HSBC Bank headlines sponsors for Chamber Gala

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, April 22, 2006

Area businesses have stepped forward to sponsor the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber Gala, set for Friday, June 2 at the Niagara Falls Country Club. Shown here in the top row, from left, are: Fred Heuer of Niagara University and Fred Caso of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center. In the bottom row behind the saxophonist statue are, from left,: Richard Sturges, CWM; Paula Mort, Printing Productions; Chris Tolfa, Gorge Travel; Skip Mazenauer, Niagara Frontier Publications, publisher of the Sentinel; Janice McCaw, Chamber board chair; Christina Hajzak, HSBC Bank; and Gloria Baker, First Niagara Bank.

The Lower Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce Gala is fast approaching, and the chamber is once again preparing to honor the businesses and the people who make our region great.

HSBC Bank is the main sponsor for the gala on Friday, June 2, at the Niagara Falls Country Club.

Chamber Board Chair Janice McCaw has hailed the gala as the “event of the season.” The theme for this year’s dinner is “And All That Jazz,” and the Country Club will be decorated in that theme for the evening.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with a tasting of Niagara County wines. At 7 p.m., nine individuals, businesses and organizations will be singled out for their success and contributions to the area. During the rest of the evening, fine food stations and entertainment will be offered throughout the clubhouse.

The business community has stepped forward in a big way to sponsor the event. In keeping with this year’s jazz theme, the 18 sponsors are listed in musical terms, with HSBC Bank as the Headline Sponsor.

The 17 other sponsors, by category, are:

•The Opening Act Sponsors: E3 Communications; Gorge Travel; Lewiston Apothecary and the Kelly House Gift Shoppe; the Modern Corporation; and National Grid.

•The Rhythm Section: CWM Chemical Services; First Niagara Bank – Lewiston Branch; Hardison Funeral Homes; Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center; Niagara Frontier Publications/Lewiston-Porter Sentinel; Niagara University; and Printing Productions.

•Back Up Vocalists: Coppins Service Station; Niagara Gazette; New York State Sen. George Maziarz; Paul Game Construction featuring Barden Homes; and Mario Violante Jr., DDS.

The 2006 honorees are:

•Lewiston Business of the Year: Gorge Travel

•Youngstown Business Person of the Year: Robert Emerson, Old Fort Niagara

•Sanborn Person of the Year: Glenn Wienke

•Ransomville Business of the Year: Peter Baker Farms

•Youngstown Citizen of the Year: Robert Reese

•Town of Lewiston Citizen of the Year: William G. Mayne

•Village of Lewiston Citizen of the Year: Marianne Gittermann

•Town of Porter Citizen of the Year: William Choboy

•Chamber of Commerce Chair Award: New York Power Authority

The public is welcome to attend. For tickets or more information, call the Lower Niagara River Region Chamber office at 754-9500.