The Amherst Chamber and Emerging Business Leaders Roll out Red Carpet for First Annual Gala.

And Everyone is Invited.

The Amherst Chamber of Commerce's Emerging Business Leaders invite Western New Yorkers of all ages to celebrate the biggest night of the year for young professionals on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. 

Why does a ticket to the First Annual EBL Awards Gala guarantee a front row seat to a marquee event dripping with award-show fervor, must-see excitement and local glamour?

The envelope, please.

At its core, the event is a chance to recognize the achievements of the area's up-and-coming leaders under the age of 39 - rising stars, wunderkinds and whiz kids alike. Equally important though, is the manner in which the Emerging Business Leaders have chosen to do it - with unique flare, reflective of a new demographic of leadership.  The gala is designed to pay homage to its fresh-faced, modern honorees with an event that is heavy on the showmanship and light on the speeches.

On February 22, there will be no sit-down dinner, hushed elevator music or cash bar.  The EBL Awards Gala touts food stations, a three-hour open bar, Pinnacle Vodka and NorthAmerican Breweries tasting stations, tours of a Mac Transportation party bus, swag bags provided by Tony Walker, a live Twitter Feed, a photo booth, music provided by Kiss 98.5 DJ Tony Mamaluke and a live performance by Hard Rock Calling Battle of the Bands Winner "More Than Me."

"The Emerging Business Leaders gala is definitely going to make your socks roll up and down," echoed Sean Macaluso, Founder of The Mac Groups. "An event like this for all ages, members and non-members is sure to be off the rocker! I'm looking forward to celebrating an evening of live music, food, awards, cold pops and the dynamic young professionals of Western New York."

The gala is your chance to applaud the achievements of Western New York's future leaders and the organizations that support them, experience a fun night out and be able to participate in the water cooler chatter that's sure to follow the next day.

Awards will be given out in the following categories: Young Professional of the Year, Best Place to Work for Young Professionals, Entrepreneur of the Year, Community Impact Award and Future CEO/Rising Star Award.  Sponsors include KATZ Americas, Business First, Pinnacle Vodka, Verizon, Tony Walker & Co., Towne BMW, National Grid, BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, UNYTS, NorthAmerican Breweries, Toy Brothers Entertainment, Brewtrackr, 7 Eleven, Northtown Auto and The Mac Groups.

For all this and more, log on to www.amherst.org and purchase your ticket to the First Annual EBL Awards Gala.  Tickets are $99 and are available to anyone who would like to attend.  For a chance to win a pair of free tickets and an overnight stay at the Garden Place Hotel courtesy of Salvatore's Italian Gardens "Like" the Emerging Business Leaders on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eblwny.  The drawing will be held on February 13th.