KeyBank has announced it united the operations of its Western New York region, comprised of its Buffalo and Rochester markets, and its Eastern New York region, comprised of its Central New York, Capital Region and Hudson Valley markets, to form a new, single New York region.

Gary Quenneville, the current regional sales executive for the Western New York region, will lead the newly unified New York region. The new region has more than 3,000 employees covering 40 counties across the state, 232 branches, a technology center (Albany) and a contact center (Buffalo).

The Niagara University Family Business Center officially begins its 12th year Tuesday, Oct. 7, with a breakfast forum at Giancarlo's, 5110 Main St., Williamsville (Tony Walker Plaza). The event begins at 7:30 a.m.

The topic of discussion will be "Why Big Data is Important to Your Company's Future." The keynote speaker is Anna McNab, Ph.D., assistant professor of MIS at Niagara University.

To register for the breakfast forum, call 716-286-8160 or email [email protected]. RSVP by Oct. 2. There is limited seating for this event.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced an additional $55 million in funding for five innovative economic development projects as part of the third round of the competitive NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program. One of those projects belonged to Erie Community College, which secured $5.75 million in grant funding for its planned Bretschger Building renovation/AAS nanotechnology degree program at college's North Campus in Williamsville.

"On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of ECC, I'd like to thank Gov. Cuomo, Chancellor Zimpher and leaders of the NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program," said ECC President Jack Quinn.

The Empire State Development board of directors met in New York City and approved $4 million in funding for seven projects that are spurring economic growth and opportunity in New York. Directors said these targeted investments will leverage more than $20 million in private and other public funding to support small businesses, community and downtown revitalization, regional tourism attractions, and projects that are building a strong foundation for future economic growth and job creation.

The NFL's finance committee voted Wednesday to approve the sale of the Buffalo Bills to Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula and his wife, and Kim.

WGRZ reported the $1.4 billion sale must be approved by a majority of NFL owners. They can vote accordingly when they meet Oct. 8 in New York.

AAA Western and Central New York has announced details of a renewed partnership with more than 80 auto repair facilities participating in the AAA Approved Auto Repair program. AAA's AAR program offers members a way to identify reliable repair shops they can trust.

Starting this month, local AAR locations will offer new and improved standard discounts and benefits to AAA members, including: a 10 percent discount on repair labor; a two-year/24,000-mile guarantee on parts and labor; a free multi-point inspection; preliminary diagnosis within one hour of tow arrival; and member-preferred pricing on select maintenance services.

The Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board has recommended $1 million in funding to four Western New York enterprises: City Labs Inc., Cobey Inc., Higher One Inc. and the WNY Women's Foundation Inc. In total, the latest projects recommended for funding awards are expected to create 158 jobs, result in investments by project applicants of more than $14 million, and ensure the long-term economic success of entities in Western New York.

The recommendations are expected to be considered by the New York Power Authority board of trustees at its Oct. 15 board meeting.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the rollout of "K-Solar," a landmark program under the $1 billion "NY-Sun" initiative, to help public school districts throughout New York lower their energy costs with clean, local power. The program will provide schools with the tools, technical expertise and access to financing to make solar a realistic and affordable option for K-12 schools.

To date, a total of 40 school districts have registered to participate in the program, representing nearly 200 schools in communities across the state.

During the first half of 2014, the energy-efficiency projects completed by the New York Power Authority at public facilities in various parts of New York will result in a savings to taxpayers of $4 million annually.

Improving energy-efficiency and reducing demand on the electric power grid are critical elements to achieving goals championed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to create a more resilient and flexible power grid, lower the state's carbon footprint and promote a cleaner and healthier environment for all New Yorkers.

The NYPA-completed energy-efficiency projects, from January through June of this year, were undertaken at 100 state and municipal facilities.

The Empire State Development board of directors met Wednesday in New York City and approved $20.4 million in funding for 30 projects that are spurring economic growth and opportunity in all 10 regions of New York. The projects will directly create 30 new jobs and enable the creation of hundreds more while also retaining more than 2,200 existing jobs.

These targeted investments will leverage more than $41.3 million in private and other public funding to support business expansions and regional tourism efforts, and projects designed to build a strong foundation for future economic growth and job creation.

Kids needing a haircut before going back to school have a new old-school option.

The Real Barbers II has opened in the Grand Island Plaza, next door to M&T Bank and across from Adrian's Custard and Beef.

Empire State Development highlighted the economic benefits resulting from the post-production animation of "Dora and Friends: Into the City" in New York. The new children's television series spent approximately $1 million in the state on post-production costs, hired 80 New Yorkers, and generated more than $5 million in non-post-production spending for local New York vendors.

The series is the Empire State's first fully animated television show since Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo extended and enhanced the film and television tax credit in 2013 to facilitate post-production work for animation.

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council has approved its 2014 progress report and endorsed the council's list of priority projects for round four of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Council process. The progress report, including the list of priority projects for the five-county region composed of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara, was submitted to New York ahead of the Aug. 15 deadline.

