Emerging Business Leaders Celebrate the

Past Year and Look Ahead to the Future

A year ago, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce launched a program for young professionals in Western New York - the Emerging Business Leaders (EBL).  The EBL focuses on developing leadership and "bench strength" in the region, promoting young professionals throughout the community and helping to develop their skills and professional relationships.  All of these activities are designed to help members achieve personal and professional advancement in the community.

To celebrate the EBL's continued commitment to budding leadership, community involvement and professional excellence, the group's advisory board has been hard at work developing programming and events for the remainder of the year and into 2012 that will set the region buzzing. These programs will show young professionals that Western New York and the Amherst Chamber of Commerce values their potential and is willing to provide the tools they need to reach it.

To blow out the candles on its one-year anniversary, EBL will host a celebration on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 in the parking lot of the Amherst Chamber's office at 350 Essjay Road in Williamsville - part of Ciminelli's Centerpointe Office Park. The party will feature a frenzy of gourmet, mobile food.  Otherwise known as the Food Trucks of Western New York, this flavor convoy combines unique cuisine, hip curb appeal and a social media buzz that induces cult-like devotion over mass-like crowds.  With a business model that is progressive and ingenious, the Food Trucks encourage a sense of community among those who flock to their temporary locations awaiting the dish of the day.  From 5:00pm - 7:30pm on the 16^th, those people will be Emerging Business Leaders, friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who wants to stop by for a bite.  Admission is open to the public and the cost of entry is a canned good or nonperishable donation to the Food Bank of WNY.  Participating food trucks include Lloyd's Taco Truck, Roaming Buffalo, Whole Hog, R&R BBQ, Rolling Joe Cafe and The Place To Go. The trucks will also contribute to the cause by donating 10% of their proceeds to the food bank.  For more information, please click here.

In early December, EBL will be getting into the giving spirit with a holiday party at the Harbor Club in the First Niagara Center.  The holiday party will feature a donation drive for WNY Heroes, an organization whose mission is to provide veterans, members of the armed services and the widows and children of deceased veterans with access to the essential services and resources that will support their lives and sustain their dignity.

On Tuesday, February 22, the first annual Emerging Business Leaders Awards Gala will take place at Salvatore's Italian Gardens.  Aside from recognizing young professionals in several different award categories, the EBL Gala will represent a departure from typical corporate award-style dinners.  Attendees can expect elegant cocktails and bites of food, swag bags, music provided by DJ Tony Mamaluke of KISS 98.5 and a special performance from hometown band More Than Me. The EBL Gala is the first night of its kind dedicated to those who will keep the Western New York community thriving for years to come.

Exciting things are happening for the Emerging Business Leaders - are you in on it?  To learn more about the EBL and how to get yourself or your colleagues involved, please visit the Chamber's website by clicking here.  Keep your eyes out for more information to hit your inbox on the above events and more!