The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce held its annual Chamber Honors Awards Gala on Saturday at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel Event Center. The 2012 Business of the Year and Business Person of the Year were among the many achievements celebrated during dinner.

As of close of business on Friday, Feb 24, Gross Plumbing and Heating and David Gross Contracting will be under new ownership and management. The companies will be operating collectively as Gross PHC, LLC, with Bridget Williams presiding.

Williams said Gross PHC looks forward to its future with the Niagara and Western New York communities.

Infertility, diabetes, back pain, shingles, eating disorders, disc problems, depression, arthritis. These are a few of many health problems that can consume a person's daily life. And while these ailments are daunting, there may be a solution to resolve some of the associated aches and pains: acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Rehab Center is a comprehensive, alternative treatment center in Amherst. Owner Dr. Lisa Zhou, a licensed acupuncturist in New York and Georgia, is National Certification Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine certified. She says acupuncture is not painful, but rather effective and contributes to good health.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will honor nine businesses and individuals at the annual Chamber Awards Gala on Friday, June 8, at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston.

Join Leadership Niagara for its 2012 Leader of the Year luncheon. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, at the Four Points by Sheraton, 7001 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls.

Register now at $40 per seat, $50 for a patron seat, which gives you recognition at the event, or reserve a table of 10 for $500. To register, contact Tracy Fletcher at 716-998-0351.

With thousands of women unable to secure employment because they lack the resources to take the initial, yet vital, step of looking presentable for a job interview, dressbarn is teaming up with the non-profit organization, Dress for Success, to gather more than 60,000 articles of clothing, as part of its S.O.S. - Send One Suit - Weekend donation drive, March 1-4.

This year's clothing drive marks the 10th consecutive year dressbarn and Dress for Success have partnered to help women in need receive professional business attire.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce presented a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest member, Verizon Wireless.

Cut & Clips hair salon takes pride in its cozy atmosphere, which offers clients a variety of services.

RealtyUSA is offering a free homebuyer seminar at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, and again on Thursday, Feb. 9. The event takes place at 3195 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst.

Refreshments will be served, and gifts awarded. For more information, or to register, call 716-743-7198.

Jenny Tran has chosen the Island for her new enterprise.

The Niagara County Builders Association welcomed six legislators to its January meeting to discuss the need for state legislative action to make it easier for contractors and developers to do business in New York. In attendance were state senators George Maziarz (62nd District) and Mark Grisanti (60th District), and Assembly members Robin Schimminger (District 140), John Ceretto (District 138), Ray Walter (District 148) and Jane Corwin (District 142). All participated with NCBA members in a lively session at the Hideaway Grill in North Tonawanda.

The Niagara University Family Business Center celebrated its ninth anniversary with a celebration and awards banquet at Rich's Renaissance.

Assemblyman John Ceretto delivered his and State Sen. George Maziarz's "Empower Niagara" petitions to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office on Tuesday.

Longtime credit union volunteer Nino Montani recently retired from his position on the board of directors of Niagara's Choice Federal Credit Union.

A new prescription drug law is being praised by New York's pharmacists.

Yancey's Fancy launched its new website, www.yanceysfancy.com, with 360 Professional Services Group.

Known as "New York's Artisan Cheese," Yancey's Fancy has launched more than 50 varieties of specialty cheeses that reintroduce the flavors that made New York famous for handcrafted cheddar cheeses many years ago.

In need of a website that reflected dedication to their craft, the graphic design team at 360 PSG provided Yancey's Fancy with a full custom design that spotlights the company's complete selection of artisan cheeses. Additionally, visitors to the site can now easily search for recipes, view upcoming events, and contact customer service.

The past few years have been a defining moment in our nation's history. With the radical recession of the economy in the late 2000s, and the aftermath, there is no doubt that Americans everywhere have had to gird their loins and follow through with a number of real gut-checks. It has been a time of stress and hardship. We have seen a spike in unemployment, a weaker dollar, and the death of small business all over the nation.

