Chamber of Commerce News Web Page 2020
Grand Island, NY, Chamber of Commerce Website
President Eric Fiebelkorn
First Vice President Jim Sharpe
Secretary - Dr. Sherry Bradford
Second Vice President Fahim Mojawalla
Treasurer Matthew Grimaldi
Previous News
Chamber Office: 1870 Whitehaven, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: (716)773-3651 Fax: (716)773-3316
This Chamber is organized for the purpose of advancing the economic, industrial, professional, cultural and civic welfare of Grand Island; to encourage the growth of existing industries and business, while giving all proper asssistance to any new firms or individuals seeking to locate in Grand Island; to support all these activities believed to be beneficial to the community and area, and in general to promote the welfare of all area citizens following always those policies intended to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Brochures, Maps, Videos and Post Cards (viewed on opening page of website) available through the Chamber
Office. Feel free to email us and we will forward your request to the Chamber Office or call (716)773-3651.
Thank you for your interest in Grand Island.
Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting - October 2020
The Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Island's newest, coolest entertainment venue, the Grand Throw House ! Thank you to all who attended and helped us celebrate with their staff, friends & fantastic owners, Stephanie and Ashley! You have to stop over and see this big, beautiful gem of a facility soon. Complete with a bar, food, tons of playing space and plenty of spectator seating, this is sure to be an Island (& WNY) favorite for years to come. Leagues are starting soon with all experience levels from beginner to expert welcomed. They are located 361 Lang Blvd, off of Bedell Road and their phone number is 716-404-9987. Check out their website at www.grandthrow.com for more info!
Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Winners - August 2020
From left: Gabriella Bergstrom, Eve DeCarlo & Kaylee Butcher.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce presented scholarship money to past Ambassadors Gabriella Bergstrom, Eve DeCarlo and Kaylee Butcher on Friday, July 31st. Unable to make the photo was Jason Sorri, the Chamber scholorship winner for 2020. That scholarship was donated by Chamber member Brad Bowman of Century 21.Chamber Impact Team Helps Cleans Up GI - June 2020
The Grand Island Chamber’s President’s Impact Team proudly participated in The Town of Grand Island’s Clean Up Grand Island 2020 day. The team cleaned up the NYS park and ride lot on Bush Road between the South Pkwy and River Road. Unfortunately some people have been dumping everything from tires, construction debris, ash trays full of cigarette butts, general garbage and some items we won’t even mention here for quite some time. Remember, if you see illegal dumping or littering occurring, call 911 and report it. Let’s all work together to keep our community clean and safe. Special thanks to Chamber member Pinto Sanitation for generously taking all of the garbage removed and paying for its disposal!
New Chamber of Commerce Initiative - April 2020
"I Buy GI" is here! Check it out at https://www.ibuygi.com It's your best one-stop place on the web to find updated info about our Grand Island Chamber member restaurants! Hours, menus, pickup and delivery options, specials and other important items. Click the link, bookmark it and add your email to be added to our deals and events email. Stay tuned for gift card giveaways in the near future. The more dollars you spend at these establishments, the more entries you will get into the raffles.Chamber of Commerce Announces Citizen of the Year Recipients - March 2020
(GRAND ISLAND, NY, March 16, 2020) The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2020 Citizen of the Year Award Recipients are as follows:Athletic Achievement: Boys Varsity Volleyball Team
Business: Pinto Sanitation
Business Person: ToniMarie Amantia
Community Service: Boy Scout Troop #630, Scoutmaster Scott Swagler
Environmental Steward: Dianne Tiede
Organization: Grand Island Historical Society
Lifetime Service: Judy Schmidt
They will be recognized at a dinner to take place on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at the Doubletree Niagara Falls. To purchase a ticket call the Grand Island Chamber office at 716.773.3651. Tickets are $65 each. Meal choices are: Steak Au Poivre, Stuffed Chicken Breast (bacon, smoked cheddar & broccolini) or Quinoa & Cranberry Stuffed Squash (vegan, gluten free & dairy free), Kids 12 and under are $30. (no meal choice)
We would like to thank are sponsors: Doubletree Niagara Falls, Niagara Frontier Publication, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Toshiba Business Solutions, Pinto Sanitation, LDC Construction, Brad Bowman with Century 21, Mr. Best Wrench, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Grand Island Optical, and Island Ship Center. If you would like to sponsor this event call Kim at 716.773.3651.
