Second Helpings of Food for Thought in 2012 

After a successful first year, the Emerging Business Leaders' Food for Thought series returns with a docket of insightful and engaging leaders from around the region. For those who have not yet had the opportunity to participate, Food for Thought allows a small group of young professionals to share an intimate meal with some of Buffalo Niagara's most influential CEO's and executives. The small setting encourages open discussion and two-sided dialogue. These events are a great chance for attendees to pick the brains' of each special guest, asking for career advice, learning how they got to where they are today and gaining an understanding for the organizations or industries they currently represent.

Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo kicks off 2012 with a must attend luncheon on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 12:00 noon. Ms. Perez-Bode Dedecker has dedicated her career and leadership expertise to civic service. As President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, she works to carry out the organization's mission of connecting people, ideas and resources to improve the lives of Western New Yorkers. In addition to her work on the foundation, Clotilde is a nationally recognized spokeswoman on a range of issues including strategic philanthropy, community service and cultural diversity.

On Wednesday, February 22, 2012, Jordan Levy - Chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Managing General Partner of Seed Capital Partners - will join the Emerging Business Leaders for lunch at 12:00 noon.

Dennis Elsenbeck, Regional Executive of National Grid will be the special guest at March's Food for Thought breakfast, held on the 29^th at 8:00am.  April will feature Jack Connors, President & Publisher of Buffalo Business First for a breakfast on the 19^th at 8:00am.

May and June will find dinner events beginning at 6:00pm at the Chamber. Tim Herzog, Founder of Flying Bison Brewery, will share his experiences with young professionals on May 10, 2012 and Matt Enstice, President & CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, will update attendees on both his career path and progress at the emerging downtown campus on June 4, 2012.

All Food for Thought meals are held at the Amherst Chamber of Commerce to foster an environment which encourages conversation and discussion among the attendees and special guests. Each meal is catered by a local dining establishment and the cost of the meal is covered by a ticket purchase. Food For Thought events are open to ten young professionals and seats are available on a first come first serve basis.

For more information on the Emerging Business Leaders, to register to attend one of the above listed meals, or to suggest a future host for Food for Thought, please contact Allison Whalen at awhalen@amherst.org or 716.632.6905.