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Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Niagara host networking event
by Joshua Maloni
April's "Business Blender" promises to be a real ball.
The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Niagara will present a "Business Blender Bowl-a-Rama" on Wednesday, April 10, at the Lewiston Event Center (formerly Frontier Lanes) in Lewiston. Networking and hors d'oeuvres (cash bar) start at 5 p.m., with bowling beginning at 6 p.m.
Cost is $10 for the "Business Blender," plus two games of bowling and one beverage ticket. For a bowling group of four, the cost is $35, which includes the "Blender," a beverage ticket and two games of bowling per person. Networking-only tickets are available for $5. The event is open to anyone. Prizes will be awarded.
The "Blender" will showcase the new Lewiston Event Center, which has undergone a series of renovations since Emery Simon and Harold Hibbard purchased it.
"Jennifer Pauly (Chamber of Commerce president) had contacted me a few months ago and had mentioned about wanting to do something with the Event Center as soon as she found out that we had taken over," said Christina Crane, manager of new business development for Simon Construction Co. "She had stated that she thought this would be a great place and a different kind of event - a bowling event - because it's something that the chamber has not done. With new ownership and new excitement regarding the Event Center, she thought this would be a great place to have the springtime 'Blender.' "
Crane has attended many "Blender" mixers and said this event was a perfect fit for the format. "I love the opportunities for networking, and I love the little side things that they do," she said. "We both loved the idea, and we both really wanted to do it."
For many attendees, the "Blender" will be their first chance to see the remodeled bar, new bowling balls and shoes, fresh paint and extra lighting at the former Frontier Lanes.
"We're really excited," Crane said. "I'm really glad that (Jennifer) reached out to us and opened the doors to show people the changes we've made. Hopefully, people will come in and see the changes throughout the summer and the fall, when we want to hold a grand opening."
"Throughout the summer, we're going to be hard at work here," she noted. "Come September, I hope you walk in and you (say), 'Wow, this didn't look like this in March.' That's what I'm hoping for. I'm just really excited; I'm looking forward to people coming in here and seeing the place."
This "Blender" is the first event the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Niagara have hosted together.
"We are excited to partner with Leadership Niagara. Having our members and businesses network with each other helps to bring both business and community leaders together, and strengthens the ability to work together to advance the region," Pauly said.
Niagara Frontier Publications, Manning & Napier, Cornerstone CFCU, and the Lewiston Event Center are sponsors for the "Bowl-a-Rama" networking night. Those interested in attending should RSVP to Linda at the chamber office at 716-754-9500, ext. 10, by April 5, or register online at www.NiagaraRiverRegion.com.
The Lewiston Event Center is located at 845 Cayuga St., in the Village of Lewiston.
•••
•The Lewiston Event Center is forming new leagues for the summer and fall. Those interested in participating can contact Kim at 716-531-1216.
Additionally, keglers can participate in "Moonlight" bowling, which takes place from 9 to 11:30 p.m. each Saturday. With this type of bowling, prizes are awarded for knocking down colored pins.
•For information on chamber membership, stop by the chamber office at 895 Center St., Lewiston, or call 716-754-9500. Find the chamber online at www.NiagaraRiverRegion.com.
The Chamber of Commerce contributed to this article.