"I am very pleased to note that, throughout the year, Western New York and our council have continued to build upon the significant progress in implementing core and sector strategies," said Satish Tripathi, WNYREDC co-chair and University at Buffalo president. "It is clearly evident that Western New York truly is moving the needle on all of our economic growth indicators. Going forward with round four of the Regional Council initiative, we anticipate that the state will recognize and celebrate the transformative work that is occurring across our region."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo traveled to Niagara Falls Friday to announce Uniland Development Co., a Western New York-based development company, has been selected as the preferred developer to rebuild and transform the former Rainbow Centre Shopping Mall in Niagara Falls.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the New York Power Authority board of trustees approved new allocations of low-cost hydropower to three firms in Western New York. The governor also announced Western New York Power Proceeds Awards for two other firms in the region. Together, the hydropower allocations and funding awards support the creation of more than 80 jobs and more than $50 million in capital investments.

"Access to clean, low-cost hydropower continues to be an important asset for Western New York, and today we are tapping into that potential to grow the regional economy and create jobs for New Yorkers," Cuomo said.

Empire State Development today announced Praxair Inc. will invest $38.7 million to further expand and modernize its Praxair Technology Center located in the town of Tonawanda. The expansion will result in 1,111 direct full-time jobs remaining in the town, as well as the creation of more than 22 new jobs.

Praxair, a Fortune 250 company, is one of the largest employers in Tonawanda, where the company's facility is responsible for global plant engineering, research and development, North American operations communications, global plant monitoring, customer demand monitoring, and fleet dispatch and back office support functions.

AT&T announced the company is seeking applicants for more than 150 jobs in New York. The new hirings will be primarily focused on technical and retail positions and are a result of AT&T's continued investment in the network and delivering a first-class sales experience.

"AT&T continues to expand its customer base in New York and invest in our network to ensure we are providing the high level of service customers have come to expect," said Marissa Shorenstein, New York president, AT&T. "As part our commitment to this level of customer service and to support our growth in the Empire State, we are pleased to have the opportunity to welcome more than 150 residents to the AT&T family."

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York, northern Pennsylvania and western Vermont, announced the company has entered into an agreement with Budwey's Market and, upon closing, will assume operation of the grocery store located at 2555 N. Main St., Newfane.

There are approximately 74 total employees at the Newfane location; each of whom has the option of applying for continued employment with Tops Markets.

"Budwey's has been an important part of the Newfane community for many years, and we plan to continue the tradition of providing shoppers with an outstanding shopping experience," said Frank Curci, Tops Markets president and CEO.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo officials announced Monday the 2014 appeal exceeded its $10.8 million goal, with cash and pledges received to date totaling $11,001,057.29.

Richard J. Malone, Bishop of Buffalo, thanked all donors and supporters for helping Catholic Charities to accomplish such an ambitious goal in order to continue serving those in need throughout the eight-county Diocese of Buffalo.

"As a result of the incredible generosity of the Western New York community, I have the great joy of announcing we have met, and surpassed, our goal again this year," Malone said.

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced the launch of the New York state mortgage assistance program, or NYS MAP, which will provide small loans to families struggling to avoid foreclosure. The loans will assist families in securing mortgage modifications and result in more families staying in their homes.

The program is an enhancement to the attorney general's homeowner protection program, which provides struggling borrowers with free legal and housing counseling services, and has served more than 28,000 homeowners across the state since the launch of the program in October of 2012.

Borrowers can apply beginning Oct. 15.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Thursday the completion of an expansion project by Diversified Manufacturing, a manufacturing and engineering services firm in Lockport, which will facilitate the retention of 130 jobs. The nearly $5 million project was supported by $450,000 in funding from the New York Power Authority.

Marnie LaVigne, who has guided University at Buffalo economic development efforts since 2005, including helping UB and its partners establish Buffalo's life sciences sector, has been named CEO of Launch NY.

LaVigne, Ph.D., associate vice president for economic development at UB, will end her tenure at UB and assume leadership of Launch NY in July. One of the founders of Launch NY and a member of its board, LaVigne will focus her efforts in the CEO role on repositioning the young nonprofit organization to coordinate with evolving economic development efforts that target entrepreneurship as a key to the region's economic future and job market.

The Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board today recommended $625,000 in funding to two Western New York enterprises: Praxair Inc. and the Niagara Falls International Airport Stakeholders Group Inc. In total, the latest projects recommended for funding awards are expected to create 22 jobs, result in investments by project applicants of nearly $39 million, and ensure the long-term economic success of entities in Niagara County.

Lewiston's Enchanted Florist recently was recognized by Teleflora as one of the Top 2,000 florists in the country. Enchanted Florist was recognized for its service and product quality.

Niagara University's B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification - Gold Rating from the United States Green Building Council.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors approved applications for assistance from Praxair Inc., Niagara Lodging Inc. and Niagara Falls Hospitality Inc. (Microtel) at its board meeting.

"The manufacturing base in the City of Niagara Falls is critically important to the local and regional economy, and retaining good paying manufacturing jobs is a high priority of our agency," said Henry M. Sloma, chairman of the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency. "In this instance, Praxair is making a significant capital investment that not only retains jobs, but creates new jobs. But just as importantly, this investment shows that the company is making a long term commitment to maintain its operations in Niagara Falls."

