Niagara business leaders honored

Ceretto, Sklarski, Richards celebrate town's enterprises

Several county leaders celebrated the success of town of Niagara businesses at the Town of Niagara Business & Professional association's annual dinner and awards ceremony Jan. 26 at the LaSalle Yacht Club.

More than 130 people from across the business community attended. A split club raffle held that evening benefited the work of Community Missions of Niagara Frontier.

 "Close to 100 businesses and professionals belong to the TNBPA now," Gene Colucci, president of the TNBPA, said at the event. "A heartfelt thank you to all of our members: You share our vision, work ethic and our community commitment. The award winners tonight exemplify the best of our community, setting the bar very high for us all to achieve their level of excellence, customer service and commitment to others."

On-hand at the dinner to help Colucci honor local businesses for their contributions to the Niagara community were Assemblyman John D. Ceretto, Niagara County Legislator Danny W. Sklarski, Supervisor Steven Richards, and a representative of Sen. George D. Maziarz.

Honored at the event were:

Businessperson of the Year: Roxane Albond-Buchner, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara

Business of the Year: Tim Hortons/Bob Burns

Citizen of the Year: Marie-Therese Frieri, volunteer with Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara

Employer of the Year: Steve's Heating & Cooling

Employee of the Year: Richard Champoux, Villani's Lawn & Landscape

Also honored were retiring board members Gary Strenkoski, Alessandro Renzi, John Cooper Sr. and Joe Philippone.

Officers installed for 2011-12 are: Gene Colucci, Gene's Wholesale, president; Angelo (Butch) Lore, Peter Mascaro Construction Inc. & Majestic Granite and Marble, vice president; Patrick Brown CPA, Brown & Company, CPA's, treasurer; and Kim Hayes, Hayes Door, secretary.

Directors installed for 2011-12 are: Carl Albion, Firth Jewelers; David Miller, M&M Electric Construction; Debbie Sawma, KeyBank; Deborah Mann, First Niagara Bank; Judith Gatto, HSBC; Lisa Scalzo, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara; Peter Mascaro, CMC Concrete LLC; and Ron Villani, Villani's Lawn & Landscape. Ex-officio representative is Margie Blakely.

The Town of Niagara Business & Professional Association creates opportunities for businesses to network with other business owners and professionals and become involved in the community. The organization's mission is to develop, promote, and improve the business climate in the Town of Niagara. Since 1996, TNBPA has strived to develop a partnership between local government and community organizations.

More information is available at www.tnbpa.com.