Positive Buffalo Area News
July 18, 2007
Did You Know?
By Paul Wolf, Esq.

*Empire Genomics, a biotech company unveiled plans to create 60 jobs in Buffalo’s medical corridor. Empire has developed a proprietary technique for analyzing DNA to help identify forms of cancer and birth defects.

*According to the National Association of Purchasing Management, manufacturers in the Buffalo Niagara region experienced the 48th consecutive month of growth in orders, continuing the longest streak in more than nine years.

*A Buffalo company is taking part in a nationwide test of biodiesel fuel to determine the viability of fuel made from regular diesel plus vegetable oils or animal fats. A local 1-800-GOT-JUNK franchise is one of 10 companies around the nation selected for the test. One of the local company trucks will use biodiesel and be examined by a mechanic every two months to determine the effects of the fuel.

*Riverview Commerce Park a 180 acre office park located in the Town of Tonawanda along the Niagara River has obtained its first two tenants. Sherex Industries, employs 27 people and expects to grow to 45 employees over the next two years. The company supplies customers with expander plugs and rivet nuts used in hydraulic and sheet metal applications. MetalMart International has 3 employees and expects to grow to at least 10 over the next 5 years. The company supplies hard-to-find specialty metals to manufacturers.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I like the Empire Grill. I have a few friends who haven’t had the best experiences there, but I continue to patronize the place because the food and service are almost always very good. One of the great things about this restaurant is that it’s wireless…or it’s supposed to be.

This morning, I had a breakfast meeting there and I needed wireless for the meeting. I got there before my friend and was disappointed to discover that yes they have wireless, but nobody on staff knew what the security code was. I was irritated in fact. The person I talked to said that nobody there knew and that most requests for wireless didn’t come until the afternoon. So, I walked out and called my friend. We went down to Spot Elmwood, where wireless is also unavailable (but available at Spot Delaware). We decided to make due without wireless and wrapped up our meeting.

The point being that I like Empire Grill, but it was not customer friendly to my needs this morning, which was disappointing for me…

During the summer, there are always a million things to do. Festivals, concerts, you name it, and we have it. One of my favorite events to attend during the summer is always the Italian Festival. It’s always the weekend around the 13th or 14th of July and a great celebration of Italian heritage in Buffalo.

Last night, I went down with friends to see what the offerings were. I have two food items I ALWAYS get every year. I always get Louie’s pizza because there is no Louie’s pizza locally. Louie’s travels from festival to festival, so I can only get their pizza once a year. My other favorite food to get at the festival is the Hot Pepper Roll from Molinaro’s. Molinaro’s is a family-owned business out of Lockport and I like to support it because a) the food is great and b) I grew up with the Molinaro family. I’d heard a rumor that they would not be attending the festival this year, but I was delighted to find them, closer to the main area than usual. I bought one of the hot pepper rolls - a hot banana pepper stuffed with ricotta cheese and sausage and then deep-fried in breading - and it did not disappoint. It was hotter than I remember, but still delicious! The music is always festive for the weekend and I was glad to run into some old friends while walking around.

New this year was the Tiki Bar at Romeo & Juliet’s. Normally, R&J’s is closed during the festival. They decided to try something different this year and stay open as well as sell drinks. A great idea! It was packed when we stopped in for some sangria (yum!) and to check things out. They said they decided to see how things went and what the feedback would be and maybe make things bigger and better next year. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves!

So, head on down because you’ll never have the choices of great Italian food, desserts and entertainments than you do at the Italian Festival!

In the midst of our celebrations, we often forget the important of July 4th and what it truly means. A day to celebrate with those we love. A day to gather and picnic and relax. But more importantly, it’s a day of reflection. It’s a day to remember the freedoms we have and be grateful to those who have sacrificed so that we can enjoy those freedoms.

Last night, I went with friends to the Bison’s game, where there was a beautiful tribute to the military…it’s something they do every year…and every year I find myself getting emotional. They recognize members of the service, retired and active. They also recognize the family members of service members and I happen to be one of them.

My brother re-enlisted in the Army last November. He’d served 5 1/2 years previously and was just compelled to re-join. He told me in a conversation we had late last year that he wants to fight as long as he still has military brothers and sisters overseas. And while it’s something I cannot understand, I admire and respect and love him for it. I couldn’t be prouder of him than I am right now.

Thanks Jonathan…and Anthony…and Joel…and all the other men and women…

So, take a moment and reflect on those that have given the ultimate sacrifice…

July 1, 2007
By Paul Wolf, Esq.

More good news…

-According to a recent study done by Americans for the Arts, the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry in Erie and Niagara Counties totals $155.29 million. The $155 million consists of spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and event related spending by their audiences. The arts and culture industry supports 4, 740 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $95.9 million in household income to local residents and delivers $24 million in local and state government revenue from taxes (income, property, sales) and fees. The study can be viewed at www.erie.gov/regionalcoalition.

-In the first half of this year, Kaleida Health has hired 252 nurses. 177 of Kaleida’s new hires are recent graduates from local schools. The Catholic Health System has hired 149 nurses. Bonuses from $5,000 to $10,000 are being offered to new hires willing to make a four-year commitment to hard-to-fill positions.

-Moog, an East Aurora based Space and Defense contractor, is undergoing a $6 million expansion of their facility that is expected to create 70 engineering positions. Moog employs 2,300 workers in East Aurora.

-Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems located on Wehrle Drive in Amherst is adding 40 jobs over the next year. The company, which provides weapons systems modernization programs to the Pentagon and other national security agencies employs 450 people.