The Federal Reserve Bank announced the appointment of Kenneth M. Franasiak to a 3-year term on the President’s Advisory Council on Small Business and Agriculture for the New York Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The Council consists of Chief Executive Officers and Presidents from businesses, including those in agriculture, that meet to advise the New York Fed president and first vice president on economic and financial conditions in the Second District. (more…)
Niagara Falls, N.Y., June 14, 2012 – Rocco Surace, CPA, ABV, CVA, Jonah, Managing Partner of Gaines Kriner Elliott LLP, has joined the Board of Directors of the Niagara USA Chamber.
Mr. Surace works with numerous organizations, in various industries, directing their current accounting and tax requirements. He is notably involved in education and organizations to advance the CPA profession.
“We are pleased to welcome Rocco as a member of our board,” said President and CEO Deanna Alterio Brennen. “His expertise and experience will help us better serve our members and county.”
Mr. Surace received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business and Accounting from Niagara University. Also, he is an active member on several boards including: Niagara University Board of Advisors, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise and the Manufacturing Council of BNE and National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.
2012 Business Person of the Year Lou Knotts, President & CEO of Calspan, stands with Deanna Alterio Brennen following his award acceptance.
The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce held its annual Chamber Honors 2012 Awards Gala on Saturday evening, February 25, at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel Event Center, 310 Fourth St. Niagara Falls, NY.
The 2012 Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year were among the many achievements celebrated by the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce during its dinner. Community leaders and businesses of all sizes have gathered annually in Niagara County for this highly anticipated event. This year the Chamber recognized the outstanding accomplishments of:
Modern Corporation – Business of the Year
Louis H. Knotts (Calspan) – Business Person of the Year
WNY Regional Economic Development Council – Visionary Award
Kathleen A. Granchelli (YWCA of Niagara) – Community Advocate of the Year
Stephen F. Brady (National Grid) – Chairman’s Award
The “Chamber Honors” is the Chamber’s most prestigious affair attracting Niagara County’s most prominent leaders, decision-makers, dignitaries and elite sponsors. The event featured a cocktail reception, dinner, awards ceremony and entertainment by Soul Committee.
“Niagara County is very fortunate to be served by such dedicated and competent leaders who are a force in this community and strive to improve the quality of life and economic stability of our region,” states Niagara USA Chamber President, Deanna Alterio Brennen.
Steve Brady, 2012 Niagara USA Chamber Chairman's Award Recipient featured with Kevin Schuler, Chairman, Niagara USA Chamber
Community Advocate of the Year Kathleen Granchelli
Gary Smith accepted the Business of the Year Award on behalf of Modern Corporation
Christina Orsi, Satish Tripathi, Howard Zempsky accept the Visionary Award on behalf of the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council
Substantial financial support gained from stakeholders, particularly Seneca Casinos
At a press conference this morning, Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) joined key boosters of the Niagara Falls International Airport to announce the creation of the Niagara Falls International Airport Stakeholders Group, Inc., a 501(c) (6) not-for-profit organization that will work to promote the further development and utilization of the new, state-of-the art passenger terminal that opened in December 2009.
“We need to keep the rapid growth at the Niagara Falls airport on an upward trajectory,” Senator Maziarz said. “We have seen huge increases in passenger traffic in the past two years but we have not yet reached our full potential. This new group of stakeholders will help chart our course forward, as the airport becomes an even bigger part of our region’s economy.”
To bolster the initial work of the Stakeholders Group, the Seneca Gaming Corporation is providing passenger incentives worth up to an estimated $1 million over a five-year agreement.
“Perhaps no project more clearly illustrates the shared benefits of the investments the Seneca Nation of Indians has made over the past decade than Niagara Falls International Airport,” said Seneca Nation President Robert Odawi Porter, noting that the new terminal was partially funded by casino revenues. “The continued development of the airport as a transportation hub will benefit the local business and tourism community, in which we are an important player. This important initiative is another example of how the success and growth of the Seneca Nation and the success and growth of the local economy are inextricably tied.”
“Building strong partnerships is something that Seneca Gaming Corporation believes in very strongly,” added Karen Karsten, Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. “Like any strong partnership, the partners in this initiative believe in the common good, that by working together, everyone can succeed. In the end, that will mean great things for Western New York.”
Additional financial support will come from other stakeholders, including the County of Niagara, City of Niagara Falls, Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation, Niagara Wine Trail, Niagara Workforce Investment Board, Fashion Outlets, the Niagara Falls Hotel/Motel Association, the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, and more.
The intent of the Stakeholders Group’s will be the augment and enhance current marketing efforts by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which owns and runs the airport. Specifically the new organization will focus on goals such as retaining and adding more carriers, developing incentive packages for tourists and businesses, building relationships with emerging markets for cargo service, foster growth at air-related properties near the terminal, and support the Niagara Falls air base.
“The development of the Niagara Falls International Airport is paramount to moving this region forward,” said Assemblyman John Ceretto (R-I, Lewiston). “The formation of this Stakeholders Group is a major step in NFIA’s transformation. This news follows on the heels of NFIA’s award from the Regional Council and the regular addition of new commercial destinations and airlines. We are making progress and there is more to come.”
The official members of the Stakeholders Group who will serve on its Board of Directors include:
Officers of the Stakeholders Group’s Board of Directors include: President – Sam Ferraro, Commissioner of the Niagara County Department of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency; Vice President – Cathy Walker, President and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corporation; Secretary – Andrea Klyczek, Director of Marketing for the Niagara County IDA; and Treasurer – Mary Whelan, General Manager of Fashion Outlets-Niagara Falls USA.