For the first time ever, the Buffalo Niagara region is one of the top 20 U.S. destinations for overseas visitors.

This month, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Travel and Tourism Industries released its "Overseas Visitation Estimates for U.S. States, Cities, and Census Regions" report for 2011. The report estimates that the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metro statistical area received 335,000 visitors from outside the U.S., Canada and Mexico in 2011, making it the 20th ranked metro area in the U.S.

"We are pleased to receive confirmation that our worldwide sales efforts have paid off. From Niagara Falls State Park, to the historic Erie Canal and Old Fort Niagara, all of our attractions are impacted by this in-bound audience," said NTCC President and CEO John Percy.

Top county leaders have made fighting the effects of the weak national economy a top priority locally, with events scheduled for this week focusing on aiding small businesses.

State Sen. George D. Maziarz has announced that he will sponsor a free small business development seminar on Thursday, May 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Niagara County Community College.

Catholic Health and Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center in Lewiston have signed a collaborative services agreement that will create a stronger working relationship between the two organizations and enhance health care services for residents throughout Niagara County.

At the request of various taxing jurisdictions, including the Town of Somerset, the Barker School District and Niagara County, the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors has voted to accept an application for assistance from the bondholders of AES Somerset for a modification of a payment in lieu of taxes for the power plant.

Christopher Connelly has left Kinetic Kitchen and Bath to start a brand-new company - and he's partnered with his former business and marketing guru, Anne Daggett. The two have formed Buffalo Cabinetry of Western New York. BCI, and the duo's Bath Creations, will operate out of Payne's Carpet Outlet.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas is excited to announce that its Women's Expo & Boutique will return to the Tonawanda Castle, 69 Delaware St., City of Tonawanda, on Saturday, April 28. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon-cutting Thursday for new business Rellim Hair and Make-Up Design Studio.

With the national economy continuing to show multiple signs of weakness and a large number of Americans having left the job market entirely, county leaders are taking steps to help local job seekers find employment by hosting a job fair Wednesday.

Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS presented a special award from the National Association of REALTORS to 6 members for 40 years of service.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency board of directors today hosted its annual meeting to vote on its election of officers, reaffirmation of policies and guidelines, and selection of committee members. The agency also accepted applications for assistance for consideration from Modern Tec Manufacturing in the Town of Cambria, and SOPS LLC (Sun Orchard Fruit Company) in Burt.

Wheatfield Pediatrics, located at 2890 Niagara Falls Blvd., in Wheatfield, recently broke ground to mark the start of the construction of an additional 4,000-square-feet of space to its existing building.

With gas prices continuing to soar, Assemblyman John Ceretto today helped pass legislation to prevent price gouging at the pump. The legislation, Assembly bill 1970, prohibits gas stations from changing the price of a gallon of gasoline more than once in a 24-hour period.

"While the state Legislature has little control over the wholesale price of gas, we do have the ability to protect consumers from being illegally gouged at the pump," Ceretto said. "Gasoline is the lifeblood of our economy, and it is incumbent upon us as lawmakers to prevent retailers in the Empire State from unfairly hiking their prices on hard-working New Yorkers."

Rivershore Inc. received the second place silver award this week in Buffalo First's 2012 Best Places to Work list.

Calamar, Niagara County developer and general contractor, has announced the addition of Matty's to The Woodlands Corporate Center East.

Lipsitz & Ponterio has announced that the firm has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as a prominent leader in the representation of mesothelioma victims. With more than 50 years of combined legal experience in New York, Lipsitz & Ponterio represents victims of mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

Each firm contacted for Newsweek's "20 Leaders in Asbestos Law" is in good standing with well-known law associations or has been recognized for excellence by respective local media outlets.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a new training program for not-for-profit officials to help them prevent and detect fraud and protect taxpayer dollars.

"New York not-for-profits manage billions of dollars. They contract with the state and other local governments to provide crucial services to New York families," DiNapoli said. "This training course will strengthen their financial management practices and ability to detect and prevent fraud."

$40K NIMAC contribution funds efforts to protect 3,500 jobs at major regional employer

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.