Still, I knew that there had to have been some success somewhere in the country, and I didn't think that it would be too hard to find either. As it turns out, I was right.

Allegiant announced on Dec. 8 new, nonstop jet service between Niagara Falls and Orlando, Fla., via Orlando Sanford International Airport, will begin Feb. 15, 2012.

"We're pleased to expand our brand of affordable and convenient travel options in Niagara Falls," Andrew C. Levy, president of the Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company president, said. "We are confident that the residents of Niagara Falls and southern Ontario will appreciate flying nonstop to Orlando and take advantage of the great deals we offer on hotels, car rentals and theme park tickets."

In September, Allegiant announced flights between Niagara Falls and Tampa Bay, Fla., via the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, to begin this month.

From the Niagara USA Chamber:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Regional Economic Development Council have announced the economic development awards. The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that the Western New York Regional Economic Council was awarded $100.3 million for economic development projects, and was also named one of the "Best Plan" awardees.

Many Niagara County projects received funding, including $2 million for Niagara County Community College's Culinary Institute, $970,000 to complete the Niagara Falls Airport's master plan, and $400,000 for Lockport's Home Ownership Program.

Calspan, a Niagara USA Chamber member, received $1.294 million.

Representatives from the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors joined 18,000 other Realtors and guests from across the country at the REALTORS Conference & Expo held in Anaheim, Calif., Nov. 11-14.

The year's meetings encouraged Realtors to "seize the day" for the real estate industry to defend and support the rights of homeowners and real estate investors across the nation. Attendees participated in forums and shared their insights into the challenges and opportunities of local markets across the country, examined how changing political and economic landscapes are likely to affect the real estate industry, and networked with colleagues from across the U.S. and around the world.

There are many well-documented benefits to our communities and to each of us to choosing local, independently owned businesses.

The 20th Century Club of Buffalo recently held the AIA Buffalo/ Western New York Design Awards Gala, celebrating the excellence of builders and architects around the region. Cannon Design received three awards.

Empire State Development today announced the final schedule of presentations for the strategic plans submitted by the 10 Regional Economic Development Councils. Each region will have an opportunity to make an in-person presentation.

The Niagara Falls International Airport has almost doubled the number of parking spaces in lot 3, according to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

In an effort to accommodate the ever-increasing number of passengers utilizing the NFIA, an additional 500 parking spaces have been added to the 600 that were created this past January, when the overflow lot was first opened.

Lot 3, located just south and across the street from the terminal on Niagara Falls Boulevard, is fenced, paved and lighted. Additionally, shelters are in place to provide protection from the elements and the NFTA police patrols the lot.

Rebecca Christie, the new owner of Savory Sips/Village Wine Tours recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce and Village of Lewiston officials.

The Niagara University Family Business Center recently hosted a breakfast forum titled "Keys to Success in Three Generations: A Basil Family Panel Discussion." Panelists included, from left, Joe, Mike, John, Jim, Robert and Chuck Basil.

Sunnking Inc., which has been in the business of collecting, dismantling and recycling old, broken, and unwanted electronics and equipment since early 2000, has experienced a tremendous amount of growth in the past few years. As a result the company has decided to make some exciting leadership changes to continue growth and ensure future success.

Former CFO Michelle Read, who joined Sunnking in April of 2001, has been promoted to president and will oversee all operational, financial, logistical and sales/marketing functions of Sunnking, in conjunction with -- and direction from -- owner Duane Beckett, Sunnking's current chairman/CEO.

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council on Wednesday finalized and adopted the council's five-year strategic plan and priority projects for the region, which is composed of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Focused on preparing the region's workforce for its key industry sectors, investing in smart growth infrastructure to pave the way for private investment, attracting and retaining more visitors and leveraging Western New York's research capacity to drive innovation and commercialization, the plan will be submitted in response to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's challenge to stimulate real, regional economic development.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors today accepted an application for assistance from One Niagara LLC for a proposed $6 million renovation of the Niagara Falls landmark on 360 Rainbow Blvd. The owners plan to create a mixed-use center focused on tourism, retail, food and beverage; office space; data services; and hospitality. In total, this would create 17 new jobs while retaining 38 jobs.

