Kim Whelan- Director of Member Relations
Kim is the main point of contact for all of our members. She facilitates new membership, keeps contact with existing members and manages three ProNet groups. She is the staff liaison to the Business Resource Council and oversees the Tools for Prosperity, At-Home Business "U", Business After Hours and Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings.
Kim can be reached at kwhelan@amherst.org.
Sonia Sloan - Creative Coordinator
Sonia is responsible for all of our marketing collateral material, our website and social media pages, and all of our event and email marketing materials. Further, she works closely with Empire State Development and Colleen and creates much of the marketing material utilized by the Regional Economic Development Council and Buffalo Billion Communications Council.
She can be contacted at ssloan@amherst.org.
Janice Vecchio - Receptionist
Janice greets all of our members whether it's over the phone or when they stop into the Chamber offices. In addition to fielding inquiries about the Chamber, she oversees event registrations and room rentals in our Suburban Solutions Center.
She can be contacted at jvecchio@amherst.org .
Katy Murray - Information Services Coordinator
Katy is responsible for rebuilding and maintaining our databases, billings and all data necessary to operate our organization.
She can be contacted at kmurray@amherst.org.
Angela Kasperek - Health Insurance Service Coordinator
Angela interfaces with all potential new subscribers, services current subscribers and works with the carriers. This is a part-time position that reports directly to the President.
She can be contacted at akasperek@amherst.org.
Barbara Wischerath - Bookkeeper
Barbara is the Chamber's part-time bookkeeper and accountant. She is the one to contact with questions on your annual membership dues or quarterly health insurance payments.
She can be contacted at bwischerath@amherst.org
Office Hours:
Labor Day - Memorial Day
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Memorial Day - Labor Day
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:00pm
350 Essjay Road, Suite 200 