Emerging Business Leaders'

Awards Gala

On Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Salvatore's Italian Gardens, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Emerging Business Leaders hosted its First Awards Gala to honor young professionals under the age of 39 who demonstrated excellence through business or civic achievement in the Western New York area.  The gala took an original approach to the traditional sit-down awards dinner, providing open seating as well as a three hour open bar.  Guests were treated to features like buffet-style food stations, free massages, swag bags, pinnacle vodka stations, a photo booth and live music. 

The celebratory night culminated with awards presented to four young professionals and one company.  The following award winners collected top honors:

Young Professional of the Year: Therese Hickok, Uniland Development Co. 

Nominees:      Allen Dembski, Waddell & Reed

                     Patrick Finan, Block Club

                     Dana Marciniak, New Era Cap Co.

                            Charlie Riley, 3rd Learning

Entrepreneur of the Year: Joel Colombo, 360PSG

Nominees:      Sean Macaluso, The Mac Groups

                     James Phipps, WNY Muscle and Joint Performance Chiropractic

                     Shandra Spicer, S&W Contracting of WNY

                     Michael Tasner, Taz Solutions

Rising Star Award: Lauren Byrd, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week of Buffalo

Nominees:        Mike Galligano, Buffalo CarShare

                              Steve Kimmel-Hurt, Superior Group

                              William Prentice, Prentice Wealth Management

                              Mark Walter, BlueCross BlueShield of WNY

Best Place to Work for Young Professionals: Travers Collins & Company

Nominees:         360 PSG

                       3rd Learning

                               Phillips Lytle LLP

                               Superior Group

Community Impact Award: Brian Moorman, Brian Moorman's PUNT Foundation

Nominees:      Matt Carlucci, B-Team Buffalo

                            James Cutler, AXA Advisors

                            Lisa Donato, Camp Good Days

                            Tim Kennedy, New York State Senator

For pictures and future event updates log on the Emerging Business Leaders' Facebook page: www.facebook.com/eblwny and Twitter page: www.twitter.com/ebl_of_wny. 

To subscribe to the Emerging Business Leaders' e-mail list contact awhalen@amherst.org.