The NCIDA board also approved applications for assistance it received at the October board meeting from Olin Corporation, Gateway Harbor Inn, Frank's Vacuum Truck Services Inc., Mawhiney Trucking Inc. and Taylor Devices for projects that, combined, total $30 million in new investment and 74 new jobs, while retaining 328 current jobs.

Seneca Nation of Indians President Robert Odawi Porter wrote Wednesday to the Cuomo administration scolding it for what he described as not negotiating in good faith about gaming money withheld from the state and casino host communities. However, Porter also agreed to waive the negotiation process required under the state gaming compact and proposed an expedited arbitration process to quickly resolve the issue.

Porter noted that he wrote to Gov. Andrew Cuomo nearly nine months ago. In that letter, the president proposed an alternative so the Nation could pay directly to Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Salamanca and other casino host communities.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has set an early November project start for $400,000 of building renovations and technology upgrades at the Summit Healthplex in Wheatfield.

The new digital mammography suite will feature a state-of-the-art, full field digital system with a computer aided detection program, a dedicated workstation for image display and interpretation; and a digital picture archiving and communication system.

This digital technology will shorten a patient's exam time, lower the radiation dosage, enhance physicians' image interpretation capabilities and reduce the need for retesting.

The American Business Women's Association of Western New York will hold its monthly professional development seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Banchetti's Banquets and Catering, 550 N. French Road, Amherst.

The professional development speaker is Susan McCartney of the Small Business Development Center at Buffalo State College. She will focus her presentation on strategic planning for small businesses. The public is welcome to attend this seminar.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Cost for members is $25 before Nov. 6 and $30 after that date. Walk-ins are welcome; the cost is $30. Non-members are $20. A buffet dinner is included.

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a nationally recognized, authentic American road trip experience in New York and Pennsylvania. The not-for-profit Seaway Trail Inc. is reinforcing the message that the National Scenic Byway is good for the Western New York economy and local businesses with a new member incentive program.

The 518-mile Great Lakes Seaway Trail connects places such as Buffalo, Wilson, Lewiston and Niagara Falls with byway communities stretching along the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie.

Wednesday evening, the Grand Island Board of Education passed three separate resolutions related to the possible 2011 capital project affecting all five public school buildings.

The first resolution, whereby the district would initiate an environmental impact assesment, as required by state law, relative to the proposed capital project, passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote.

The second resolution, whereby the district would put Proposition No. 1, a capital improvement project in the amount of $46,822,155, to public vote on Dec. 20, passed with a vote of 5-1

The Niagara USA Chamber presents "Economic Vision: 2012 and Beyond: Creating a Vibrant Future." The event begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, at The Conference Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St. It is sponsored by National Grid.

The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce is committed to shaping the county's future. Its "Vision 2012" initiative imagines a county built on a vibrant and robust economy. Gary Keith, vice president and regional economist with M&T Bank, will serve as keynote speaker.

From one of the worst to one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods, the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors is conducting a press conference and walking tour of the Essex Street neighborhood on Buffalo's west side.

Members of Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope invite area residents to attend a public meeting Sunday, Oct. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, 311 First St.

According to NOAH organizers, the meeting will focus on three issues of interest to the Niagara County community: the extension of the millionaire's tax; local hiring on area projects; and a discussion on the issue of hazardous waste in the towns of Lewiston and Porter, presented by the Porter environmental group Residents for Responsible Government.

Every year at this time the Neighbors Foundation relies on donations from the community to fund the Holiday Assistance Fund.

Seneca Gaming Corporation has taken a progressive step to combat rising costs in health care and keep its employees healthy and happy.

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council today announced it will present its draft strategic plan to the public on Oct. 25 via an interactive session webcast live from the University at Buffalo. The council invites the public to participate in the webcast at locations in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara counties, as well at UB. Those who wish to watch live from home may do so by visiting http://nyworks.ny.gov/content/western-new-york.