A coalition of 16 mayors from across the state has endorsed Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman's Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act and called on legislative leaders - Senate co-Leaders Sens. Dean Skelos and Jeff Klein, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver - to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. The legislation would provide support to communities that have been plagued by vacant and abandoned properties.

Members of the Lewiston branch of RealtyUSA presented a $395 check Tuesday to Chris Kreiger, president and co-founder of WNY Heroes Inc.

The Williamsville-based organization provides direct financial assistance to returning soldiers. This includes support for rent, food and schooling.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced a record number of applicants for the "43North" global business idea competition, which concluded its application round May 31. A total of 6,932 applications were received for the competition during the four-month entry period, with 2,603 qualified submissions advancing to the first round of judging.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday the New York Power Authority board of trustees approved new allocations of low-cost hydropower for four firms in Western New York that will support 335 jobs and more than $28 million in capital investments in the region.

"By providing upstate manufacturers with the means to grow their operations, we are strengthening the economy and providing new opportunities for New Yorkers in the region," Cuomo said. "These latest low-cost hydropower allocations are giving companies in Western New York the support they need to lower their overhead costs, expand their workforce, and refocus on growing their business well into the future."

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced a partnership with industry leaders from five electric and gas utilities to develop a plan that places veterans returning back home in jobs in the utility industry. The plan supports objectives that emerged from the New York State Veterans and Military Families Summit held in March, which focused on the state's efforts to support veterans and the military community.

"New York's veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and by expanding professional opportunities for them at home we can help to ease their transition back to civilian life and empower them for years to come," Cuomo said.

The New York Power Authority trustees elected Robert F. Lurie to serve as NYPA's executive vice president and chief financial officer. He will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the statewide public power utility, which owns and operates 16 power plants and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.

Lurie's duties will include forecasting and budgeting, financial planning and controls, managing investment programs and debt, and leading the enterprise risk and physical asset insurance-risk management activities. In addition, he will also oversee NYPA's strategic planning, treasury and controller functions.

Members, officials and staff of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union gathered recently for their annual meeting. The event was held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building in Lockport.

Board First Vice Chairman Angelo DiMillo presided over the meeting, during which Cornerstone President and CEO Ann M. Hood, Treasurer Edward P. Sandell and Supervisory Committee Chairperson Wm. Keith McNall presented reports.

DiMillo began by discussing the key role Cornerstone CFCU plays in the community by providing financial resources as well supporting dozens of other organizations and fundraisers throughout Niagara County.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors has approved applications for assistance from Reid Petroleum Corp., Irr Supply Centers Inc. and 765 Fairfield Place LLC.

"It's always a positive sign when a company makes an investment in existing infrastructure as it usually means the company is here for the long-term," said Henry M. Sloma, NCIDA chairman. "In this instance, all three of the applicants are making significant financial investments, which will result in a positive economic impact throughout Niagara County - especially in terms of job retention and new job creation."

Empire State Development's board of directors has approved more than $4.4 million to support six economic development projects in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, North Country and New York City regions. The funding will leverage more than $5.6 million in private and additional public investments to support businesses, improve important infrastructure and lay the groundwork for future economic growth and job creation.

New York state's clean water state revolving loan fund, the nation's premier loan program for local wastewater systems, is marking its 25th year of operation with a low-cost financing program available to virtually any local government in the state.

Sunnking Inc., an electronics recycling and data destruction company with facilities in Brockport and Buffalo, has successfully completed the updated R2/RIOS:2013 certification process. It is among one of the first electronics recyclers in New York to upgrade to the new standards.

R2/RIOS is a combination of the responsible recycling (R2) practices and the recycling industry operating standard, or RIOS. The R2/RIOS:2013 Standard establishes responsible recycling practices for the recycling of electronics globally. By certifying to this standard, electronics recyclers help customers make more informed decisions and have increased confidence that used and end-of-life electronics are managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council will hold two consolidated funding application workshops for potential applicants to learn more about the fourth round of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's initiative to stimulate job creation and economic growth through the Regional Economic Development Councils. The workshops will be held May 13 in Amherst and May 29 in Fredonia.

In 2014, up to $750 million in economic development resources from 33 state agency funding programs will be available to applicants through the CFA.

Register by visiting http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/western-new-york or by calling 716-846-8206.

The Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board announced it recommended $1,720,000 in funding to three Western New York enterprises: We Care Transportation Services, Nexus Natural Gas LLC and Innomotive Solutions Group LLC.

In total, the latest projects recommended for funding awards are expected to create 128 jobs and result in investments by project applicants of $23.25 million.

Two of the projects recommended are related to energy. The WNYPPAB Act stipulates 15 percent of funds need to be dedicated to energy projects. The recommendations are expected to be considered by the New York Power Authority board of trustees at its May 20 board meeting.

Catholic Health, Ascension Health and Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center have agreed in principle to formalize a comprehensive agreement to have Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center in Niagara County become a full member of the Catholic Health System.