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.

Job Recruiting Happy Hour

Friday, June 29th, 5-8 PM
Club W (199 Delaware, near Chippewa)

In an effort to think outside the box and attract some new potential candidates, clever method is planning a job recruiting happy hour! Come enjoy free pizza, wings, drinks and info about clevermethod.

Do you have:
-passion for your work and your career and a demonstrated commitment to quality?
-enthusiasm, dependability, resourcefulness and attention to detail?
-excellent organization, problem solving and written/verbal communication skills?
-self-discipline with the ability and desire to work with a team and/or independently on multiple
tasks across multiple projects?

Because we’re looking for:
-WEB PROJECT MANAGEMENT
-.NET APPLICATIONS DEVELOPERs
-FLASH ACTIONSCRIPT DEVELOPER
-QA ENGINEER
-APPLICATION SUPPORT ANALYST
-WEB GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Click here for more information!

By Paul Wolf, Esq.

*Industrial Support Inc. a Buffalo company started 12 years ago with 1 employee, has grown to 90 employees and sales of $7 million. The company handles metal fabricating, metal stamping, welding, woodworking, heating and refrigeration projects.

*MVP Networking Consulting LLC an information technology firm located on Hertel Avenue in Buffalo has grown from 3 employees in 2002 to over 20 employees today with revenues of $3.2 million.

*Len-Co Lumber a local construction and home improvement supplier that currently employs 50 people on Seneca Street is expanding. The company is opening a second 60,000 square foot location near the Eastern Hills Mall. The new store expects to have 12 to 18 employees.

*Cenergy Communications an advertising and communications firm located in East Aurora has grown from 10 employees in 2005 to 35 employees today with $13 million in sales.

Okay, it’s not really even summer yet, but everyone’s schedules are already packed with activities! Last night, I joined a few friends at Bacchus for their Summer Film Series. Every Wednesday, they show a film on their back patio – weather permitting – and it starts around dark. It’s a great way to spend a Wednesday night, especially for those craving the weekend.

“The Big Lebowski” was the movie Wednesday night, and if you haven’t seen it, it’s one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. There’s something about a bowling movie, which really isn’t a bowling movie, whose main character calls himself The Dude. In any event, the patio was packed last night, standing room only as it turned out.

My friends and I had some wine and snacks and enjoyed another beautiful Buffalo night. I can’t imagine anything better than that! Get there early…tables go fast!

Here’s the lineup for the rest of the summer:
• June 20 The Godfather
• June 27 Dazed and Confused
• July 4 No Movie
• July 11 Run Lola Run
• July 18 Clerks
• July 25 The Shining
• August 1 The Fifth Element
• August 8 The Graduate
• August 15 Raising Arizona
• August 22 American Psycho
• August 29 Blue Velvet
• September 5 The Princess Bride

THE BINATIONAL TOURISM ALLIANCE & BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR WORKSHOP ONE OF THE “TOURISM PRO” SERIES:

TOURISM BASICS

An Industry Overview and Skills Review/Checklist

Part of the joint training initiative “Impacting Arts & Culture” with Niagara University.

When: Thursday, June 14
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Buffalo & Erie County Arts Council, 700 Main St., Buffalo, NY
Cost: $25.00 per person – private sector $15.00 per person – non-profit
Includes all training and resource materials and light refreshments.

This introductory workshop provides participants with:
1) The latest regional and state tourism industry research and business opportunities
2) A detailed interactive review of your key business and tourism operational practices
3) The opportunity to share business information and tips with your industry colleagues
4) A workbook and checklist of your business and training priorities for the upcoming year
5) Information about additional resources available to reach your business goals

Participants will be provided with information about Buffalo & Erie County Arts Council facilities and 2007 programs following the training session. For directions, please refer to Arts Council’s website.

Register Now – Space is Limited

Name of Attendee & Position:_______________________________________

Organization:______________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________

Phone Number:__________________Contact Email:______________________

Payment Amount & Method (please specify): o $25 For Profit o $15 Non-Profit

o Company Check: o Bring to Session
o Mail to: Binational Tourism Alliance
70 West Chippewa St., Suite 607
Buffalo, NY 14202

Credit Card (VISA/MC):______________________________Exp Date________

Signature Authorizing Transaction:_____________________________________

Please fax back to 716-849-5836 ATTN: Helga Honey

”Tourism Pro” – the new modular professional development series for tourism and cultural operators interested in enhancing their existing operational, marketing and product development skills. Made possible through funding by the Oishei Foundation and Empire State Development as part of the Advancing Arts & Culture and Premier-ranked Destination Development initiatives in WNY, and the generosity of our training site hosts.

For additional information contact Arlene White, Executive Director, Binational Tourism Alliance at 716-849-5834 or logon to www.btapartners.com.

Another job at Rich’s. This is for the Catering Manager of the Atrium & Off-Premise. Check out this listing as well as all their jobs.

And they say there are no jobs in Buffalo!