Chamber of Commerce 54th Annual Citizen of the Year Awards - February 2020
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce is asking for your nominations for the 54th Annual Citizen of the Year Awards. The program promotes and honors an individual, business or organization that had dedicated significant time and energy with the intention of making Grand Island a better place to live, work and play. The event will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Niagara Falls, NY on Thursday, April 30th. Nomination deadline is March 6th, nomination form. The master of ceremonies is Dave Greber of Channel 4 News team.Chamber of Commerce Hosts State of Town & Schools - January 2020
From left: School Superintendent Dr. Brian Graham, Chamber of Commerce President Eric Fiebelkorn and Town Supervisor John Whitney.
The 2nd Annual State of the Town & Schools event was held on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at the Buffalo Launch Club. Speaking at the event was Town Supervisor John Whitney, School Suprerintendent Dr. Brian Graham and Chamber of Commerce President Eric Fiebelkorn.A couple dozen attendees listened as Chamber President Erik Fiebelkorn started out the program listing changes at the Chamber including a new logo and a new website that will feature a community calendar. The calendar will be for community events and organizations can add their own to it, and after vetting by administrators, they will be posted. He also spoke of sponsorship opportunites, through all their events, that provide the funds for operating costs. There are many scholarship opportunities to students, along with GISBA, an alliance between schools and business on GI.
Schools Superintendent Brian Graham spoke next of striving for a "Championship School District," where "continuous improvement is absolutely essential" in all facets of school life. A Unified Basketball team that began last year has taken off and they have just added a bowling team. The Unified design is matching up a developmentally & physically disabled student with their peers for help at games and practice. Dr. Graham spoke with pride on "packing the gym" with students, families and community members, cheering on these special athletes.
Capital project bids are being accepted, you can get an overview of the project here. Upgraded sports fields and security at the Middle and High Schools were just some of the projects mentioned.
Students are being encouraged to take the benchmark assessment tests. NYS no longer ties teacher performance with student performance. A "Growing Readers" initiative gives books to children in the Island Pediatrics family, five books, starting at the two-month-old check-up, to encourage reading to children at an early age.
Newly elected Town of Grand Island Supervisor John Whitney gave an over-view of each Town department and what they do. Mentioned were: over 9000 parcels of land, and over 1500 fire hydrants on GI. An upcoming public hearing regarding aggressive panhandling will take place on Monday, February 3rd at Town Hall. There is no news on the Amazon project, there is an offer on the property that has not yet been accepted.
Much more information was related by all the speakers. It really is an interesting forum, hopefully next year more residents will participate.
Island Family Eye Care Ribbon Cutting - January 2020
Front of building.
At center: Dr. Adrienne Manzo Cassata and family.
Click photo for larger view of staff, Chamber members and Town Government officials.
Selection of frames.
The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce welcomed Island Family Eye Care, 1780 Grand Island Blvd, at a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, January 29th. The owner of the practice is Dr. Adrienne Manzo Cassata, a GI Class of '95 graduate. Dr. Cassata received her Optometry degree from Nova Southeastern University and spent the last ten years working for a busy Ophthalmology practice in Western New York.Dr. Cassata offers eye glasses & contact lenses, eye disease management, LASIK & refractive surgery, children's eye care and eye condition treatment. They are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Website.
Wavelengths Hair Design Ribbon Cutting - January 2020
Front of building.
From left: former owner Ingrid Kinney, new owners Erica Forbes, Jennifer Carr & Danielle Neuhaus.
Click photo for larger view of staff, Chamber members and Town Government officials.
From left Erica Forbes, Ingrid Kinney & Danielle Neuhaus with family barbershop heirloom.
