Chamber Awards Gala: Wendt's named Business of the Year in Sanborn

Submitted by the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will recognize 10 area individuals and businesses at its annual Chamber Awards Gala, Friday, May 17, at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston.

In addition to the tributes, the annual event will feature an evening of live music, a silent auction, table wines donated by local wineries and businesses, and hors d'oeuvres followed by a sit-down dinner.

2013 Sanborn Business of the Year Wendt's Propane & Oil

The Sanborn Business & Professional Association has chosen Wendt's Propane & Oil as the 2013 Sanborn Business of the Year. Wendt's Propane & Oil takes immense pride in serving its community, providing outstanding customer service and creating a unique relationship with all of its customers.

The family owned and operated business started as Ken Wendt's in the late 1960s by Ken and Diane Wendt at the family farm with the barn serving as the main office. They moved the business to the present location at 5910 Ward Road in 1977.

Ken and Diane were committed to making the business successful and working with the community to provide a competitive price and excellent service, which served as the foundation of Ken Wendt's Propane. Over the years, they acquired other local companies to build the business.

Paul Wendt, Ken and Diane's son, took ownership of the company in 1998 and has grown the company into one of the largest storage facilities in New York state. Heating and cooling services, maintenance and management, and heating oil products have all been added over several years of growth, and in 2002, still incorporated as Ken Wendt's Propane & Gas, the company filed a DBA as Wendt's Propane & Oil.

Wendt's Propane & Oil is a major distributor of propane and oil to all of Western New York. They service residential, commercial, and agricultural customers and specialize in providing temporary heat on construction sites. Wendt's Propane & Oil takes immense pride in serving its community, providing outstanding customer service and creating a unique relationship with all of its customers.

The family-owned business remains family oriented. A company based on values and value, they employ a staff of 11 and have a fleet of service, delivery and cylinder trucks to provide for their customers: residential, commercial and agricultural.

Community involvement has been a big part of the company. Wendt's has been involved in many community organizations and has helped support major events in the area. The "Flames through Lewiston" was a signature 1812 Bicentennial re-enactment event, which was made possible by Wendt's providing the propane and staff to light the fires down Center Street.

Other organizations that they are big supporters of include the Sanborn Area Historical Society, Mighty Niagara Half Marathon, Lewiston ice rink, Balloons over Niagara, Niagara County Builders Association and many Little League baseball and softball teams over the years. Paul is active in the Cambria Volunteer Fire Co., and assists promoting fire safety locally, as well as county and state wide.

"The business association chose Wendt's Propane & Oil as the Business of the Year because of their excellent reputation in the community for all that they do," said Bonnie Haskell, president of the SBPA. "They have been in business for many years. Their business model is one of success that many businesses strive to attain."

The Sanborn Business & Professional Association and the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulate Wendt's Propane & Oil as the 2013 Sanborn Business of the Year.